


vhis:t:o,ry ; ■ - 


OF TNE 


13 ^h: REGIMENT; 


- vermioht; 


•yQfcUHTEERS : 


; 19ia- 



Ralph Orson Sturlevant 
Car mi LathrGp Marsh 




c^rh 




l-'IKSX CORPS BADGE 

First Division. Red; Second Division, \\'hite; Third Division, Blue. 



Second Vermont Brigade was in the First Corps, Third Division. The 
12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and i6th \'ermont Regiments constituted the Third Bri- 
gade in the Third Division. 



X^. '*«'. '•XX^. ■»f'rJ(X^.'»«',i»X.».i.'i i'. "X.Jn, '*(!'. "SA^.-^f*. ^5. 



PICTORIAL HISTORY 

Thirteenth Regiment 



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Vermont Volunteers 

WAR OF J86I-J865 



«sey*;t<!?SX^yt."'i-X>-^>*,''.XJfWVt.''.X')<'w>t,''.X>r^>fc'!?« 



RALPH ORSON STURTEVANT, Historian 



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\Jy 



Dedicated to the sacred memory of the brave boys that vokmteered and 
served in the Thirteenth Vermont Regiment for the preservation of the Union 
and tlie hfe of the Republic in the war of 1861-1865. 



PREFACE 



CHE principal reasons that induced and actuated the Thirteenth Vermont 
Regimental Association to have written and published a history of the 
Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers in the Civil War were to 
place on perpetual record the names and some of the deeds of the brave boys 
that volunteered at Country's call in defense of the right, the preservation of the 
Union and the life of the Republic. 

The author deems it proper to say in view of the brief term of service of 
this regiment that quite likely a smaller book would have been in better taste, 
and large enough for all proper mention of the part taken by the 13th Regiment 
\'t. Vols, during its career as a regiment in the Civil War, had it not been de- 
sirable to make the book a pictorial issue with genealogical and biographical 
mention, personal reminiscences, a history of each company, numerous engrav- 
ings, an account of the annual reunions of the regimental association and dedica- 
tion of monuments at Gettysburg, Northfield and Colchester. Because of this 
plan the historian found it impossible to issue the book so it would correspond 
in size to the modest claims of this regiment for the part taken in the preserva- 
tion of the Union. 

This history is only a part of the events and daily occurrences while in camp, 
hospital, on the picket line, the weary march, and on the battlefield of Gettysburg. 

For forty-five years the survivors have anxiously waited for some familiar 
pen to reproduce and place on record the story and experiences of those who 
volunteered into this regiment. Yes. when all that served in this regiment have 
joined the silent majority, then the sacrifices they made, the hardships and 
dangers they endured, the courage and fortitude they manifested, the heroic 
conduct they evinced and displayed, shall forever remain a just tribute and 
deserving remembrance to their unselfish and patriotic devotion to home and 
country. Not only the names and deeds herein mentioned but the forms and 
faces so familiar in the old days when we wore the blue, and since the war will be 
found indelibly printed in this book of history. The old camp scenes, landscapes, 
springs, brooks and streams, once familiar, long since forgotten, will be repro- 
duced in such vivid likeness and accuracy as to awaken afresh the memories of 
the strenuous days when following the stars and stripes for the defense of the 
right and preservation of the Union. Seven hundred pictures engraved by the 
most skilful artists of the very best workmanship will appear interspersed 
through the book regardless of cost, and etifort to procure them. Sketches, 
biographical and narrative, also quite extended company histories are made 
prominent i:i the book. An elaborate roster will appear, furnishing valuable 
information concerning those who served in the Regiment. Also a sketch of our 
Regimental Association rmd c|uite a number of engravings of large size with the 



6 Tlw 'riiirtrciitli h'cf/nncnt l'cr]nont I'oliiutccrs. 

names of all tiiat appear in the gruii]) pictures. The dedicatory ceremonies of 
the monuments to Col. PVancis V. Randall, Lieut. Col. William D. Munson and 
the Regimental Monument on the battlefield of Gettysburg will be herein 
published. Much indeed will a])pear of interest that need not be mentioned in 
this preface. We re.ijret that much of the material furnished is necessarilv 
abridged to a\i)id making the book too largt'. 

Your Historian has realized from the (irst. the lal)or and responsiiiility 
involved in preparation of a history that would tully tell the whole truth of the 
creditable and distinguished part taken by this regiment during their term of 
service. There are others among the survivors that could have done far better. 
But because selected and at the earnest request of some enthusiastic comrades 
your historian was induced to accept the flattering compliment of writing a 
regimental histor}'. Impossible for any to regret more sincerely than myself 
the long delay of publication. Excuses, ever so meritorious avail but little and 
therefore idle to make them. The task was greater than any surmised, and the 
labor attending has been quite difficult and much more time has been required 
than anticipated. All have been more than anxious for the distribution of this 
historical work, because when we reflect that forty-five years ago, 1862-3, we 
were following the stars and stripes, and the lapse of three score years 
and ten has been reached by many of us. and we realize how short the 
span and brittle the thread of life that nmv separates us from eternity 
and are apprehensive we may be deprived nf the privilege of seeing and 
reading the creditable [lart taken while serving our country. The aim and 
desire has been to erect l)y the publication of this book a monimient to the 
memory of the valiant heroes that in early manhood laid aside their cherished 
hopes of success and honor, in civil life, and as true patriots volunteered to fight 
in defence of lil>ert\- and the L'nion of States. The story herein told of the 
conduct of this regiment at Gett^'sburg in the final charge into the valley of 
Plum Run against General George E. Pickett's charging columns, must forever 
remain glorious historv and unique conduct in battle, a priceless legacy of valor 
and victory, as brilliant and ini|)ortaiit in its consequences as any chronicled on 
the page of histor). It was given to no single regiment during the civil war to 
render such distinguished services and accomplish as much as Colonel Randall's 
Green Mountain Boys at Gettysburg. What the Thirteenth ^^ermont Regiment 
did will ever be glorious and familiar history of state and nation. .\nd as long 
as civilization shall last will the heroic charge of the Second \'ermont Brigade 
stand as the most important and far reaching in its results of any during the 
Civil War. The Thirteenth Regiment by its deeds fully justified the erection of 
a monument on the battlefield of Gettysburg as a just tribute to heroic valor and 
sublime fortitude in defence of equal rights and the perpetuation of the Union. 
The author fully realizes that much has been said in this book of praise, but in 
no sense to make invidious comparisons with other regiments from \*ermont or 
other states. The true history of the Thirteenth Regiment though it took part 
in only one great battle (Gettysburg), won sufficient glory in a single hour in its 
charge against General Pickett's flank to justify all that has been said by your 
historian. There was plenty of glory on that bloody field, and those who saw 
the closing scenes, (the officers of both armies) say that General George J- 



The Tliirtccnth Regiment ]'eymont I'oluntecrs. 7 

Stannard's Second \'erniont Brigade in its charge on General Pickett's right 
flank secured final victory at Gettysburg, and turned the tide of battles for the 
Union. The Thirteenth Vermont Regiment was on the right of General 
Stannard's Brigade and first on General Pickett's right flank, and hence won its 
full share of glory in the most important and the turning battle of the Civil War. 
The author is pleased to announce that the history of the Thirteenth 
Regiment \'ermont \'olunteers is written, and hopes when examined will meet 
approval and expectations. Many unexpected questions have arisen interrupt- 
ing progress and delaying publication at the dates promised. It was the judg- 
ment of the Committee that the pictorial feature of our book be made as complete 
as possible and therefore a large number of pictures have been added to the list 
since the annual session at Waitsfield in June, 1907. Companies B, C, H and I 
are quite complete, especially B and I. Impossible to procure a complete list of 
all that served but the number .secured is much larger than at first thought 
possible. This feature is the most valuable and attractive. The engravings are 
artistic and reproduce the comrades (the living and the dead) perfect in form 
and feature. In some cases old photos, and tintypes dim and scratched could 
not be retouched by the engravers so as to give a good picture ; no one to blame, 
and the few imperfect prints herein are thus accounted for. The pictorial part 
of our book of history will not fade or grow dim and will be as lasting as ink 
and paper. It is a source of satisfaction and pride that, when (in the distant 
future) as these pages are turned will be seen the gallant heroes of the Green 
Mountain State that won world-wide renown and immortal glory on the battle- 
field of Getty.sburg. Proper tribute and loving memory is made of the slain and 
mortally wounded in battle, and those who died of disease contracted in the 
service, during and since the war. The survivors, too, have received their just 
and due meed of praise. The author does not forget the valuable assistance 
rendered him in the preparation of this book of history, nor the kind admoni- 
tions, words of cheer and encouragement, the loyal support, financial and other- 
wise, and for all of which, tenders his sincere thanks. The author would not 
omit to mention the valuable assistance generously given by the son of Lieut. 
Bancroft, of Co. I., Charles DeF. Bancroft, of Montpelier, for his diligent search 
and successful eflr'orts in securing a large number of pictures of those who served 
in Companies B, C, H and I, also for valuable work on the rosters of these 
companies. His interest and zeal and adaptation have contributed much to the 
pictorial value of our history and will I know be appreciated by all. The for- 
bearance and patient waiting of my comrades has been a solace in the weary 
hours of labor and discouragement in the endeavor to discharge the difficult and 
responsible task so generously committed to my charge. Your historian hopes 
and expects that when you shall have seen and read this book of history you will 
accord him the tribute of faithful endeavor to perpetuate the true story of the 
part taken by our regiment in the Civil War. And if my humble efforts have in 
a slight degree satisfied your expectations and contributed a little of the honorable 
service rendered to our country, then may I well felicitate myself and my com- 
rades in the laudable enterprise of publishing a history of the Thirteenth 
Regiment Vermont Volunteers in the War of 1861-1865. 



BATTLE-HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC 



Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord : 
He is tramping out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored; 
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of his terrible swift sword: 
His truth is marching on. 

I have seen him in the watch-tires of a hundred circling camps; 
They have builded him an altar in the evening dews and damps; 
I can read his righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps; 
His day is marching on. 

1 have read a fiery gospel, writ in burnished rows of steel: 
"As ye deal with my contemners, so with you my grace shall deal; 
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with his heel. 
Since God is marching on." 

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; 
He is sifting out the hearts of men before his judgment-seat; 
O, be swift, my soul, to answer him I be jubilant, my feet! 
Our God is marching on. 

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, 
With a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me; 
As he died to make men holy, let us die to make men free, 
While God is marching on. 

Jui.iA Ward Howe. 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



CHE pictures furnished from which engravings were to be made to print 
the lialf tones for our book were generally good, especially those of 
recent date. Many of the old war-time ambrotypes, tintypes and photo- 
graphs were in bad condition, bent, wrinkled, scratched, faded and otherwise 
injured, making it impossible to secure good results. Only a few were discarded 
as useless by the engravers which was a disappointment and regret. Others had 
to be retouched at considerable expense in order to produce fairly good half- 
tone pictures. The utmost attention was given that the half-tone pictures should 
be first-class, considering this feature of the work very important. The engrav- 
ings were considerably larger than at first intended and therefore much better, 
tliough more expensive. Pictures of comrades, camps and battlefields, inter- 
spersed in connection with important events mentioned and in which the comrades 
took part in the sanguinary struggle for humanity and the preservation of home 
and Country, are of the most valuable modes of illustrating and perpetuating 
military history. The utmost care therefore actuated the committee in making 
the contract for the engravings, with an experienced and reputable firm regard- 
less of cost. The Albany Engraving Company of Albany, N. Y., were given 
the contract. The number of pictures large and small that will appear in this 
book is 700. The size of the portrait pictures is 3^0 >^ 2V1; inches and the larger 
ones are mostly 8 x 5V2 inches. 

The larger pictures take a single page and of the portraits four will 
generally appear on a page. The portraits are square, oval and half round 
finish, so made to give variety and because condition of original pictures, in 
some cases, requiring it to obtain better half-tone prints. War-time pictures 
of old camps, only a few could be found and these appear. 

I am quite sure none were taken of Camp Vermont when the regiment was 
there, nor of our Camp at Fairfax Court House. Some of recent date have 
been secured by Comrade Marsh of the Committee at considerable expense, of 
the several camps as they now appear and will be printed in the book more 
because of sentiment and historical reference than because anything about them to 
remind one of the old camps occupied forty-five years ago. Time has made 
such great changes that it is difficult to even locate the old camp grounds. 




ABRAHAM LINCOLN THIi SIXTEKNTll PKKSIDKXT 
UNITED STATES, 1861-1865. 
AS HE LOOKED IN 1 8^)2. 



IVcir President of the United States, iS6i-i86=, ii 

HBRAHAM LINCOLN was a self-made man, born in obscurity, reared in 
poverty, and unaided, forged his way from a log hut in the wilderness 
of Kentucky, onward and upward, until he attained the Presidency of 
the great American Republic. He was inaugurated March 4th, 1861, assassinated 
April 14th, 1865. only a few days subsequent to the surrender of the Confederate 
Armies and declaration of peace. He was twice elected President of the United 
States of America, and successfully sailed the Ship of State through the 
tempestuous seas of secession and rebellion, and with patriotic courage and 
devotion, and masterful ability overcame and subdued the most gigantic inter- 
necine war of history. He was a man of the people, the conspicuous commoner 
of his generation magnanimous, honest, and born with a heart that ever pulsated 
with sorrow for the unfortunate, and distressed. His lofty ambition culminated 
in the immortal proclamation of the Emancipation of American Slavery. No 
man ever accomplished so much for the immortal principles of humanity and 
ju.stice. He still lives in the hearts of all that hate bondage and love liberty, 
and will until the end of time. His sublime conviction of right and wrong, his 
noble aspirations, his mighty grasp of the great problems that agitated the public 
conscience and the affairs of government, and threatened to assail and dissolve 
the union pre-eminently qualified President Lincoln for the herculean and super- 
hiunan task of saving the Union. This great man of the Republic from early 
manhood had given his brilliant mind to the careful study of the questions so 
forcibly expressed in the Constitution that bound us together, that made him 
above all men of his day the safe commander of the Ship of State. His brilliant 
career, and what he did, unquestionably gives him a place second to none of the 
great and distinguished Presidents of the United States of America. 

He zealously sought to be right and just and had the courage of his convic- 
tions. His life and character has ever been, and will continue to be the inspira- 
tion for the youth of this land to emulate and magnify. 

Such men leave behind them a legacy of inestimable and imperishable value. 
The goal of his sublime ambition was equality and justice. These immortal 
attributes prompted and controlled his public and private life. This great 
leader of the Republican Party as President of the United States so directed the 
affairs of government in the early days of his administration, when assailed by 
treason and almost overcome by disaster and discouragement, as to save and 
preserve the Union. His conduct of the war fully justifies the statement that 
he was the foremost man of his day and generation. He was truly called for the 
great work he accomplished. His solicitude and great anxiety during the Gettys- 
burg Campaign, his wrestling with the God of battles for victory, demonstrated 
his sublime faith in an overruling Providence. He was a Christian Hero and 
believed in the efficacy of prayer. His glorious memory, his deeds, will be 
cherished by all true patriots for ever and ever. He had accomplished his divine 
mission. His work was finished and he was prepared for the great and awful 
sacrifice on the altar of his country. Not one of all the good and distinguished 
men of this mighty and magnificient Republic has left behind a more inspiring 
and elevating influence upon the world than Abraham Lincoln. His greatness 
is measured by the needs of the whole human family to hasten the day of the 
brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God. 




KRASTfS i"aiki;anks. war (•.(>\t:k.\"or 
OF \i:KM(i\r. iS6t. 



ll'ar Go:-cniors of I'crinont. iS6i. 13 



eKASTUS FAIRBANKS, of St. Johnsbury, was the first war Governor of 
\'ermont, and was elected in September, i860, and held office for one 
year. He had served the State as Governor previously for one year, 
being elected in September, 1852. His second administration was attended with 
the most important questions that had occurred since Vermont's admission into 
the Union. 

The announcement of secession and adoption of ordinances of state 
sovereignty was a realization that Governor Fairbanks did not expect, and was 
very slow to believe though treasonable would culminate in war. Therefore, 
when the first hostile shell that was sent hissing and screeching over the blue 
waters of Charleston Harbor in the early gray of morning against Fort Sumter, 
April 12, 1861, Vermont was not prepared to respond as promptly to President 
Lincoln's first call for troops as other states. However this overt and wicked 
act dispelled every doubt and aroused the Governor to immediate action that 
Vermont ni'ght be ready to respond when called upon. Governor Fairbanks 
was a fine Christian gentleman and of the old type of highly honorable citizens 
and as firm and steadfast in his convictions of right and wrong as the green hills 
among which he lived. 

The people of ^'ermont as with a single voice rose to the importance and 
necessity of strenuous action, party lines found no place among the people, only 
one thought animated all. namely, suppress the rebellion and punish the traitors. 
Governor Fairbanks now issued a proclamation calling a special session of the 
Legislature which was the first of any governor convening its Legislature to 
prepare for war. And from this time until the close of his term of office, none 
more assiduously applied honest effort and devotion that his state might be 
ready to respond to each and every call promptly, and to the uttermost discharged 
every duty in order that the dark and wicked scheme of treason might be des- 
troyed, the L^nion preserved and the reputation of the Green Mountain State 
sustained. He entertained the hope that the call of President Lincoln for 
75,000 troops would be sufficient to restore peace and order. So sanguine was 
his conviction that war would be ended in 90 days, that he disbanded a company 
recruited by W. D. Munson of Colchester for artillery service, thinking it un- 
necessary to be at the expense to purchase cannon and otherwise equip for the 
field. It is proper to here state that Governor Fairbanks both in and out of 
office put forth his great influence financially and otherwise in prosecution 
of the war until the enemy was subdued and peace declared. While he was not 
the most able of Vermont's distinguished Governors, yet he was second to none 
in philanthropy as evidenced by his many generous bequests. His administra- 
tion was creditable, patriotic and satisfactory. He stood high in the estimation 
of all Vermonters, and maintained this reputation to the end of life. 




I'KKDKKICK UOLHROOK, SIvCOND WAR GOVERXOR 
OF VURMONT, 1861-1863. 



JVar Governors of Vermont, 1861. 15 



fREDERICK HOLBROOK was elected Governor of Vermont in Septem- 
ber, 1861, re-elected in September, 1862, serving two terms. The 
Second Vermont Brigade was composed of the 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 
i6th \^ermont Regiments, and recruited under the administration of Governor 
Holbrook. 

The urgent call made by President Lincoln on Governor Holbrook for 
Vermont's quota under this particular call was so promptly complied with as to- 
assure the President that \'ermont's war Governor was fully alive to the mighty 
struggle for National existence and the great responsibilities resting on him as 
Governor of Vermont. The war had been in progress only a few months at the- 
date when Governor Holbrook first assumed office, October 10, 1861. First Bull 
Run, July 21, 1861 was the only great battle that had been fought, and this a 
humiliating defeat and in fact the mighty contest had just begun, and Governor 
Holbrook in common with the other war Governors of the New England States 
comprehended the magnitude of the fearful struggle that must ensue in order to- 
preserve the Union and sustain the integrity of the administration of President 
Lincoln and therefore as a true patriot he addressed himself with great energy- 
to the single and most important question, the preparation for the preservation 
of the Union and defense of Country. He was the trusted adviser of President 
Lincoln during the darkest days of the Rebellion from October, 1861, to October, 
1863. It is claimed that more volunteers went to the front from Vermont under 
his administration and more commissions were signed by him than both of the 
other war Governors of our state. He was Governor when the 12th, 13th, 14th, 
15th and 1 6th regiments were recruited and sent to the front, and the boys of 
the 13th regiment who rendezvoused at his home town, Brattleboro, Vermont, 
on their way to Washington were encouraged by his cheering words of advise 
and the glad and hearty welcome given on our way to Washington, and on our 
return to be mustered out. His words of praise for the distinguished service 
rendered on the great battlefield of Gettysburg, was an eloquent compliment, for 
he said "you have accomplished wonders and the Second Vermont Brigade is 
given the credit of the defeat of General Pickett in the sanguinary struggle at 
Gettysburg, and final victory in General Lee's last great effort on that momentous 
battlefield. He fully realized that these regiments though young in years and" 
inexperienced in battle accomplished more in a single hour at the close of the 
three days of fearful struggle when they met the flower of General Lee's great 
army led by his especially chosen officer. General Pickejit, than some brigades 
during their term of service. 

Governor Holbrook during his two terms of office fully met every respons- 
ibility and discharged every duty to state and nation in such a manner as to- 
secure deserving credit to himself and honor to the state he served. This grand 
old man still lives in Brattleboro, Vermont, and is the oldest of the surviving- 
War Governors of that most eventful period of our National existence, the Civil 
\\'ar. 




JOHN GREGORY SMITH, WAR GOVERNOR 
OF VERMONT, 1863-1865. 



IVar Governors of Vermont i86j-i86j. 17 



JOHN GREGORY SMITH, of St. Albans. \'ermont, was elected Governor 
in September, 1863, and re-elected in September, 1864, serving two terms. 
He was representative from St. Albans in the Legislature convened in 
annual session, October, i860. He was at this time a rising, and one of the 
leading lawyers of the State, and also trustee of the Vermont and Canada R. R. 
His ability, suavity, commanding presence and business relations secured to him 
at once a prominent position in the political and business affairs of the state. He 
was an influential member of the Legislature assembled in annual session, 
October, i860, and took an active and conspicuous part in the deliberations of 
the extra session called by Governor Fairbanks only a few days after the assault 
on Fort Sumter to consider measures pertaining to the then pending conflict 
Ijetween some of the Southern states and the general government. Mr. Smit'h, 
of St. Albans was speaker of the House for the annual sessions of 1861 and 
1862 in which capacity he displayed that wonderful executive ability that made 
him a successful man in the management of great business enterprises, especially 
railroad developments in Vermont and the great west. From the commence- 
ment of the Civil \\'ar to its close, he with patriotic devotion gave his ability 
and untiring energy to the prosecution of the vi'ar in order that the wicked 
rebellion might be subdued and the L^nion preserved. His commanding position 
in the political, social and business affairs of the State frequently called him into 
the councils of the nation during the progress of the war. President Lincoln 
often consulted his war governor, John Gregory Smith of Vermont and entrusted 
to him the mighty problems that burdened his heart for his opinion. Governor 
Smith was a frequent visitor in Washington and at the White House. He 
visited the hospitals, the camps, especially where the boys from \'ermont were to 
be found, ever on the alert to see what could be done to improve conditions, to 
encourage and cheer Vermonters that were in the service. 

Governor Smith was very proud of the valiant service and unparalleled 
record made by the sons of Vermont on the man}' battlefields in which they took 
part. He appreciated their unselfish devotion to their country, and never forgot 
to recognize and reward, so far as possible, all who volunteered from the State 
of Vermont. The uniform was a pass on his railroads to the soldier on his way 
to the front or returning home from the dreaded hospital, or wounded from the 
field of battle. He was one of the noble men of our state that did much to buoy 
up the hopes of President Lincoln during the last two years of the war. Nearly 
all of the military organizations from Vermont had companies or parts of com- 
panies from St. Albans, the home town of Governor Smith, and the long list of 
boys from St. Albans who received commissions was a flattering compliment to 
their valor, and appreciation of their services by the Governor. The writer was 
personally acquainted with Governor Smith from the time he was Governor to 
the end of his remarkable career and knows whereof he speaks. Of his many 
virtues and noble characteristics, I have mentioned only a few. It is proper to 
say that Governor John Gregory Smith was one of the great men of Vermont 
and the peer of any in his day and generation. 




DREVKT MAlOR-r.EXERAL GEORGK JERRISdX STANXARD 



Tlic Thirteenth Rajimcnt rcniioiit 1 'oliintecrs. 19 



6FX)RGE JERRISON STANNARD was born in the town of Georgia. 
X'ennont, October 20, 1820. Educated in the common schools and at 
Bakersfield and (ieorgia Academies. As a boy worked on his father's 
farm summers and attended school winters. Also taught district schools and 
acquired quite a reputation as such. In early manhood a martial spirit developed 
and he joined the military organizations of his day becoming quite noted and was 
at the commencement of the Civil War, Colonel of a regiment of the State militia. 
\\'hen the news of firing on Fort Sumter reached St. Albans, \'ermont, where 
he then lived and was engaged in business, he at once tendered his services to 
Governor Fairbanks, anxious to take part in the suppression of the pending 
rebellion, and it is said was the first man in Vermont to volunteer. He was 
commissioned Lieut. Colonel of the first three years regiment from the State, 
the Second ^'ermont \'olunteers; was commissioned on June 6, 1861, and was 
present with his regiment in the sanguinary battle of First Bull Run, July 21, 
1861 ; was promoted and commissioned as Colonel of the Ninth Regiment Ver- 
mont Volunteers, May 1862; was commissioned in March 1863 as brigadier 
general of volunteers and assigned to the command of the Second Vermont 
Brigade composed of the 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and i6th regiments. 

It was while in command of the Second Vermont Brigade he won his greatest 
honor, though his career from first Bull Run to Fort Harrison was brilliant and 
highly creditable. He was endowed with the same indomitable courage and 
intuitive knowledge of right and justice that was born and bred in the hero of 
Ticonderoga. Ethan Allen. History gives General Stannard the credit of 
originating the manoeuvre against General George E. Pickett's right flank that 
secured victory at the greatest and most important battle (Gettysburg) in the 
Civil War. His fame as a military genius and intrepid leader extended beyond 
the boundaries of his native land. His name will ever be associated with victory 
at Gettysburg. He was the most distinguished officer in the volunteer service 
from Vermont. His native .state, Vermont, was ever proud of his achievements 
and as a tribute to his valor and soldierly career, by its Legislature made an 
appropriation for the purchase of the spot where born and the erection of a 
monument to his memory. He led the advance with the Tenth and Eightenth 
Corps against the defences of Richmond and captured Fort Harrison, and his 
gallant conduct was recognized by being commissioned a Brevet Major General 
of Volunteers. It was at Fort Harrison while resisting an assault by Generals 
Hoke and Field to recapture, he lost his right arm, but continued in the service 
until February, 1866. General Stannard's military career was quite remarkable 
and very successful. His merits as an honorable and upright citizen was recog- 
nized after the war by civil positions of honor and trust. He was modest, 
unassuming and generous, and never forgot the common soldier that served in 
his commands. Titles and honors did not change his manly qualities or lead him 
to forget his friends and acquaintances of youth and early manhood. He was a 
true patriot, a splendid soldier and honest man. Editor. 




ciii.iim;i. iKwris voltairE Raxdai.l. 
1862. 



The Thirteenth Regiment Vermont J'olunteers. 



?RANCIS \'OLTAIRE, the fourth child of the twelve children of Gurdon 
and Laura Scott Randall, was born in Braintree, Orange Countj', Vt., 
on the 13th day of February, 1824. He died on March i, 1885, at 
Northfield, Vt. 

His education was such as the common schools and academies of that early 
period aflforded. It was sufficient, however, to enable him to teach school in 
the winter, when quite young, a habit both helpful and entertaining. Summers 
he either worked on a farm, or with his father who was a carpenter and builder 
by trade. 

But young Randall was not designed for either or any of these occupations 
as a business for life; and chose rather to enter upon the study of law, which 
he did in the office of Heman Carpenter, Esq., a practitioner of eminence at 
the time. 

Admitted to the bar he soon found himself engaged in a lucrative and 
agreeable practice at the Washington County liar. 

Of a naturally hopeful disposition and buoyant spirit, lie made friends 
everywhere, having a cordial greeting for everybody whom he chanced to meet. 
Being a democrat of the old school in those early days, as was his father before 
him, and living in a town where old fashioned democracy was popular, 
it was but natural that this young lawyer of force and purpose should find his 
way to a share in political preferment. Prominent among these were state's 
attorney, member of the legislature, and in the administration of Franklin 
Pierce, postmaster. 

The independent quality of his tliought and action was made the more 
manifest when at the call of his country for men to put down incipient rebellion, 
Mr. Randall, notwithstanding his party affiliations, made prompt answer and 
offered himself for the service. 

The 2d Vermont Regiment was mustering at Burlington where he reported 
for duty, and entering Company F, was chosen to be its captain. 

The regiment had its first sanguinary baptism at Bull Run : it was indeed a 
baptism of blood, but Capt. Randall came out of it with some new light on real 
warfare and a settled purpose to see fmther service. Indeed, military life 
seems to have become a fascination with him, and when the 13th \'ermont was 
organized he was selected to take the command. 

His earlier e.xperience with the 2d \"ermont now stood him in good stead; 
for the battle of Bull Run, though rated as a defeat for the Union arms, was 
in fact a real success; for the reason that though victory seemed to be with the 
enemy, the fight had shown to both officers and men that the success of an army 
depends not only on courage and high purpose, but strict discipline and care- 
ful drill. On that di.sastrous field, and in the face of an enemy who had been 
for a long time trained for real service, there was born to the Union army a 
new thought, and to the people of the North as well. Some of us still remem- 
ber how glibly it was predicted that 75,000 men would suppress the rebellion; 
we recall, too, with what mortification the morning after the battle we read of 
the inglorious result. 




LIEUT. COL. -VNDRKW C. BROW.N'. 



1863. 



The Tlurtccntb Regiment Vermont Volunteers. 23 

But that lesson was just what was needed on the north side of Mason & 
Dixon's line. To the country and the great cause really before it the experience 
of defeat at the very threshold of the struggle was not defeat, but victory. 

The loyal people of the Union had now begun to realize the magnitude and 
determination of the rebellion that confronted the government. Secession was 
no bluff; its defeat would be no child's play. But there was no faltering. Men 
were called for again and again and again ; the army was organized, troops 
were drilled, and ecjuipment provided as rapidly as possible. 

It is a matter of civic pride with Vermonters that she stood foremost in 
prompt and complete response to every call. 

In due course the 13th Vermont was recruited and organized, and as before 
stated Colonel Randall took command. 

It does not perhaps become this paper to speak more than in general terms 
of the wisdom of the choice. Better that the men who served under him should 
testify of his soldierly qualities, both in camp and in battle. That he won, 
and never lost, the fullest confidence of the regiment has been told and retold 
by those who knew him under the trying ordeal of actual warfare ; and as a 
lasting tribute to his memory his comrades in arms have erected a monument 
over his grave, speaking forth to all who shall look upon it, the loyal devotion 
and affectionate regard in which Colonel Randall was held by them. 

At Gettysburg the 13th Vermont had its opportunity. Other regiments in 
the old Vermont Brigade wrought valiantly, but none, at that critical moment 
when the fate of the Confederacy was sealed, eclipsed the heroism of the 13th; 
but there was glory enough on that July day for all who took part in that 
decisive battle. In all future time Gettysburg would stand conspicuous in the 
annals of the world's great battles. 

But armed resistance to lawful authority was not yet wholly overcome, 
for as the event proved, there was yet to be nearly two years more of dreadful 
strife before the work so heroically set forward on that bloody field would be 
finished. In that time progress was making toward the ultimate overthrow 
of organized rebellion. General Grant had now been placed in command of 
the entire military force of the nation, and early in 1864 took immediate over- 
sight of the army under General Mead in what was locally called the Wilder- 
ness; from which circumstances the battles fought there have been known in 
history as the Battles of the Wilderness. 

In preparation for this campaign fresh troops had been ordered out, and 
to hasten this forward Colonel Randall had been called home to recruit the 
17th Vermont. 

So great, however, was the urgency for more men at the front, that raw 
recruits were pushed forward in squads to be absorbed into depleted commands, 
and in their turn slain so rapidly that when the full number of the regiment had 
been enrolled, if memory serves well, the Colonel's commission was issued by 
special order. He then joined the regiment at the front, remaining with it and 
sharing its fortunes before Petersburg, at its capture, the fall of Richmond, 
and so on to Lee's surrender, on April 9th, 1865, at Appomattox. 

Thus the active military career of Colonel Randall came to an end. The 
great army, on being mustered out, returned to peaceful avocations — the 




LIliUTEN'AXT COLoXKL ANDRKW C. IJKuW.N. 
1907. 



Tlw 'J'hirtccnth Rcijiiiicut I'cniiont I'olimtcers. 25 

Colonel with the rest. The remainder of his life was spent in the jiractice of 
law, in farming, and miscellaneous pursuits, but always with intelligent pur- 
pose and useful results. He at length settled in Xorthtield, and for a period 
acted as president of Norwich University, which had recently been established 
there. Never losing his interest in the old comrades in arms, he frequently 
made tours among them, lecturing before their local organizations, as occasion 
might be; and there was nothing he enjoyed more than to meet with them, re- 
counting the many interesting incidents of camp life and battlefield. At last, 
however, the strain had been too great ; the strong man had become weakened. 
Absent from his home on one of his tours, he was smitten by disease, and 
hastened back to his family, where after a few days, the end came. On a 
winter's day, with suitable military honors and religious service, his body was 
borne to its last resting place among the hills that had been so long familiar 
to his eye and so dear to his heart. 

Colonel Randall had been twice married. By his first wife he had two 
sons, Charles W. and Francis V., Jr., both well known to the old soldiers, 
and a daughter who died quite young. By the second, three sons, Phil. 
Sheridan, Gurdon Colby, and Luther Volney. "Charley" was a lieutenant in 
Companies G and C, 13th and 17th Vermont Regiments. Seriously diseased in 
the service, his health was so impaired that on his return to his native state, and 
after a brief career in business, he was obliged to succumb, and passed on to 
his reward. 

Francis V., Jr., familiarly known as "Jim" or "Jimmy", having followed 
his father to the front — without invitation — was enlisted as a drummer, and 
was one of the very young lads — if not the youngest of them all — who were 
in the service. He will be remembered by the veterans as a somewhat remark- 
able boy. 

Rev. Edw.\rd Herbert R.-\ndali<. 




LUX'T. COL. WILLIAM UAV MLNsiiN. 



1863. 



The ThirtccntJi Rcijuncnt Tiniionf I'oliiiitccrs. 27 



eOLOXEL RANDALL^S Green Mountain Boys of The Thirteenth Ver- 
mont Regiment in the War of 1861-1865, volunteered from the Counties 
of Cliittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille and Washington, in August 
and September, 1862. They were bold and sturdy sons of patriotic horny 
handed fathers and mothers and intensely loyal to State and Country. From 
childhood they had listened morning and evening to earnest and eloquent appeals 
to be divinely led in the path of right and duty. Their love of home and its 
associations were so strong and holy, they would freely sacrifice even life in 
defence of honor and right. There was no place so dear to them as where born 
and reared. They were pure in thought, honest and lofty in purpose, generous 
and kind, anxious to fulfil to the uttermost every honorable duty regardless of 
consec[uences. They had been brought up in the fear of God and practice of 
the golden rule. Sainted mothers had told of the landing of Liberty, immortal 
Liberty, at Plymouth Rock, and all it cost to secure and maintain it. Yes they 
were quite familiar with all that had occurred from the discovery of the New 
World by Christopher Columbus to the firing of the first hostile gun at Fort 
Sumter, and therefore all that was noble and sublime in their manhood was 
stirred with patriotic solicitation for the life and preservation of the Union. 
The Stars and Stripes, that glorious emblem of freedoin and union, had been 
tattered by shot and shell by a wicked and designing foe on many a gory field, 
and now these valiant sons of the Old Green Mountain State were ready to lay 
aside the pursuits of peace and happiness and go forth in mortal combat in the 
defence of home, freedom, honor and the preservation of the Union. These 
stalwart boys were of the first families of Vermont, free born and well bred, 
upright and in every way honorable, full of life and fun and all fresh from the 
plow, shops, stores, schools, pulpit and bar, and without experience on the field 
of battle; and yet courageously stepped to the front in response to Abraham 
Lincoln's urgent call for 300,000 nine months' men. This regiment and four 
others from Vermont werfe recruited under President Lincoln's call dated August 
4, 1862, urging the loyal states to hasten troops forward to Washington for 
there was imminent danger of the capture of the Capital City of the Nation. 

The great and important battles thus far fought by the Army of the Potomac 
were signal failures, and President Lincoln was disappointed, almost overcome 
with grief and sorrow ; his mighty and valorous army of the Potomac had been 
vanquished on many sanguinary fields and many thousands had been killed and 
wounded, and thousands more died of disease. Fort Sumter's walls had been 
leveled to the sea ; and its buildings fired by shot and shell. Harpers Ferry with 
its millions of munitions of war had been abandoned and burned without an 
effort to defend or protect. The two great battles of Bull Run had been fought 
on the gory plains of Manassas, and the federal armies under the command of 
General Irwin McDowell and General John Pope had been defeated with fearful 
loss of life and property, utterly dismayed, routed on the field of battle and driven 
in confusion back within the defences of Washington. 

General George B. McClellan's campaign to capture Richmond by way of 
Yorktown and the Peninsula gave promise of success, and animated the heart of 
President Lincoln and strengthened his confidence that the Confederate Capital 




LIEUT. COL. WILLIAM DAY Ml'NSUX. 
1900. 



The Thirteenth Reijiiiieiit I'enuont J 'olinifeers. 2y 

wimkl lie captured, the enemy defeated and dispersed and armed rebellion over- 
thriiwn and peace restored. But this attempt to capture Richmond was an awful 
failure and a great calamity to the nation, a humiliating and grievous disappoint- 
ment to the President, his cabinet, the officers, and rank and file of this magnificent 
army, and the patriotic people of the loyal states. The war of the Rebellion had 
been waged for more than a year, a million volunteers had been mustered into the 
army and navy, numerous battles had been fought on land and sea, mighty efforts 
had been put forth, great armies equipped, drilled and mobilized and ready for 
aggressive operations that treason might be subdued, and peace declared. 
General AlcClellan in his campaign "of on to Richmond" had an army of more 
than one humircd thousand strong, and well prepared for offensive warfare. It 
was a grand and might}' army, intelligent and patriotic, and no general ever had 
such a soldiery, so devoted and with implicit confidence in their leader, never 
doubting success and impatiently waited to be led on to Richmond. This army 
was believed to be well nigh invincible and with General AlcClellan in command 
the administration and the loyal people confidently looked forward to the capture 
of Richmond, submission to civil authority, and the restoration of peace. 
General ]\IcClellan was an educated soldier, and had fought in the Mexican 
War and was one of the first commissioned major-generals after the fall of Fort 
Sumter, and in his first command, the campaign of Western \'irginia, dis- 
tinguished himself with great ability, commanding the respect of President 
Lincoln, and General Scott, and was called after the defeat of Bull Run, to the 
command of the army of the Potomac, and by the President and his cabinet given 
full power to make and execute his own plan of campaign, and yet the Peninsula 
Campaign was an awful failure and a great calamity to the Nation, and this 
magnificent army of the Potomac was defeated, driven back in confusion with 
fearful slaughter, many thousands killed, wounded and captured, and thousands 
more died of disease contracted in the pestilential swamps along the Chick- 
ahominy. The morale of this valiant army was suddenly changed to doubt and 
apprehension, disappointment and sorrow was an open book reflected in every 
face. The battles of the campaigns to capture Richmond by the way of the 
Peninsula and the valleys of Shenandoah and Northern Virginia were signal 
failures, and it does not matter here who was most to blame. The hard fought 
battles at McDowell, Front Royal and Winchester, and in front of Richmond, 
especially of Malvern Hill gave evidence of as good fighting officers and men 
as had ever fought on any field ; they had been put to the supreme test 
of ability and courage, and proved themselves equal to every demand. The plan 
of the campaign to capture Richmond was better, it would seem, than its execu- 
tion. It was a deplorable and expensive lesson. The administration, the valiant 
armies, and the loyal people whose hopes and trust were so implicitly placed in 
General McClellan and his mighty army of the Potomac were huiniliated and 
disheartened. No one had looked for such reverses, and all were deeply dis- 
appointed. Notwithstanding the deplorable condition of affairs, the loyal citizens 
had no thought of compromise or surrender, nor did they doubt for a moment 
the defeat of General Lee and his heroic armies, the final capture of Richmond 
and honorable peace. Buoyed up with such high hopes of success on the opening 
of the campaigns in the spring of 1862, it is no wonder that the disastrous and 





MAJOR LAWRKXCli D. CLARK. 
1862. 



'J'lic Thirtccntli Regiment Vcnnont I'oUtntccvs. 31 

terrible defeats, retreat from before Richmond, the defeat and ronte of second 
Bull Run and the probable invasion into Maryland and capture of Washington 
fell like a pall over the nation. Such in fact was the situation when President 
Lincoln sent forth his anxious and hopeful proclamation for 300,000 volunteers 
to serve nine months implying that tlie war would be over before their term of 
service should ex|)ire. Under this call, the Thirteenth Regiment with four others 
from \ crn-iont w ere quickly enrolled, equipped and hastened forward to Wash- 
ington. The lo}al sons of the Green Mountain State nobly responded under this 
urgent call, and within a few short weeks the 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and i6th 
regiments were recruited, mustered, equipped and sent forward and placed on the 
front picket line near Bull Run battlefield in active service and holding important 
positions. While these regiments were being recruited, General Pope, with his 
army of Mrgiiiia, supported by the army of the Potomac, just returned from the 
Peninsular campaign in the last days of August and the first day of September, 
fought the battle of second Bull Run, and again on this fatal field, the union army 
met unaccountable disaster and in confusion retreated back to the defenses of 
W'ashington. Gen. Pope was not properly supported. 

The signal and unlocked for victories of the Confederate armies had a 
depressing effect, and many hesitated to volunteer into these \'ermont regiments 
now being recruited. Only the more courageous and brave stepped forward, 
signed the enlistment rolls, laid aside their occupations, gave up their cherished 
hopes and laudable ambition, abandoned homes, dear friends, surrendered all for 
the single purpose of taking part in the sanguinary struggle for the preservation 
of the Union. Each volunteer as he signed the roll and promised allegiance 
silently said to his government "Here am I, take me, do with me as you please, 
count not the cost of my life, my country I hold most dear." 

Those who enlisted from Vermont into these regiments were (nearly all) 
composed of such volunteers. They were intelligent, educated, honest, well bred, 
sturdy sons of the best families in the Old Green Mountain State. Because of 
these requisites no better soldiers fought in the battles for the Union. The State 
of Vermont was justly proud of these regiments, and the Government more than 
thankful for the prompt fulfilment of Vermont's quota under the President's 
anxious call. 

Some have attempted to make invidious distinction and comparison because 
the term of service of these regiments was only nine months. 

President Lincoln said. August 4th, 1862, "Nine months will end the war." 
The sentiment and ardent hope of the loyal citizens was that the Rebellion would 
be crushed and peace declared before the end of another year. Those who 
enrolled under this call and into these regiments sincerely believed the war would 
be over before their term of enlistment expired. All would have as freely 
volunteered for three years or during the war as for nine months. The motives 
that actuated the individuals were the true test of patriotism and devotion. 
There was no time during the war when the cause for the Union seemed more 
discouraging, and when there was greater need of unselfish devotion for present 
and future welfare of the nation than the period when these five regiments were 
recruited. They were all enrolled under th same call from all parts of the 




MAT. TOSEPH J. BOYNTON. 
1863. 



Tlic Tliirtccnth Kcijiiiiciit Vcniiont J'oliintccrs. 33 

State during the months of August and September, and the regiments were all 
organized ready to be mustered into the U. S. service before October ist, 1862. 

The Field and Staff Officers of these regiments were equally competent, 
and this statement applies more particularly to the Colonels of these regiments, 
all of whom had seen service in the earlier Vermont regiments. 

The Line Officers as well as the Rank and File of these five Regiments were 
all of the same general character and type and equally qualified, and suitable for 
arduous warfare. No claim has ever been made of superiority of one regiment 
over the other or that there was any difference in the military ability and prowess 
of the Colonels of these regiments. Opportunity, it is true came to some during 
the service that others did not have, and it would be presumptuous to claim that 
under like conditions and circumstances that all would not have shown the same 
ability, courage and bravery and won like honor and approbation on the battle- 
field. 

The Historian of the Thirteenth Regiment is delegated with the responsi- 
bility, of preparing a true history of the Thirteenth Vermont Regiment for publi- 
cation. And he is expected to write somewhat in detail concerning the incidents, 
peculiarities, character, and efficiency of the officers, the rank and file, soldierly 
qualifications, and the daily happenings in camp, on the march, on the picket 
line, in the hospital, the drill, routine duties, movements from place to place, and 
the part taken, and service rendered, as a regiment while in the service. 

In fact to prepare such a history as will refresh the memory, awaken scenes 
when we wore the blue, bring to mind dear comrades, brave and true, long since 
passed toj realms above, to make suitable mention of such, in fact to tell the 
story, pertaining to this regiment, including that long weary and terrible seven 
days' march from Virginia to Pennsylvania, and the part taken by this regiment 
in the battle of Gettysburg. 

In my endeavor to faithfully and impartially discharge the duties assigned, 
I trust the reader will pardon special mention of some events, and persons, and 
excuse omissions of others, for more than forty years have passed since those 
eventful days, and we are compelled to rely almost entirely on memory, in refer- 
ring to the less important matters and incidents connected with this regiment. 

Immediately after receiving President Lincoln's call for \'ermont's quota of 
nine months' men. Governor Holbrook's general order number 13, dated August, 
1862, was forwarded to the Selectmen of the several towns of the State, furnish- 
ing information as to procuring the required number under the President's "call 
dated August 4th, 1862. ]\Iass meetings were held in most of the towns of the 
State under supervision and direction of the several boards of Selectmen, to 
devise ways and means, to secure a sufficient number to avoid a draft. 

These meetings were held in halls, churches, school houses, in such places 
as would best accommodate the largest number, for the citizens were intensely 
interested, and exceedingly anxious to do everything possible to sustain the State 
and government, (and in haste) and, therefore, attended in great numbers. 
Public speakers were engaged, that the people might be aroused to a realizing 
sense of the impending danger, and duty, and to procure volunteers and avoid 
the humiliation of a draft. 




SURGEON GEORGE NICHOLS. 
1862. 



The Thirteenth Keyiinent I'ennoiit J'oliinteers. 35 

In this manner the whole State was suddenly aroused and awakened, and 
stirred with patriotic devotion, and prepared for united effort for the preserva- 
tion of the Union, regardless of cost and sacrifice. Fathers and sons, friends 
and acquaintances, preachers and lawyers, business men, the farmers and 
laborers, men and boys, old and young, gathered (intense emotion and determina- 
tion could be seen in many faces) to listen, and in some way to take part in the 
important and pressing business at hand. 

No boisterous demonstrations characterized these assemblies. Solicitude 
for the life of the Nation brought them together. The speakers were patriotic 
and eloquent because of the subject that animated every heart and inspired every 
tongue. 

The Copperhead (and occasionally one was present) did not raise his 
vi;nomous voice in opposition, knowing full well that silence was his only safety. 
Some too, were present that had participated in the blunders of the battles of 
Big Bethel. First Bull Run and Warwick Creek, and passed through the san- 
guinary battles of Lees Mills, Seven Pines, Williamsburg, Golding's Farm, 
Savage Station, Whiteoak Swamp, Malvern Hill, who from expiration of term 
of service or on account of wounds and disease had returned to their homes. 

The silent reserve of these veteran heroes and their animated faces were 
more eloquent and convincing than the earnest speeches of the anxious and 
enthusiastic citizens. The one thought that pervaded every brave and loyal 
heart was, "Let us go forth at once in response to the President's urgent call, and 
in defense of home and country." These gatherings of the people were different 
than those in the spring of 1861 ; experience of bloody battles, defeat and disaster, 
the prowess and bravery of the enemy, their success on many a battlefield had 
wrought great changes and candid sober thought no less patriotic than the 
impetuous spirit and devotion of the boys of 1861, now controlled judgment and 
action, and they could see and comprehend more clearly than ever before the 
gigantic struggle before them. 

None but the truly, self-sacrificing and brave now came forward and freely 
offered their lives upon the altar of their country. Such enrolled from Vermont 
in August and September, 1862, and such were Colonel Randall's Green Moun- 
tain \"olunteers. They had in them born and bred in the bone, the stuff' that 
heroes are made of. 

In a few brief days the necessary number for the Thirteenth Regiment had 
volunteered and on notice by the Selectmen and recruiting officers, assembled at 
convenient places and oraginzed into companies. 

Medical examinations soon followed, and then preliminary instructions in 
military tactics. The several companies which were soon to be organized and 
mustered as the Thirteenth Regiment were comparative strangers to each other, 
but were noble volunteers that were soon to be united to make enviable and 
glorious history for the State and Nation. These companies weif made up of 
two of the uniform militia (the Emmet Guards of Burlington and Lafayette 
Artillery of Calais), and eight of volunteer militia, all raised imder Governor 
Holbrook's general order No. 13. 

The Emmet Guards and Lafayette Artillery on the organization of the 
regiment were given the letters of A and H respectively. The other companies, 




SURGEON GEORGE NICHOLS. 
1900. 



The Thirtccutli Regiment I eniiont I 'oliuiteers. 37 

B, Moretown Company, C, East Montpelier Company, D, Colchester Company, E, 
Morristown Company, F. Riclimond Company, G, Bakersfield Company, I, Mont- 
pelier Company, and K, Highgate Company. 

The companies were organized, and examined by expert physicians appointed 
for the purpose prior to September i6th, and the officers of these companies were 
ordered to meet in Montpelier September 24th, 1862, to elect Field Officers. And 
here at the Capital of the State on the 24th of September, begins the history of 
this Regiment as an organized body. 

At this meeting for organization, there were aspirants for office and con- 
sJd'Mable interest manifested, more or less talk as to qualifications, but no settled 
plan among the officers of the several companies present had been arranged, 
though it was generally understood who would be chosen Colonel. 

After the company officers had assembled it was soon evident there would 
be a contest over the offices of Lieutenant Colonel and Major. It was rumored 
that Captain Lewis C. Coburn was being urged by his friends for Lieutenant 
Colonel, and his candidacy for the position was well received (and judging from 
his record as Captain and his valiant conduct in the charge across the valley of 
Plum Run Gettysburg, to recover captured cannon and up the slope to Emmits- 
burg Road and along it to the Rogers House which was surrounded by his and 
other companies of the Thirteenth Regiment, capturing many Rebels and then 
on, leading his company to left and right in search of the enemy until the shades 
of night fell on the scene), if he had been chosen would have reflected credit to 
himself and honor to his regiment. And also the name of Captain Lawrence D. 
Clark of the Highgate Company was suggested as better qualified, he having 
ser\'ed as Captain of Company A, First Vermont Regiment three months men, 
and his general appearance and experience, made him a favorable candidate, and 
he was being urged by his friends, some of whom were anxious for his promo- 
tion in order to make way for laudable ambition of aspirants in Highgate Com- 
pany. Also the name of Captain William D. Munson of Company D was 
mentioned, and his friends of Company D and others declared him the best man 
for the place, for he was a graduate of the Norwich University, had recruited a 
company in Winooski and vicinity for a battery early in 1861, under Governor 
Fairbanks, but when all ready for equipment, the Governor decided the war 
would likely be soon over, and it would not pay to purchase cannon, etc., and 
Munson returned home from St. Johnsbury where he had been to confer with 
Governor Fairbanks, disappointed and considerably disgusted, and was compelled 
to disband his company, that he had anxiously hoped to take to the front in 
i86r, as the First Artillery organization from Vermont. 

It was conceded that Captain Munson was by far the best qualified for the 
position, and in view of his previous activity to early engage in the service, and 
being turned down by Governor Fairbanks and having a military education, he 
should now be elected Lieutenant Colonel of the Thirteenth Regiment, but 
Captain ^lunson was an extremely modest man and would not express in any 
manner, preference or ambition for the place. 

During the forenoon of the day of the election, the name of Captain Andrew 

C. Brown, recently elected Captain of the Montpelier Company was urged and 
endorsed by quite a number of Company officers of the other companies, and 




Qr.VRTKKMASTER XELSOX A. TAYLOR, 
1862. 



The Thirteenth Reijiiiieiit rennoiit I'olunteers. 39 

everything indicated a spirited contest and election. Conferences were Ireld 
between those responsible for the bringing forward of these men, and just before 
the hour of election an understanding was reached, a kind of an armistice between 
the friends of Brown and Clark, namely. Captain Brown's name was to be 
presented for Lieutenant Colonel and be supported after the first ballot (if no 
choice) by Captain L. D. Clark and his friends, and in case of Brown's election 
as Lieutenant Colonel, then Captain Clark was to be presented for Major and be 
supported by Captain Brown's friends, also allowing Captain Clark to suggest 
the selection of Adjutant for the Regiment. 

Captain Coburn was not a party to this plan of procedure nor was Captani 
Munson. The officers of the line agreeable to the notice sent them, assembled 
in the town hall for the purpose of election of Field officers and organization of 
a regiment. Those who were to do the voting and make the selections were 
comparatively strangers to each other, and had not since their arrival at Mont- 
pelier had opportunity to confer and ascertain preferences for the several positions, 
sufficient to form any particular judgment, how to act in the business then at 
hand. 

The calling of the meeting to order was deferred ff)r some time, that the 
officers who had met for the first time might be introduced to each other, become 
acquainted, talk over the question of election of officers and size up the situation 
before entering upon so important a duty as election of Field Officers. 

General Jackman of Norwich Lniversity had been authorized by Adjutant 
and Inspector General Peter T. Washburn to preside at the meeting called for 
the organization of the regiment and after reasonable delay called the meeting 
to order, read the call, and stated why present and what for, expressed apprecia- 
tion for the honor conferred on him and congratulated the officers present upon 
their good looks and appearance, their zeal and devotion and the importance of 
brave men and valiant leaders and the urgent demand for such at the front, and 
then announced he was ready to proceed with the election and said "Prepare 
your ballots for some one to serve as Colonel." The only name presented was 
that of Francis Voltaire Randall, and he was declared unanimously elected as 
Colonel, and enthusiastically endorsed by all present (and the hall was full) by 
cheers, clapping of hands, waving of banners and handkerchiefs. 

They were then requested to prepare and forward their ballots for some one 
to serve as Lieutenant Colonel. To the surprise of many the name of Captain 
Andrew C. Brown was presented, also Captain Lawrence D. Clark, Captain 
William D. Munson and Captain Lewis L. Coburn, which ballot resulted in no 
choice, but with Captain Brown in the lead. On the second ballot Captain Brown 
received a very complimentary majority, and was declared duly elected Lieu- 
tenant Colonel, and on this announcement a spontaneous acclaim filled the hall 
as evidence of hearty endorsement by the friends of Captain Brown in his home 
town. 

Next in order came the announcement to prepare and forward ballots for 
some one to serve as Major. Everybody now knew about and had seen Captain 
Lawrence D. Clark, and when the ballots had been counted. Captain Clark was 
proclaimed unanimously elected Major of the regiment, and the paeans of appro- 
bation that rang out were indeed a very flattering compliment to this grand old 




CHAPLAIN KKV. JUSICI'II SAKC.ICA.VT. 
1862. 



The Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers. 41 

man. (An historic reference to Major Clark may not be out of place at this 
time.) Major Clark's commission as Captain of Company A First Regiment 
Vermont Volunteers was dated July 30th, 1859, as Captain of the Green Moun- 
tain Guards of Swanton, which company was given the right of the regiment, 
and therefore letter A and his commission antedated that of any other volunteer 
officer that served from the State of Vermont in the war 1861-1865. His com- 
pany (the Green Mountain Guards of Swanton) was the first tendered to 
Governor Fairbanks as ready for service under President Lincoln's first call for 
75,000 men. He was the oldest officer and soldier in the first Vermont Regiment. 
He was also the oldest Field Officer (with one possible exception) commissioned, 
who served in any military organization from Vermont during the war of the 
Rebellion. 

Captain L. D. Clark's Green Mountain Guards were well drilled, equipped 
and prepared and ready to go when the news of firing on Fort Sumter aroused 
the nation and the world, and because of his prompt action in tendering the 
service of this company to the Governor (which was accepted) belongs the 
honor of being the first in the State enrolled for the suppression of the Rebellion. 
The officers of the Field being elected, General Jackman declared the 
Thirteenth Regiment of \'ermont Volunteers duly organized and ready to com- 
mence business. And thus quite auspiciously began the important and thrilling 
history of this regiment. 

Under the rules and regulations only the elective officers of the companies 
designated, were permitted to take part in the organization. Many besides 
officers however were present and deeply interested, some of whom were in- 
fluential in the aiTairs of the State that advised and otherwise assisted in the 
selection of the officers of the Field and Stafl:', having in view the best possible 
efficiency of the regiment when in the field. 

The next in order to complete the organization was the appointment of the 
commissioned and non-commissioned staff which was quickly and harmoniously 
accomplished, for these positions had been quite thoroughly canvassed and agreed 
upon prior to the election of the officers of the Field, and this statement in part 
accounts for official favors in the Field awarded Company K. 

After the announcement of the appointments came speeches by Colonel 
Randall, Lieutenant Colonel Brown, Major Clark and others, all of which were 
appropriate to the occasion and well received. 

None, however, were more eloquent and patriotic and aroused greater en- 
thusiasm and emotion than the earnest and thrilling words of Major Clark. 
Several orders were read and notices given as to future action of the companies, 
and the regiment, the probable time and place of rendezvous, muster in to U. S. 
service, date of leaving the State and the probable destination as Washington, 
D. C. The meeting adjourned and the first day's history of the regiment as such 
was made, and the future only would reveal how wisely the work had been done. 

AX\ present who were in any way interested expressed satisfaction in the 
selections made and congratulated the officers of the line in the choice of their 
Colonel and assured them that no better man for the place could have been found 
in the State of Vermont. 




CHAPLAIN REV. KDWAKn IIKRHERT RANDAF.!.. 
1863. 



The Thivtccntli Regiment J'eniiont J'ohtntecrs. 43 

The officers returned to their companies to report, and prepare their com- 
mands for concentration at Brattleboro to be uniformed and mustered into the 
U. S. service, with instructions to keep their several companies well in hand for 
the news of the War Department urging haste would likely necessitate an order 
of twenty-four hours notice to make ready to start for such place as might be 
designated by the Governor for final preparation and inspection before muster- 
ing into service and leaving the State. 

Because of promotions of Captain Andrew C. Brown to Lieutenant Colonel, 
and Captain L. D. Clark as Major, elections were ordered in these two com- 
panies, Montpelier and Highgate to fill the vacancies. 

This was attended to as soon as the boys could be notified. It was generally 
expected the First Lieutenants of these companies would be advanced to the 
positions of Captain, and it was conceded that such a course was in line of 
military precedent, but it must be borne in mind that the boys who had taken 
part in previous elections and were again to have a chance to vote had no care 
about any military rule or action, and proposed to do just what pleased them 
best. Some had been disappointed in the first election, and now as there was 
another chance were quite determined to make an effort to elect their choice 
regardless of rule or precedent. 

The Montpelier company either because they wanted to advance the First 
Lieutenant, or persuaded it was their duty to conform to military rule, had no 
contention and with harmony and best of feeling advanced Lieutenant Thatcher 
to the position of Captain, and this was agreeable with the understanding entered 
into on the day of the regimental organization. 

But the Highgate Company whose position must be changed on account of 
Captain L. D. Clark's promotion and a new election of Captain, were in no 
mood to brook any interference or dictation from any source or be influenced 
by any rule as to who should next be chosen their Captain. They were thankful 
for Captain Clark's promotion and yet were sorry to lose their revered and 
highly respected Captain, having great confidence in his ability and bravery. 

Major Clark had been delegated to preside over the election to fill the 
vacancy, and notices were sent out and the boys were summoned to appear at 
Frank Johnson's old hotel in Highgate at nine o'clock, September 27th, to elect 
another Captain. There had been, since the news reached the boys of Captain 
Clark's promotion, considerable activity and a good deal of interest among them, 
as to who should be now elected Captain. Disappointed ones at the first election 
were the most active, buried the hatchet and united their efforts and quietly 
arrayed themselves against the idea of regular promotion, but were not able to 
harmonize on a candidate. All the talk on the line that the company was now 
a part of and had been organized with others into a regiment, and should respect 
military rule, had no effect, for the boys were still in Highgate, and so far as 
choosing another Captain to lead them, were a law unto themselves, and were 
determuied to do just what suited them best. 

Everyone was present on the hour, except Major Clark who was to preside, 
and for him, all patiently waited, but in the meantime the boys were busy 
arranging for the contest, were quite careful to whom they made known their 
plans. The air was full of rumors, and the author for one tried his best to find 




CHAPLAIN REV. KDWARD HERBERT RANDALL. 



1906. 



The Thiiicciitli Regiment Vermont J'olunteers. 45 

out what the programme was, but being one of Lieutenant Stephen F. Brown's 
friends and in favor of his promotion, could obtain no reliable information. I 
thought at the time (and never have had occasion to change my opinion) that 
Major Clark was influenced to delay the hour of voting until certain aspirants 
whose plans he favored were ready. 

Notice was finally given by Orderly Sergeant S. S. jMorey to forward ballots 
for some one to serve as Captain. Several were voted for on first ballot, result- 
ing in no choice, but on the second ballot Third Sergeant George G. Blake 
received a good majority and was declared by Major Clark as duly elected 
Captain of Company K. As soon as the officers returned from Montpelier 
where they had been in attendance of election of Regimental officers, they said 
the situation demanded great haste to go into camp at Brattleboro for medical 
examination, muster in, to be uniformed, equipped, paid and fully made ready 
before leaving the State for Washington. 

Everything was now hurly burly, furloughs not to be extended more than 
24 hours, and assured all that they must be near at hand for liable to receive 
marching orders any moment. The officers too were arranging their business 
affairs, htirrying up the tailors, for not a few were yet without uniforms, and 
of course all w-ere anxious to appear in their bran new blue broadcloth miiforms 
with gilded buttons and soldier straps that dazzled the eye and appealed here 
and there to the vanity and pride of the wearers. Orders were issued from 
headquarters to all the companies to report at Brattleboro on the 29th of 
September prepared to leave the State, for the seat of war. 

The several companies on September 29th took the cars at convenient 
stations on the Central Vermont Railroad line, Companies K and G from Franklin 
and Grand Isle counties at Swanton and St. Albans in the early morning, and so 
along from place to place until all were on their way down the Connecticut 
Valley to Brattleboro. 

Arriving late in the afternoon marching from the depot, in companies over 
to Camp Lincoln, situated about a mile southwest of the village all tired and 
hungry, ^^"e were assigned to quarters in long, narrow, low, new wooden 
buildings prepared for the purpose and were informed that while in Brattleboro 
here would be our homes. 

We found the Twelfth Regiment already there having arrived some few 
days ahead of us, and on guard duty about the camp, and on inquiry Were told 
that Colonel E. H. Stoughton of the Fourth Vermont was commandant of 
Camp Lincoln (the same who for a few felicitous days was our doughty 
Brigadier General and captured at Fairfax Court House, Virginia.) 

The barracks were 74 by 22 feet, each designed for one company of 100 
men, doors at each end, a narrow hall through from end to end and on either 
side bunks built about 4 by 6 feet, two stories high, each calculated for two 
persons, and made out of boards, simply a box six inches deep nailed up to 
posts, just space enough between for one at a time to pass and climb over in and 
when in, must lie down, no room to sit up for would hit their heads on the bottom 
of the bunk above, or the roof overhead. Some had straw for their bunks and 
others none. Likely this was the first experience of any of the regiment sleeping 
on bare boards, quite a change from feather beds and white linen, home-made 




\ ' 



•VHP! 



\ 



ASSr. SURG. JOHN IJ. CRAXDALL. 
1902. 



The Thirteenth Kcgiincnf reniiont roliiiitccrs. 47 

quilts and blankets in a cozy little bed-room at home. Some found fault, others 
stoically submitted thinking these might be palaces in comparison to what we 
must soon be contented with. We had been from early morning on the way, and 
most of us were making inquiries for supper, (we had not been taught to say 
rations) and could see no reason for so much delay. We were soon marched 
over to a long, low wooden building with stationary tables running through, 
benches for seats and into these all pushed rapidly along jostling each other, 
anxious for something, anything to eat. Of course it was known we were on 
the way and would be there for supper, and extra preparations likely had been 
made to give us an appetizing and a bountiful spread. Tin plates and cups, iron 
knives and forks and spoons adorned the bare tables that we sat down to and 
soft bread and cold beef and poor coffee was the meal. No bread and butter 
with strawberry preserves, doughnuts and cheese, pie and cakes, hot biscuit and 
honey, jelly tarts, tea and coffee with cream any where to be seen. The familiar 
custard pie and twisted doughnuts we sought did not appear, only in imagination. 

Some of the boys did not seem to relish the supper nor the general sur- 
roundings. No one felt inclined to offer a blessing and silently and sullenly the 
boys ate becavise hungry, and returned to their sleeping barracks for the night. 
This was the first supper in Camp Lincoln. All were too tired for running about 
and preparations for sleep must be made. The night was cool and no straw for 
a bed nor blankets for covering, made the proespect for sleep very discouraging. 
A few found straw for their beds and all tried hard to sleep with clothing all 
on, and some had small parcels in which they had brought a few extra articles, 
woolen shirts, etc., that served for pillows. 

It was soon dark, but few candles or lanterns to be had. The boys had to 
select bunk mates, choose bunks, etc., before crawling in for the night. Orderly 
Sergeant Morey called the roll of Company K, and orderly Sergeants of the 
other companies did the same, but the answers that came showed the boys to 
be in a bad temper and not inclined to be obedient and respectful. No one paid 
much attention to the order of "No talking." 

The night was not quiet, nor dreams pleasant, bare boards for feather beds 
were disappointing, and up and down the barrack hall on either side all the night 
long the boys were turning over from one side to the other to change positions, 
and the curses and imprecations that some uttered showed on what they were 
sleeping, and how they were covered. Some in their mid-night efforts attempted 
to sit up for a rest and change, but in so doing hit their heads against the bunk 
above, or the timber and roof overhead. The night was long, the wind whistled 
through the cracks, and there was commotion all about, some were taken sud- 
denly sick and hurried out into the black darkness seeking what they could and 
did not find. 

No one had thought to inquire nor had information and direction been given, 
and the situation demanded immediate attention. 

Daylight, to the relief of all. finally came and we crawled out with sore 
backs and sides, aching heads, shaking with cold, and this was our first night 
in camp as a regiment. 

The officers" quarters were more comfortable, and many now began to 
realize that privates were not officers, and the straps on the shoulders com- 




HOSPITAL STEWARD CHARLES P. Til AVER. 



1906. 



At Camp [.inrolii, Brattlcboro, rcnitonf. 49 

maiided attention, and not the fellows who wore them. Lackeys white and 
black were seen every where fawning with patronizing attention to officers, think- 
ing only of the scrip and green backs that some in their vain pride and prodigality 
foolishly gave them for the most trifling and silly attention. 

September 30th opened with lowering clouds, drizzling rain, and a dense 
fog and it was cold. The boys ran up and down the hall to limber up their 
stiffened limbs and to warm their bodies, whooping and jumping like wild 
Indians, caring but little for appearance and utterances, evidently were shaking 
oft' refinements of civil life and working up courage for deadly strife. A few 
went out but soon returned saying, "No place to wash, brush up and get ready 
for breakfast." One fellow said he was told a brook ran through the camp just 
over beyond the cook house, and another suggested that it was not far to the 
Connecticut River, and another said we would find water with which to wash 
our hands and faces (and surely they needed it) near the barracks where we were 
to go for our breakfast. We fotind water, but no soap or towels, and only now 
and then one who had soap and towels that a thoughful mother had hurriedly 
tucked into the satchel as he left home for Brattleboro. Some washed and 
others waited for a more convenient time and place, but all fell in when the 
Sergeants gave the word and hurried across the field for breakfast. 

There were now two regiments in camp, the Twelfth and Thirteenth, and 
all could not be seated at once, not sufficient table room, and some must wait, 
and therefore there was strife among the companies as to who should be first 
fed ; and on the first morning in camp the Thirteenth Vermont demonstrated its 
alertness, and were the first at the regimental hotel ready for rations of soft 
bread and coffee, 

Jim Hagan, of Company K, who sat near by, called for flap jacks, nut cakes 
and mince pies and w-as disappointed when informed that it was not on the 
soldier's bill of fare. The bread was good, and coft'ee hot, and better than the 
evening before, and there was plent)'. 

Our coming appetites were satisfied and we returned to quarters feeling 
better and quite happy and contented. We w-ere told not to undertake to pass 
the guards without written permits from our Captain, but to remain near by 
our barracks, as we w'ere liable to be called for at any hour. This was per- 
mission to go about and look over camp, but not to stray far away. 

On this first day in camp most of the time was given over to looking about 
the place within camp, mingling with the .several companies of our regiment, that 
we might become acquainted and to see wdio, of our acquaintances, if any, were 
in the regiment, and nearly all were particularly interested in the parade ground, 
the orderly way the camp w-as laid out, the guard about it, and how the boys of 
the Twelfth performed their duties for it was known that we soon would be 
called to like duty, and the boys were anxious to learn so as to be prepared when 
called u])on. The weather was not pleasant, and many remained in the barracks 
arranging the immediate surroundings of their bunks, stopping up the crevices 
to keep out wind, rain and cold, bringing straw for beds, securing stoves, etc., 
procuring blankets and otherwise making things tidy and comfortable. 

Quite a few of the more curious and restless secured passes and went over 
to the village stopping on their way to look over the village cemetery. During 




HOSPITAL sr:;\\AKn ciiari.ks p. tii\>i;r. 
1868. 



HOSPITAL STLWAKD K U K H M A X lUXIlY. 



1864. 




Q. M. SLCRC.KANT iWY SMITH. 
1863. 



M. SLRi'.KAXT CUV SMITH. 
1906. 



At Caiiih Lincoln, Brattlcboro. J'eniioiit. 51 

the afternoon, the cloiuls 1)roke and cleared a\va_v. and everything appeared more 
pleasant in and about camp, and as we looked to the south and west the wooded 
hills and mountains beyond and the beautiful and thriving village with its white 
painted houses on the high banks of the broad Connecticut River on its way to 
the sea made an attractive picttire, and commanded for the moment our admira- 
tion. \\'e could see that this was a beautiful location, and well adapted for a 
military camp for equipment of regiments on their way to engage in the struggles 
being waged in the vicinity of the capital city Washington. Officers were busy, 
moving rapidly from place to place in making due and necessary preparation for 
comfort and protection from the inclemency of the season, to distribute blankets 
and guns, straps, etc., to be ready for drill, guard duty and dress parade, medical 
examination and inspection, and a thousand and one little details necessary to 
bring order into the ranks of this regiment of raw recruits. 

The scene in camp was lively and unique, and the hours of the first day 
passed swiftly by. Late in the afternoon orders came to get ready for regimental 
parade, and soon we heard the bugle call and then the fife and drum, and the 
way we went and gathered for the first time on the parade ground as a regiment 
eager to learn the cause for which we were called out. 

Under the animation of martial music, the boys moved in good step and 
form, and came up into line under direction of the officers of the Field and Stafif 
in good style, the companies vying with each other to do their best and secure 
attention, and the approbation of our esteemel Colonel. 

They were indeed a fine looking body of young men, and of as good material 
as ever entered the army from Vermont. 

The boys did not look much like soldiers, for none but officers appeared in 
uniforms. When all in place and in line, some general orders were read by 
Adjutant Whitney, and Colonel Randall spoke briefly expressing his pride and 
satisfaction for their manly conduct and appearance, and the progress made in 
military tactics in preparation for active service, that our stay in Brattleboro 
would be short and cautioned all about doing anything that would in any manner 
disgrace themselves or reflect on the moral standing and honor of the regiment. 

The day had been replete with many an amusing episode, but nothing serious. 
The rations for this day were about the same, only potatoes added, but no milk 
gravy or cream, and the boys ate in silence thinking of home, and at the close 
of the day much had been accomplished towards arranging for comfort and 
convenience and also for duty. The boys were rested and quite reconciled to 
the surroundings and were now determined to make the best of the situation. 
and were quite content and happy and ready and willing at the sound of tattoo 
to turn in for the night. 

On the morning of October ist, the camp was alive early, though cold and 
rainy, the boys were up and out much refreshed by sound sleep and quiet rest, 
and evidently now ready for fun or duty, it mattered not which. Springfield 
rifles were given out to the regiment during the day, and when it did not rain, 
there was company and squad drill in the forenoon and battalion drill in the 
afternoon. The boys had to be told how to carry their guns, though most were 
quite familiar with the old shot guns that hung on the wall, at home, with which, 
as boys, they had hunted and killed sc|uirrels. skunks, woodchucks. etc.. and some 




SITTING. 

Lieut. Cdl. P)ro\vii. Col. Randall, IMajor CUirk. 



STANDING. 

v^urg. Nichols. Adjt. Peck. O. M. Taylor. 



.If Caiiil^ Lincoln, Brattlcboro. J'crmont. '^2) 

of the Montgomery, H\-de Park, Stowe, Waitsfield and IJerlin boys had hunted 
and slain wildcats, panthers and bears. None, however, had had drill in the manual 
of arms, except a few who had served in the First Vermont Regiment. Spring- 
field ribes were heavier and different, and had bayonets attached that were 
dangerous in the hands of a raw recruit, and much caution and careful instruc- 
tion required in handling these rifles. In most every company there was an 
officer or private that had seen a little service, and they were generally the 
instructors, although I believe there were some in camp that had been sent to 
this post for the purpose of giving the necessary instructions in handling the 
guns and other duties. 

Occasionally some one was accidentally pricked with the bayonet during our 
first drills, but not seriously. While we were in this camp most every day there 
were pressing demands for passes to visit the village, insane asylum, organ 
manufacturing establishment and other places; these were the reasons given, 
but not always the correct ones, and the highway between camp and village was 
alive with teams and footmen from early morning till late at night. Twenty 
passes a day granted from each company were given out with permission to be 
absent two hours, some returned on time and others forgot and had a plausible 
excuse, and thus the days and nights were spent with little variation while in 
Camp Lincoln. 

The first three or four days were foggy, cold and rainy and many remained 
inside reading the news from the front, writing letters home, and the officers, 
especially of the Line were hard at work to qualify themselves for duty, for as 
a matter of fact they were as green and awkward as the rank and file. 

We took our rations only three or four days at the regimental hotel, which 
was run by some enterprising Yankee as reported, for the money there was in it, 
and the boys soon tired of the same bill of fare and clamored for the privilege 
of cooking their coffee, pork and beans by companies, and it was so arranged. 
Each company detailed cooks, utensils were furnished, rations of fresh beef, 
sugar, rice, beans, tea and coffee, salt pork and soft bread, salt, pepper, vinegar, 
and all in abundance were parceled out to the custody of the cooks, and this 
proved a desirable change. It was more homelike and independent. Every- 
thing was pretty well cooked, and we had plenty and all seemed better pleased 
and each company ate by itself, and all went well. The rations and duties of each 
day were much the same, company drill forenoon, battalion drill and dress 
parade in the afternoon and guard duty when called. 

Our camp was thronged with visitors from all parts of the State of high 
and low degree, beautiful women and red cheeked girls and their anxious faces 
revealed the cause of their presence, doting mothers and loving brides were 
there to make the farewell visit and say good bye, and some too, had come from 
distant homes that the nuptial agreement might be solemnized by the sacred 
rites of church before it was too late. 

I recall to mind two instances of this kind. Sergeant Edwin H. Reed of 
Company E, a schoolmate of the writer at Bakersfield Academy who had become 
engaged to a young lady by the name of Miss Sarah Williams of Bakersfield 
before he enlisted, and true to his vows wrote her to come to Brattleboro to be 




CAMP Vi:RMn\T, \i:\i; \ 1. 1; \ \ \ 1 )IO \. \\.. I'imj. 




THE OLD SPUING, CAMP VERMOXT, I9O4. 



.It Ciiiiip Liiiciilii. BrattU'lutro. I'cnnont. 55 

married if she wished it so. Miss WilHams came and they were married only 
two or three days before our departure for Washington. 

Captain Merrit Wilhams of Company G was her brother. I knew them well 
and cannot forget the scene at the depot as this young bride of a few happy 
hours was ruthlessly and suddenly separated from her loving husband. The 
parting was affectionate and very sad. Her brave young soldier boy husband 
she never saw again. He died at Camp Vermont, December 12th, 1862. There 
were other instances but none so sad. I recall one that occurred in Company 
K, the company to which I belonged, DeForest W. Hatch who had become 
engaged to a Miss Vaughn, she followed him to Brattleboro and they were there 
married on the same day that we left for Washington, and only a few hours 
before we left the State. This marriage was sudden and no ti'mc for nuptial 
celebration. The bridegroom started south for Washington with his regiment, 
and the bride north for home, and all was well. 

The next day, October 4th, was a very busy one in camp, the Twelfth 
regiment was to be inspected by Governor Holbrook, Adjutant General W'ash- 
burn, O. M. General Davis, and Colonel Stoughton, commandant of the Post. 
This review and inspection, the Thirteenth boys were given permission to see, for 
it would soon be their turn to pass through a similar inspection. It was a 
beautiful and impressing sight, 1,000 men all in uniform, flags fluttering in tne 
breeze, horses caparisoned in gaudy colors, riders dressed as became their rank 
and station, made a grand and attractive moving picture as it passed in review. 
We had never seen anything like it before. Our camp was filled with dis- 
tinguished visitors from over the State, who had come to see their friends and 
acquaintances in these regiments before their departure to Washington. 

Our first Sunday in camp Lincoln we foimd was not a day of rest, for in- 
spection we must prepare for with care. Gun, straps, clothing, face and hands all 
must be neat and clean, comb and brush must be used,_ everything trim and tidy. 
The inspection of arms in the forenoon and divine service in the afternoon. 

The regiment was formed into a hollow square, and addressed by the 
Chaplain from the center, who reminded us that life was fleeting and admonished 
us to be prepared, for no one could tell the hour that would be our last, and 
likely some there present who would never see home and friends again. These 
statements were literally true and yet not consoling and encouraging in these 
early days of our service. 

The inspection and divine service and other duties made it the busiest day of 
all. Each day's drill made the Thirteenth more soldierly in appearance and 
proficient in military tactics, and all were proud of the progress made. 

A large detail of carpenters and joiners were made to assist in completing 
and building the barracks for the Fourteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth regiments 
soon to arrive, and the Fourteenth was on their way and would arrive during the 
day which would make three full regiments in camp, with only sufficient accommo- 
dation for two. Our regiment met the Fourteenth at the depot and escorted 
them over to camp with drum and fife, to the music of the "Girl I left behind 
me," which brought tears to the eyes not yet dry from the home parting of the 
morning. 




ruKI LVoX NEAR ALEXANDRIA, VA., 1904. 




IIorSE WHEKi; r.Rir,. general KOWIN H. STOUGHTON was CAPTtRED 
MARCH 9. 1863, FAIREAX COIRT HorsE. \A. 



At Camp Lincoln, Brattlcboro, I'crniont. 57 

It was long after dark before they reached Brattleboro, and they were 
tired, hungry and sad. The next morning after the arrival of the Fourteenth 
in addition to the usual orders of the day, were two others, one for medical 
examination, and to escort the Twelfth Regiment to the depot on their way to 
Washington. 

We had been examined once by physicians, and pronounced sound, and 
some of us could see no good reason for further examination, and were inclined 
to object, but it made no difference, for the U. S. Surgeons were the physicians 
who were to look tis over this time and some of the boys trembled for fear they 
might yet be thrown out. 

We were marched by companies to a commodious hall on the camp ground, 
one of the many new buildings recently built, and about fifty at a time were 
admitted and the doors shut, and then we were told to remove all our clothing 
as quick as possible and stand in a line up and down the hall. This was a new 
deal that we had not been told of, and some demurred, but no use, strip we must 
and so we did, and when we were all lined up in a row we hardly knew ourselves 
and especially each other. Though there were two surgeons we thought them 
very slow, the room was cold and no fire and we were growing chilly. This 
examination was critical and reminded me of the careful and scrutinizing, 
examination of the horse buyer when about to purchase a valuable animal for 
market. Eyes, ears, teeth, arms, thumbs and fingers, legs, feet and toes and 
required to go through various motions with hands, run and jump over a 
common empty flour barrel laid down on the floor, and many similar antics, 
nothing escaped their attention. If symptoms of hernia of any kind appeared, 
their fingers would press hard on the spot. It was a very unceremonious 
procedure, but necessary, for no use of taking one who could not stand the life 
of a soldier. This was the manner of Company K"s examination, and I assume 
the rest of the regiment fared just as well. 

The boys' teeth chattered and they shivered with cold long before the 
surgeons finished their scrutinizing task, but the running and jumping warmed 
them up and none took cold. 

None of Company K was thrown out, nor of the regiment to my knowledge. 

Corporal H. P. Bullard had a defective eye, and Cadmus S. Gates was not 
a good high jumper. The eye of Corporal Bullard they did not see and comrade 
Gates' sprawling jump lighting on the barrel and his ride on it almost across 
the hall, so amused the surgeons that they said '"You are all right." As a 
matter of course this examination took place before the distribution of clothing, 
etc. The rank and file only were required to undergo this final test before being 
mustered into the U. S. army . 

The general appearance in and about camp. Colonel Randall moving from 
place to place, and his frequent conferences with the officers — everything indicated 
urgent preparation to be ready to leave Brattleboro on an early date for Wash- 
ington. 

On October 8th, uniforms were given out to each company, each soldier 
one pair of trousers, one dress coat, a blouse coat, overcoat, cap and shoes if 
needed, socks, woolen shirts and cotton drawers. This was a slow job, for 
not all of the same size and must guess and then try on, and after beine fitted 




•niK iiLn JAIL, Fairfax rm/RT ihh-sf, va. 1904. 




COURT HOUSE SQUARE AND 



At Caiiil' Lincoln. Brattlcboro, Vcnnont. 59. 

must sign a receipt for whatever taken, and the same was charged up in account 
to be deducted from regular pay, if clothing and blankets exceeded a certain 
amount, and we were so informed. This was a wise provision and made the 
boys more careful with the clothing, etc., furnished by the Government. The 
clothing was all of good material, all wool and very well made and warm and 
comfortable, and when care was taken in the selection, fitted very well the 
averaged sized boy or man. 

Some were very tall and others very short, some were large, broad shoulders, 
long arms and legs, and some very corpulent, and to secure good fits for such 
was found to be quite impossible. The Government did not have in mind the 
stalwart Yankee boys of the Green Mountain State when giving out the contract 
for the manufacture of army clothing, for a number could not find dress coats 
large enough nor trousers long enough. 

It was a beautiful day and the boys now were less modest since the medical 
examination, and were taking ofif their civil garb and donning the blue any 
where that suited their convenience best, inside or outside of barracks, regardless 
of those passing to and fro (there were no females permitted in this part of 
our camp at this time, and if one chanced to be riding near by, the boys 
scampered for cover.) 

At dress parade this night for the first time the regiment appeared in uni- 
forms, and the appearance of all were much improved, and the boys were pleased 
to know that they too were dressed in blue with glistening brass buttons on cap, 
sleeve and breast. 

Colonel Randall as he stood in front looking from right to left, up and 
down the line facing his boys for the first time neatly dressed in new uniforms 
taking in the living picture before him, was the most interested and proudest 
man of all. He responded to the salutation of the regiment with an uncovered 
head and the wave of the hand, but said not a word, and as he turned to go, 
took from his pocket a handkerchief and wiped away the fast falling tears. 

He had seen service in the deadly swamps along the Chickahominy, in the 
battles of First Bull Run, Lees Mills, Williamsburg, Golding's Farm, Savage 
Station and White Oak Swamp, and realized keenly that in all human probability 
many of the brave boys before him would die in hospitals or fall in battle and 
could not conceal the emotions that controlled his kind and manly heart. 

On the following day gun straps, knapsacks, haversacks, tin cups and 
canteens, waist and shoulder belts and straps were given out and orders to pack 
knapsacks and appear in dress coats, knapsacks on, for inspection and review by 
Governor Holbrook, Adjutant General Washburn and their staffs. 

The packing of a knapsack properly, required both skill and taste, and only 
now and then one among us that had had experience, and on these we had to 
depend for instruction and assistance. To pack a knapsack in good style, roll 
up blanket and overcoat and strap them on top of your knapsack, and have it 
compact in good shape, neat and trim, requires practice and our first efforts were 
bungling jobs, and our appearance on the march and drill thus equipped and 
loaded down was attended with many ludicrous, awkward and amusing incidents, 
and it was the first time, thus equipped, and more we were now passing in 



At Camp Lincoln, Brattlcboro. I'cnnoiit. 6i 

review bt-furt- tlie Governor and his staff, and aids and officers of tiie other 
regiments and many others who had gathered to witness the mihtary display. 

Colonel Randall fonnd not a word of fault, but ]iraised us for doing so 
well, remarking we would likely do better next time. The Governor con- 
gratulated us on our fine appearance and hoped to hear of brave conduct and an 
honorable record in the field. Orders were read at dress parade on this day 
for muster into U. S. service on the next day, and all must be present at their 
company barracks ready when called, no passes to be issued until after muster 
in, also notice was given that as soon as mustered in the amount due each as 
State pay would be at once paid over unless assigned or some other disposition 
made of it. This had been a very busy day, many of the boys had made 
arrangement for having their pictures taken as soon as uniformed and were 
anxious to secure passes out for that purpose, and many secured passes and 
had their pictures taken before leaving Brattleboro, and sent them home, that 
their fathers, mothers, sisters and sweethearts might see them in soldier dress. 

October loth was like an Indian Summer day, warm and still, an ideal day 
for the business at hand. The Thirteenth Regiment was early astir and up and 
making preparations for muster into U. S. service. 

The several companies were called out, carefully looked over and counted, 
and ordered to wait in position of rest for the mustering officer. Each com- 
pany remained near its headquarters, and the several companies were to be 
mustered in separately. Major Austin, the mustering ofificer, accompanied by 
Colonel Randall and Adjutant \Miitney passed from Company to Company and 
on being presented to the Captains by Colonel Randall, made the inquiry in each 
case if all was ready, and being informed they were, proceeded to read the oath 
of allegiance to serve their Government as soldiers for the full term of nine 
months, and each with his right hand raised heavenward solemnly promised he 
would. 

The officers of the Field and Staf? took the oath at head(|uarters. A few 
of the regiment, who were absent, took the oath as soon as they returned. 

The several companies as soon as mustered in were marched to a nearby 
building where, each giving his name and being vouched for by the Captain, 
was given their State pay then due, unless it had been assigned or some other 
disposition made of it, also Selectmen from towns who had promised bounties 
were present at this time and paid as they had agreed. All this business was 
expeditiously accomplished, and the boys were now full iledged soldiers, ready 
and anxious to join the army and that of the Potomac, because to that belonged 
the First Vermont Brigade in which were many relatives and friends. 

The regiment was notified to make due preparation for leaving cam"' on 
the next day. 

The several companies, through their officers, were ordered to pack knap- 
sacks, provide themselves with two days' rations from the cook tents, and be 
ready to march to the depot and take the cars for New Haven, Conn., by ten 
o'clock in the forenoon the following day. 

Only a trusted few now secured passes out of camp, after muster in, not 
because apprehensive that any would desert, but to avoid delay and confusion. 



At Camp Luiroln, Brattlcboro, I'crinont. 63 

Tlie boys delegated some of their officers commissioned and non-commis- 
sioned to take mone\', clothing and other personal belongings to the express 
office, to be sent home, and in the evening, wrote their farewell letters from 
Camp Lincoln. 

The Fourteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth had now arrived and the guard 
and other duties were to remain in their hands. The Thirteenth had been 
released from guard, police, and special detail for a number of days on account 
of medical examination, drawing of clothing, inspection, muster in, and being 
paid off and other details preparatory for leaving camp. 

The day of our departure had been publicly announced and many of the 
relatives and friends of the boys of the Thirteenth hastened to Brattleboro and 
were now present to speak words of advise and encouragement and with hand 
to hand and heart to heart say good-by. 

October iith was our last day in camp and in the State, before leaving for 
Washington. The regiment was up early and breakfast was ready and served 
before the usual hour. The company cooks had been busy all night making 
ready the two days rations the boys were to store in their haversacks for the 
trip. The whole camp was an animated and busy place long before the hour 
fixed for leaving. Many citizens from the village and from up the State were 
in camp through the forenoon, though cold and damp and looked like rain, but 
no one seemed to care for weather. 

The majority of those who came, found their way to the location of the 
Thirteenth Regiment where the boys, some had come so far to see, were anxiously 
waiting their arrival. All were ready to leave as soon as the call of bugle and 
fife and drum gave the order, "fall in" ; knapsacks and guns all ready to put on 
were in the barracks, but until notice given were permitted to freely mingle 
with friends that had come. 

There were quite a number now donned in blue here and there to be seen, 
affectionately holding the trembling hand of a sweet faced pretty girl of sixteen 
or twenty summers whose cheeks blushed in changing colors as she, with eyes 
cast down, listened to the renewed vows of abiding love and promised marriage 
on return. Some were brides of a day shedding tears of sorrow because so soon 
to part, and as they feared forever, and could not be comforted. Mothers too, 
so kind and true would throw their arms around the neck of an only son and 
impart the accustomed kiss as if it was the last and in many cases it was. 

These were frequent scenes on that day of parting, and none were ashamed 
or tried to hide and conceal their emotions and demonstration of affection. 

The sound of bugle, fife and drum suddenly changed the scene and there 
was hurrying to and fro, and orders "Fall in, Fall in", and every one made 
haste to shoulder knapsack and gun and get into line, and soon were keeping 
step to the stirring strains of martial music as they moved from Camp Lincoln 
through the village to the Railroad Station to take the cars and begin their 
journey to Washington. The cars were late, and here we waited until late in 
the afternoon. ]\Jany followed and gathered around to wait our departure. 
The whole town turned out, old and young, boys and girls in recognition of their 
appreciation of and sympathy with the purposes that we had volunteered to 



On the Way to U'asliiiu/ton, D. C. 65 

vindicate and uphold until all were on board and packed away to the full 
capacity of each car. 

It was a long line of cars up and down the track, two engines attached wait- 
ing the signal to start. On either side of the long train from end to end stood 
the citizens of Brattleboro, Gov. Holbrook and Staflf, the escort from Camp 
Lincoln, and our relatives and friends soon to return home and all busy in 
earnest conversation, handkerchiefs in hand ready to wave the last good-by. 

Colonels Randall and Brown passed up and down on both sides of the train 
to see if everything was in readiness to move on. Our Colonel ever vigilant for 
the comfort and welfare of his boys had ere this commanded our love and respect 
and him we cheered as he passed to and fro. 

In him our confidence we felt was not misplaced, nor did we believe it 
would ever be shaken. Colonel Randall when fully satisfied all was ready, 
walked up to the Governor, saluted and reported. They clasped hands, and 
then the Colonel waved his hand to the Conductor, the whistle blew, the cars 
moved and then the cheers loud and long from the assembled multitude filled the 
air and resounded up and down the valley. The waving of hands and handker- 
chiefs seemed the spontaneous action of all, and as far as we could see, the white 
handkerchiefs were still fluttering in the breeze as we passed down the valley 
out of sight on our way to New Haven. 

The last tokens of high regard, love and devotion that animated their bosoms 
was fully expressed by their cheers and waving of hands and handkerchiefs. 

These demonstrations more fully awakened the manhood within us, and all 
were inspired with the confidence imposed, and each mentally promised then and 
there to do his utmost in the struggle for the preservation of the Union. 

What shall be said of these smooth faced youthful intelligent looking boys of 
this regiment leaving home and their beloved State for the first time, now on 
their way to fight for home, flag and country. 

This regiment was recruited during the darkest days of the Rebellion, im- 
mediately after General McClellan's disastrous campaign up the Peninsula to 
capture Richmond and General Pope's defeat at Second Bull Run, and flight 
and stampede over the plains of Manassas back to the protection of the guns 
and Forts around Washington. 

The perilous condition of the Union at this time appealed to the best man- 
hood and bravest hearts of our State, — a high standard of citizens, genuine 
patriots, noble and loyal, and in response to the recent urgent call of 300,000, 
only the bravest sons of the Green Mountain State, promptly and cheerfully, 
came forward and volunteered into the 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 regiments. 

The average age of the boys of the 13th was 23 years, sturdy sons of 
vigorous fathers and mothers who lived on the hills and in the valleys, the 
hamlets and villages of the State they loved and honored. 

Most of these boys were born and reared on the farms their fathers owned 
and tilled. Educated in the district schools and academies, a few in colleges, 
all were intelligent and fairly well prepared for the various walks and avocations 
of life. Some were merchants, others clerks, mechanics, artisans, teachers, 
students, a few full fledged lawyers, and partially matriculated physicians, and 
ministers of the Gospel, ardent, zealous, loyal, all inbued with exalted duty and 



On the Il'ay to U'ashiiuitoii. D. C. 67 

honor of serving their country then assailed by designing traitors at home, and 
ambitious Governments from across the sea. 

The majority of each company were as well qualified in every respect for 
office as those that had already been commissioned, and some better, (subsequent 
service demonstrated the truthfulness of this statement.) 

They were inexperienced and raw in service, with little apprehension of the 
hardships and dangers of war. But bred in the bone from generation to genera- 
tion from a long line of noble ancestry that had been taught from the cradle 
to the grave to fear God, to love liberty, stand for the right and fight for home 
and country. 

Their forefathers were with General Allen at Ticonderoga and fought at 
Bennington and Plattsburg, and in other battles of glory and renown, indeed, 
many were direct descendants of Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys, and 
inherited their love of ju.stice, patriotic devotion, indomitable courage and fear- 
less bravery. Of such were the boys of this regiment, and they could be 
depended upon to face danger wherever duty called, regardless of exposure. 
They believed their country had the first claim on their young manhood, even 
death on the battlefield, to preserve the Union and the life of the Republic. 

The reverses we had met before Richmond and at second Bull Run stimulated 
their loyalty and awakened their deep solicitude for the Nation. 

The unselfish devotion of these youthful patriots reflected pride and honor 
on the State that gave them birth. They had breathed the pure atmosphere of 
home and been moulded under the watchful care of loyal mothers, and morning 
and evening had listened to father's eloquent petitions to the Most High to be 
kept in the path that leads to immortal victory, and the earnest pleadings for 
freedom, happiness of home and direction of the affairs of the Nation. 

Of vices they had but few, but virtues many. A majority of these boys 
belonged to evangelical societies, and believed in the efficacy of prayer. Though 
some, from lack of proper training and because of unfortunate environments, 
were wild and careless, minds poisoned with impure thoughts and profane and 
vulgar speech, a loosening of the restraints of civil life dominated, and the new 
life of a soldier made them heedless of individual example and inconsiderate of 
the reputation of the regiment. They were with all, kind hearted and patriotic, 
zealous, honest and brave as any, but seemed to think because of present occupa- 
tion no occasion. to be careful, and particular about petty vices and good de- 
portment. 

Nearly all of these were good soldiers and made an honorable record. In 
a general way have I spoken of the officers of this regiment, and yet my apprecia- 
tion of them commands further mention. 

Colonel Randall was of undoubted ability as a lawyer, and in the affairs of 
civil life, an earnest, enthusiastic and honest man, energetic, always combining 
rare executive ability with great courage and singleness of purpose. As a 
military leader, Vermont furnished none better or more valiant. His anxious 
care was first and always the comfort and welfare of his regiment. He loved 
his boys as he called them, and they adored him. His general appearance and 
soldierly bearing was the pride of the regiment. All had implicit confidence 
in his honest purpose to do all within his power in the struggle for the preserva- 



I 









(- i ' ri&iaH 


^^^^^E 



THE OLD MILL, OCCOQUAN, \A., 1863. 

Near Camp Widow ^'iolet. 



On the Il'ny to U'lisiiingtoii, D. C. 69 

tion of the Union. His word was law, and accepted without a nnirmur. His 
example was an inspiration to courage, devotion and bravery, and all were ever 
rcadj- and willing to follow wherever he might lead. His great kind heart as 
quickly responded to the wants and solicitation of the lowliest in his regiment as 
to the highest in rank. He regarded each true soldier animated by the same high 
purpose that controlled him, and his regard for the soldiers of his regiment 
always depended upon the manner in which they performed their duties. 

The full measure of confidence and expectation of prowess and leadership, 
he most valiantly and courageously demonstrated on the great battlefield of 
Gettysburg, and there won for himself and regiment imperishable honor and 
renown. 

^^'ere it not that more able ]jens have written of the officers of Field and 
Staff, would not pass on without contributing my feeble efforts in suitable 
mention of the part they took while in this regiment. 

The boys after leaving Brattleboro rode in silence for miles absorbed in 
thought of the past and future. The excitement of the last few days in Camp 
Lincoln at Brattleboro, the parting with friends and now leaving their State for 
the seat of war, produced a reaction, and faces, but a few hours before glowing 
with excitement, were now pale and thoughtful, hardl)' speaking to each other. 

\\'e soon crossed the boundary line and were in the State of Massachusetts, 
but this fact attracted no particular attention, and but few took interest in the 
panoramic view of tinted forests, green hills, moimtains, streams, beautiful 
hamlets and villages on either side of the swift rolling waters of the Connecticut 
as we moved rapidly along down the beautiful valley on our way to New 
Haven. We made brief stops at Vernon, Northfield, Deerfield and North Hamp- 
den, but no one was permitted to leave the cars at these places. 

We next arrived at the thriving villages of Holyoke and Chicopee. These 
villages were close together and hundreds of people thronged to the railroad 
station to see the Vermonters pass through. The boys were now rested and 
eager to see the new places and the long line of beautifully dressed girls with 
flags and handkerchiefs in hands on both sides of the cars singing patriotic songs 
and waving their banners in token of hearty welcome to their cities, as we slowly 
passed along, was indeed a sight such as we had never seen before, and we 
appreciated the patriotic attention. 

Our first stop when permitted to leave the cars was at the city of Spring- 
field, and here we remained for some twenty minutes or more. Our coming 
had been announced, and the city was out, factory girls and all, dressed and 
prepared to give us a cordial and hearty welcome. They cheered and sang and 
waved their tiny flags of stars and stripes as we slowly rolled into the station and 
extended their hands of welcome as we jumped from the cars as if we were old 
friends just returned. 

Their kind greetings, words of cheer and the bewitching smiles and en- 
chanting eyes that lighted up the pretty faces of red cheeked and well dressed 
lovely girls, so animated, cordial and solicitous for our comfort and happiness, 
and anxious for our future (and some I thought for our return), was indeed an 
appreciated oasis in our journey to the sea. 




-2rE- 

lOth V t. Vol. 



13th \ t. \V,1. 



General Hancock wmmded and assisted from horse to the gnnmd ; see groii]:) 
of aides and horses. 

Flank attack of Gen. Stannard's Brigade, Gettysburg, July 3rd, 1S63, on 
Gen, Pickett's advancing columns. 



On tin- Way to irasliiin/ton. D. C. 71 

Sandwiches and coffee, cake and fruit in abundance freely offered. Love's 
swift arrow pierced many a throbbing heart at first sight, a dangerous place 
long to linger at, for some might forget that they were on their way to take 
part in the struggle for the right and be tempted to remain behind, manhood 
and devotion only kept us on our way. 

We never forgot the grand and bounteous welcome of Springfield, and it 
was often the topic of discussion around camp fires during our time of service. 
The signal was sounded, clasped hands held fast until the last moment, and then 
with speaking eyes and rosy lips some (not all) sealed the parting salute. Many 
cast long lingering tokens of love and regret as the train passed from sight, and 
looked forward to promised letters from soldier heroes in the army and their 
return. Pretty faces and bewitching smiles had captured some of the hearts of 
Go's A and K. 

We soon reached Hartford. Conn., only a brief stop and on we went down 
the valley passing through Aliddletown and arriving at New Haven about eleven 
o'clock, tired and sleepy. We were required to remain in the cars until the 
boat for New York was ready, and a little after mid-night we marched on board 
the steamboat and were soon on our way to the metropolis of the United States, 
the great city that we knew of, but few had ever seen. 

This was the first experience of nearly all on the briny sea, and though pro- 
tected by Long Island, the waters were rough and some were sick. We arrived 
in the harbor of New York in the early gray of the morning and the great 
city with its harbor thronged with numerous ships, the flags of the world from 
masts and bars fluttered in the breeze and greeted our astonishing gaze, and we 
were entranced with wonder and amazement. It was a panoramic view, grand, 
picturesque and fascinating. The whole regiment were up and were spell-bound 
by the sight. 

We, after some delay, reached the dock on the Jersey Shore and were soon 
marching in the .streets of Jersey City, a place that none of us ever forgot. The 
morning was cold and breezy, thick dust filled the air. We marched and 
counter marched through streets and alleys for a long time, as it seemed to me, 
but finally halted in the street covered and blinded with Jersey dust, and were 
here informed that we were soon to be served with a hot breakfast, and this was 
welcome news for our haversacks contained nothing very tempting. 

We impatiently waited, for now we were hungry, though we had pork, cold 
beef and soft bread in our haversacks, preferred to wait for a warm breakfast 
with hot coffee, of which we had been assured. 

In course of an hour we discovered approaching, wagons loaded with large 
barrels. As they came near, one of the boys nearby remarked, "It must be, 
they are the fellows that gather up the morning swill of the city for the hogs", 
but when in front of our regiment they stopped, took oft' the heavy wooden 
covers of the barrels and with long handled dippers in hand announced, "Hot 
soup, boys, come right up and we will fill your tin cups with nice hot soup", and 
up many of us went and held up our cups to be filled, which were quickly and 
liberally supplied, but before eating we made some inspection. The appearance 
of the barrels and dippers and men in charge was not very inviting, the smell 
was oft'ensive and the looks too much like common swill, and the taste was 




MANSION HOUSE WHERE CHAPLAIN REV. JOSEPH SERGEANT DIED. 
CAMP CARUSI, VT. 



On the ll'ay to W'ash'uKjton, D. C. y^ 

unsavory, we had never seen or tasted anything Hke it before. It was liot, but 
what was it, we inquired of each other. It was porridge, a combination of 
vegetable and animal, so blended, cooked and mixed that none of us could make 
out what to call it, and for want of a better and more proper name called it 
Jersey Soup. It looked like a mixture of potatoes, sweet and Irish, rice, barley, 
peas and beans, calf, lamb and ram, pork and fish, cooked and cooked, warmed 
over again and again, evidently from the same barrels had been dipped da}' after 
day the supply for other troops passing through the city. Some ate of it 
sparingly, others disgusted threw it out on the ground saying it was no better 
than home made swill that filled the troughs of the pig sty at home. Most of us 
resorted to our haversacks and made our breakfast on cold beef and soft bread, 
and called it good, and we knew of what we ate. 

We waited a long time for the cars until about ten o'clock when we started 
on our way to Philadelphia, arriving in the Quaker City not far from two o'clock 
in the afternoon, and were here marched direct to the commodious building at 
the foot of Washington Street where all sat down to a fine, appetizing spread, 
and it was much enjoyed, and we long remembered this banquet dinner that we 
ate in Philadelphia, and the philanthropic and patriotic citizens that gave, and the 
beautiful and fine appearing ladies that prepared and waited on the tables. 

This eating house was supported by volunteer contributions and attended 
by the first ladies of the city. The refreshments and surroundings here were 
not much like the Jersey soup at Jersey City. For some reason we were delayed 
here until six o'clock in the afternoon, and finally were packed into freight cars 
to make the trip to Baltimore. These box cars had board seats, the road was 
rough and dangerous, but none found fatilt. 

\Miile waiting in Philadelphia, companies L and M of the First \'ermont 
Cavalry, which had recently been recruited in Vermont, passed through on their 
way to join their regiment, then just across Long Bridge between the cities of 
Washington and Alexandria. Some of these we knew and recognized, namely 
my uncle Josiah Sturtevant, C. H. McCarroll, Lieut. Willard Farrington, Lieut. 
Stewart Stranahan, Capt. Parsons, John W. Newton and others. 

The ride to Baltimore was cold, slow, hard, dark and dismal, some of us had 
not forgotten the attack on the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment in the streets of 
Baltimore on their way to Washington, April 19, 1861, and we knew that Balti- 
more was full of Rebel sympathizers, and the country arovnid was rife with 
rumors that General Lee \vas moving by way of Baltimore to capture Washing- 
ton, which made some of us quite uneasy and apprehensive, and some feared we 
might be attacked in Baltimore. 

We arrived in Baltimore about three o'clock in the morning. Engines 
detached and cars moved by horse power across the cit}-. This we thought very 
strange, but were informed that this course was adopted on account of danger 
and rumor of attack. 

We left the cars and marched with fixed bayonets in close order in wind 
and rain along the dismal, slippery streets to a large brick building and up a 
flight of winding stairs where we were served with soft bread and boiled ham 
and hot coft'ee. 




CAMP WIDHW \IOLET IN I9O4. 



On tin- Way to Washington, D. C. 75 

We remained in Baltimore until mid-forenoon, before we commenced our 
journey to Washington. The train from Bahimore to Washington moved slowly 
and cautious, soldiers were^n guard along the railroad in some places, to guard 
against raids and surprise, the battles of second Bull Run, Crampton's Gap, 
South Mountain and Antietam were fresh in memory still. 

When within a few miles of Washington, Butterfield of Company K, whose 
head had been out most of the way night and day, cried out "Boys see there, 
that must be the capitol", every head was out and we for the first time saw that 
grand imposing building, a beautiful and magnificent structure of stone, iron, 
marble and glass. 

We arrived in Washington late in the afternoon and were placed in a build- 
ing called the Soldier's Retreat for the night, a large wooden building near the 
grand and imposing structure where were assembled the wisdom of the Nation 
devising ways and means to carry on the war. Hot coffee and chocolate was 
here furnished, and with the remaining contents of our haversacks we made out 
a fairly good supper, and then spread down our rubber blankets on the bare 
floor, knapsacks for pillows, overcoats and woolen blankets for a covering, laid 
down for rest and sleep, all in the same building. We were weary and had had 
but little sleep since leaving Brattleboro, and therefore were soon sound in sleep, 
oblivious of the tumult of moving cars and screeching engines and constant 
marching all about, tramp, tramp, throughout the night. 

The boys slept soundly, though nothing but a rubber blanket on the bare 
floor upon which to lie, but in the morning, all were much refreshed and in very 
good humor. Everyone was now in haste to see the city, especially the capitol 
building, Smithsonian building. Patent office and the White House, where Presi- 
dent Lincoln lived, but we were soldiers and could not go anywhere except on a 
regular pass from our Colonel or some other officer. 

We soon discovered that we were nearby the capitol building and this we 
could see without a pass from where we were. Red tape orders were now more 
strenuously enforced and we demurred and submitted. 

Our company officers informed us that we must not leave the building, that 
hot coffee and soft bread and cold meat would be served where we were for 
breakfast, and then we would be marched a mile or more east near where the 
Twelfth regiment was then in camp, where our regiment also would go into 
camp. 

Each soldier as he gazed upon the capitol building was dumb with amaze- 
ment because of its grandeur and architectural splendor, its magnificence as a 
whole entranced all with wonder and admiration and we longed to make it a 
visit and see the majestic rotunda, historical paintings that adorned its walls and 
ceilings, hundreds of feet above, and the men of renown who made the laws of 
the nation, then in the Congress; all with just pride and curiosity were anxious 
to see and hear. The drum beat, and the order came "Fall in" and we marched 
up the hill on the north side of the Capitol building passed the old prison, where 
were confined Rebels as reported, prisoners of war, and then along the street 
eastward for a mile or so and on an open field of pasture land on the south side 
of I'ne street in plain view of the Potomac and the navy yard not fa^" away., and 
liei-e made our camp. 



At Caiiil> Casey, ll'ashimjtoii, D. C. 77 

This was an ideal spot for a camp, but not a building or tent or any provis- 
ion whatever to protect us from wind and storm. The only thing in abundance 
that we saw about us were hogs and goats, hucksters, darkeys and clouds of dust 
that filled the air and covered all. 

During the day fly or shelter tents were given out, simply a piece of cotton 
cloth one yard wide and two long with metal eyelets to fasten together, given 
to each soldier and two of these fastened together and then supported by gun 
and bayonets or sticks made a covering over our heads against sun and dew, but 
no protection against wind and rain, and in twos and fours we arranged these 
cotton strips as best we could, for tents, beneath which we soundly slept for the 
first night in Camp Casey. 

On the following day we were supplied with A and Sibly tents, and these 
were fine and roomy, and when properly put \\\i were a sufiicient protection 
against cold, wind and rain and these, (the A tents), were about six feet scjuare 
on the bottom and running to a peak like the shape of the letter A, six feet high 
in the center, supported by a pole at each end with a pole on top over which was 
placed and stretched, the well made cotton tents and all around except a small 
opening on front end w'ere fastened down to the ground with wooden pegs or 
pins made for the purpose. Four and sometimes six occupied one of these 
tents. The Sibly tents were circular and much larger and commodious. 

We were green and entirely ignorant of the manner of putting up such 
tents, for it was our first experience, but like true Yankees soon had them up in 
rows according to military style and in them packed away our knapsacks, guns, 
straps, etc., and were quite happy and contented. 

We were hardly settled down in this camp before the Captain and other 
officers were urged for passes to visit the city, camps and hospitals about Wash- 
ington, but only a limited number at certain hours of the day and evening from 
each company obtained them, and each must take his turn, and during every day 
while in Camp Casey, the streets leading to the Capitol building were lined with 
blue coats, brass buttons, commission and non-commission officers, and privates, 
hurrying to and from the city, and so it was each day unless rain, squad and 
company drill in the forenoon, and regimental and battalion drill in the after- 
noon, review and dress parade interfered. 

The Thirteenth was kept very busy during these early days of service, 
because Colonel Randall was ambitious to bring his regiment into a condition 
of perfection as quickly as possible. 

On the i8th we were in a grand review under General Banks, and it was 
rumored that we were to go with him to the Gulf which turned out to be only 
rumor, and we were thankful it was rumor. 

On the 19th, our first Sunday in Washington, we were informed that after 
breakfast would be Sunday Inspection at eight o'clock sharp, after which many 
visited the city ostensibly to attend Church, but more particularly to s*e the 
places of interest and gratify curiosity. 

The First Vermont Cavalry was in cam]) just across Long Bridge, and the 
Tenth V^ermont was near Chain Bridge, in which regiments many of us had 
relatives and acquaintances which we were anxious to see, and to these places 
some visited on the passes given to attend church in the city. Bible classes 




COURT HOrSK. FAIRFAX COURT HOVSF, VA. 
OCTOI'.KK 14. HJO4. 



//; Ciniip Casey. Il'ashiiic/toii. D. C. 79 

were organized in some of the companies, and religions service held, also prayer 
meetings at the close of the day, and some went over to the Twelfth Regiment 
and joined with them in religious services. The regiment as a whole observed 
the day as one of rest and worship. 

On Thursday, the 23rd, came that storm of wind and rain, lightning and 
thunder, (such a pour down of rain we had not seen before), that flooded our 
camp ground, softened up the earth and then blew over our tents and scattered 
things about in a hurry, and nearly all were suddenly tentless and wet to the skin. 

A few of the tents did not blow down and into these the boys huddled until 
the fury of the storm was over and passed, and our camp had the appearance 
of contact with a cyclone, and some parts of it which was low and flat was 
covered with muddy running water from two to six inches deep. It soon, how- 
ever, ran off and the sun came out and before night tents were all up again in 
better shape than before and everything in order, and the boys congratulated 
each other that no serious damage had befallen them. We stood in the sun till 
our clothing dried, our blankets, overcoats, etc., we hung up to dry on the ridge 
pole of our A tents. 

This exjierience was not without profit for we learned the nature of the soil 
and was more careful about driving in the pegs and pins to hold the tents down 
firm to the gromid thereafter. 

Some of the boys were in the city during this storm, and on return found 
their belongings scattered about camp and their tents flat on the ground, but 
soon, with the assistance of others, up went the tents and generally their things 
were all found. 

The next two days were pleasant and warm, and we were ordered out in 
brigade drill. On the 25th and 26th it rained most of the time, and we could 
not drill, so the boys secured passes and spent the days in the city at the capitol 
building which was the chief attraction and at Smithsonian Institute, Patent 
office and Treasury Ihiilding, White House, and up and down Pennsylvania 
Avenue, of which .\venue we never tired of visiting. Some went to the navy 
yard, and others Georgetown, and in the evening attended theatres and other 
places of amusement. 

The city and all about was teeming with busy life, night and day, an in- 
creasing and never ending flow of regiments of Infantry and Cavalry and 
Batteries moving through the city and passing across Long Bridge to the front. 
The streets of the city were full all the time with mounted officers with their 
aids and orderlies, moving rapidly to and from the many headquarters within the 
city, making necessary arrangements incident to active service. Every branch 
of the service seemed actively engaged to prepare against an attack from Lee's 
army. All ostentatious display had disappeared, it was business, more light and 
less show. 

The army of the Potomac, October 28th was in the vicinity of Warrentown, 
Virginia, and that of the army of northern Virginia under General Lee just 
across the Rappahannock and Rapidan ready to question and resist any attempt 
to cross or advance. 



At Camp Casey. Waslnni/tDii. D. C. 8i 

General AlcClellan was cautious, fearful he nii^ht lose his partially restored 
prestige, secured at the battle of Antietam, aud did not uuflerstand General Lee 
as well as Lee understood him, and was too cautious or timid to advance. 

President Lincoln had returned from a visit to McClellan's headquarters 
near Antietam and was now very anxious that .McClellan should push General 
Lee to a fight before he reached and passed through the passes of the Blue Ridge 
into the valley of Virginia. 

McClellan hesitated and the situation between the two great armies facing 
each other was such as to create great apprehension at Washington, because lack 
of confidence in General McClellan, and therefore the utmost energy was mani- 
fested by the administration to hurry troops across the Potomac into Virginia 
to be ready for any emergency. The administration on November 7, 1862, for 
reasons relieved General ]\IcClellan and placed General Pairnside in command of 
the arni\' of the Potomac. This move created much feeling, and Presiden.*- 
Lincoln was by some bitterly assailed and yet McClellan"s course after Antietam 
fully justified the change though the high hopes in General Piurnside were not 
realized. 

Xo one could tell where and when to look for General Jackscm, (Stonewall 
Jackson) McClellan was not. evidently. General Lee's equal and it was so 
generally conceded, and this sentiment in and about \\'ashington on the last 
days of October and the first days of November accounted for the haste of the 
second \'ermont Brigade, and other troops to take the field. 

The Sixteenth \''ermont Regiment arrived in Washington on the 27th of 
October, and went into camp near us on East Capitol Hill. We invited them to 
take supper and lodging with us, and in the morning they took breakfast with 
the Twelfth \"ermont Regiment. About this date an order was issued to form 
a brigade to be composed of the Twelfth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth and 
Sixteenth Regiments to be known and called the Second \'ermont Brigade. 
The news of this order was very gratifying to all of these new regiments, for in 
this case would remain together. 

It was rumored that we should soon leave the city for the front, the rank 
and file knew not where, nor just when we were to start on the march. These 
regiments were concentrated on the 29th and started on the morning of the 30th, 
marched down Pennsylvania Avenue through the City crossed Long Bridge 
before noon, and was now in old \'irginia on our way to some place unknown at 
least to the rank and file. We passed Arlington Heights from which in plain 
view could be seen General Lee's grand old mansion home, (since the war used 
as a National Cemetery), before we stopped for the night we were away to the 
southwest some ten miles from East Capital Hill. It was our first juarch ;i.nd 
we thought it long and hard, all were pretty well jaded out. The weather of 
this day was hot and roads dusty, and our knapsacks, guns, etc., seemed heavy, 
and we were tired and hungry and ready to stop long before night. 

\\'e passed several forts after crossing the Potomac on which were mounted 
cannon ready for business, the names of which forts I do not recall, but some 
one said that two of them were named Fort Albany and Fort Richmond. They 
were what v^'as called dirt forts on cjuite elevated hills, commanding the approach 
to Washington from the south. 





CAPT. lOIlX LOXERl'.AX, CO. A. 
1862. 



(APT. JDllX LllNRRGAX. CO. A, 
I QOO. 





FIRST LIKUT. loliX T. SIXXilTT, CD. .\. 
1863. 



-KCuXD LIEL T. UA\ lU MCDi;\riT, Co. A. 
1863. 



At Camp Scz.'ord. J'a. 83 

At Camp Casey on East Capital Mill occurred the first death in our regiment, 
Isaac X. Brooks, Company F. a young boy of 18. His body was embalmed and 
sent home to Vermont by his company comrades. The sad news of his death 
spread quickly through camp and all were sad for we had become as one family 
and it seemed sadder to die of disease than in battle. On the 2gth of October, 
First Lieutenant Nathanial Jones, Jr.. of Company B died of TA-phoid Fever. 
His body was also embalmed and sent home to \'ermont by the company to 
which he belonged. 

Lieutenant Jones. Jr. was the first Officer of the regiment that died, and he 
within twenty days after being mustered into the L'nited States service at Brat- 
tleboro. This death was cause of deep regret and sorrow among his company 
comrades, and all who knew him. These two deaths so near to each other and 
so sudden was indeed a sad reminder of the havoc of disease from exposure in 
army life, and warned us all to be careful. 

We were now in a camp that we called Camp Seward : a delightful spot in 
an oak and pine grove with a swift running brook of pure water near at hand, 
the bubbling music of which reminded us of the mountain streams of our own 
native State. On our first day here we put up our tents thinking we would 
remain some time. It was a nice place for a camp, rolling ground near plenty 
of timber, and running water, near by, cool, clear and refreshing, the best we 
had found since leaving Vermont. 

On the morning of November ist, orders came to strike tents and be ready 
to march. We moved about noon, the Twelfth X'ermont going with us, and 
in the direction of Alexandria City. It was hot and dusty, and woolen clothing 
and heavy knapsacks made marching hard, and we were obliged to stop and rest 
quite often. Tt was new business to most of us and though hard, none com- 
plained. 

We passed through the city of Alexandria just at night, crossed the little 
muddy stream of Hunting Creek and on its low flat banks, camped down for the 
night ; and on the following day moved south on the main road leading in the 
direction of Mount Vernon a mile or more, and went into camp on quite an 
elevated plain covered with brush and laurel bushes and timber in abundance, 
and near a large spring of water and just west of the highway leading south, and 
about eight miles north of ]\Iount \'ernon. The elevated wood land and flowing 
spring influenced Colonel Randall in the selection of this camp. This place was 
called Springbank, an estate owned by one George Mason. He claimed to be 
neutral and objected to his grounds being used for camps and stopped the boys 
from work until Colonel Randall convinced him that he was under orders to 
select a suitable camp in that locality and that spot suited him the best of any 
and must, for the present, locate and camp there, and would use no more wood 
and timber than necessary for comfort and winter quarters, and would do as 
little damage as possible. We cleaned up grounds for a camp and put up fly or 
shelter tents and waited for the wagon train to arrive with the A tents, etc' 

It was rumored we were to remain in this camp for some time, and the boys 
were so delighted with it that they christened it Camp Vermont. C)n this day 
while cleaning up the ground we distinctly heard booming of cannon in the 
distance, apparently in the direction of south and west, and a rumnr spread 




SURCT. JAMF:s I!. SCULLY. CO. .\, 
1862. 






%^ 



.\ II. HA M.I.N. 
l8(>_>. 



At Camp Vcnnont. J 'a. 85 

thrcHigli camp that General AlcClellaii and General Lee were having a battle. 
No one paid much attention to this cannonading, it was too common, and besides 
Colonel Randall evidently did not believe McClellan would press Lee for a 
battle, and yet some listened and appeared apprehensive of impending danger. 

The papers from Washington reported General Lee and his army on the 
south bank of the Rappahannock and in the Shenandoah Valley and McClellan 
at a safe distance in and about \Yarrenton. south of Bull Run battlefield, so 
those who read, and the knowing ones, paid no attention to the wild rumors 
lloating about camp. 

It was said that General (Stonewall) Jackson was still well down the 
valley near Harpers Ferry bringing up the rear of General Lee's army, and that 
General Hancock was watching him in the passes of the Blue Ridge and were 
almost daily e.xchanging complimentary cannonading in some of the numerous 
passes through the mountains into the valley. 

Our A tents arrived, and on the 4th of November we built our village of 
cotton tents in Camp \'ermont and settled down for the winter, supposing we 
were to stay here until the Spring campaign. 

Timber was plenty and near by, and now the camp was active in building 
stockades for tents and laying corduroy floors, making bunks, and filling them 
with pine and cedar boughs for beds, digging shallow drains to keep water out 
of tents, hurrying from Alexandria with axes and hatchets, sheet iron stoves, 
spiders, cups, etc., for individual use and comfort. All were busy that we might 
be prepared for rain and snow, and the approaching winter. 

This camp ground was beautifully situated en the high banks of the Lcjtomac, 
about a mile southwest and in plain sight of Alexandria near by, and Washing- 
ton some eight miles further up the river. One could see up and d(_)wn the 
Potomac from the City of Washington most to Mount \'erncn. and a wide 
stretch of the country way to the north and east, and we often heard the signal 
bell of Mount \ ernon as steamboats passed up and clown. 

The broad river nearby dotted with white sails, steamboats, tugs and 
numerous tiny craft were passing up and down the river night and day with 
soldiers, prisoners of war, the sick from the numerous hospitals, munitions of 
war, food and clothing for the army, made an ever changing ])icture of which 
we never tired, a ra\ishing sight indeed for it was new to nearly all. 

This camp reminded us of Champlain \'alley, and we were contented and 
happy. Quite a good many farmers lived in this locality and most of them at 
this time owned and kept slaves who did the work on the plantations and in the 
houses. 

I recall the name of one nearby camp, as that of Johnson. He had ten 
slaves, and these colored folks were intensely loyal, but at this time extremely 
cautious. Most of the old families about sympathized with the Rebel cause, 
(no matter what they claimed about the pending conflict. ) 

As many of the boys as could, secured passes and made almost daily visits 
to Alexandria and Washington, and the first place visited at Alexandria was the 
Marshall House where Colonel Ellsworth of Ellsworth Zouaves was shot by 
Johnson, the owner of the hotel, while on his way down stairs from hauling down 
the Rebel flag that floated in the breeze from the top of the hotel, ^fay 24, 1861, 



f»*s.l 




HEMAN W. ALLEiX, CO. A, 
1862. 



At Camp Vermont, Va. 87 

the day the city was captured, and then would visit the docks, wharfs, eating 
houses and the numerous camps nearby. 

The industry and ingenuity of the boys made tents and camp quite home- 
like and the whole regiment was content and very well satisfied with this sightly- 
and apparently healthy location. A few were sick, and some longed for home 
and yet the morale of the regiment was good, and nearly all were enthusiastic 
in the cause that induced them to volunteer. To our great surprise as well as 
the Natives about, we awoke on the morning of November 9th. with the ground 
covered with snow and still falling fast, and continued most of the day. Wind 
from the northwest and growing cold, and there fell at this time from six to 
eight inches of snow, a regular New England snow storm, only earlier than it 
usually occurred in Vermont. 

It was unprecedented in that region so early, as the Natives informed us. 
It certainly was cold and we were very fortunate, in that our tents were all up 
in snug condition and there was plenty of wood and rails for fire, only a few, 
however, had any means for warming their tents, but fires were built just outside 
near tent openings and around these and the blazing fires at the cook tents we 
gathered and hovered until warmer weather, which came in the course of two or 
three days. 

Cotton tents were not much jjrotection against cold weather. Ijut we huddled 
together, put on our overcoats covered up with woolen blankets and managed to 
keep comfortable. None were prepared, but no grumbling to any extent. Some 
in camp were always finding fault and we had some of that class in the Thirteenth 
Regiment. 

The unpleasant thing about this snow storm for the l)oys, was guard and 
picket duty, which must be attended to ; a large detail was made each day for 
the picket line, a mile or more south of our camp, extending from the Potomac 
low lands westward for a number of miles, and on this picket line for twenty- 
four hours in such a storm was not so pleasant an experience. 

We had no tents on the picket line and we must do as best we could. We 
were not even permitted to make fires on the picket line, but some did. We 
were on the front line and must be vigilant, for Mosbey and other bushwhackers 
infested the country to the south of our line and occasionally made raids in the 
night time within our lines to keej) the "Yanks" as they called them, stirred up. 
The second Vermont Brigade were now all camped near each other and all doing 
the same duty, the Fourteenth, Fifteenth and Sixteenth having arrived two 
days before the snow storm. Here besides picket duty and work on Fort Lyon 
we resumed regimental and brigade drills under direction of Colonel Blunt of 
the Twelfth, he being the ranking Colonel of the Brigade, and therefore in charge. 

This fort building business, the boj^s resented, saying they were ready to 
fight, but digging Virginia clay in mud and water was not in the contract, and 
some were sullen and ugly, and contrary, and were not a success in building 
forts with spade and pick. Some three hundred a day from the Thirteenth, and 
I presume an ecjual number from the other regiments, for a number of days 
were detailed to work on this fort. 

Fort Lyon was situated southwest from the city of Alexandria, and it 
seemed a great folly, at least the boys of the Thirteenth thought so, and we made 




HEMAN W. ALLEN, CO. A, 
1906. 



At Caiiip Vcniiont. I'a. 89 

a poor show for the time spent there and were ghid when told no nKjre wt)rk 
would be reqitired from our brigade. 

From information considered reliable, it was said we were to remain in this 
camp for the winter, and therefore the boys renewed their efforts in preparing 
for the winter, which e\idently was near at hand. We had just passed through 
one genuine New England snow storm and it was as cold as any X'ermont snow 
storm in November, that any of us had experienced. 

We stockaded more of our tents, plastered uji the crevices with \'irginia red 
clay mud, thoroughly policed the ground of the camp and its drainage was made 
better, new sinks dug and well located and protected, all precautions taken as 
suggested by Surgeon Nichols to avoid any epidemic of fever or other diseases, 
for it was the experience of many northern soldiers that had seen Virginia 
winters, especially along the Potomac, that chills and fevers and enteric troubles 
caused many deaths, filled the hospitals and quite rapidly depleted the ranks on 
accotint of the long lists that were discharged and sent home. 

We were supplied while in this camp in great abimdance, and our regular 
rations was soft bread, pork and beans, rice, tea and coffee, sugar, molasses, Irish 
potatoes, fresh beef, salt, pepper and vinegar, and with such rations and out 
door life with guard and picket duty, drills, fatigue work in camp or at Fort 
Lyon, gave us craving apjietites and we ate and slept well and grew fat and 
strong. 

The routine duties were much the same each day. but varied now and then 
by genera! reviews, battalion drill and rifle practice at long range. 

I think that the first death that occurred at Camp \'ermont was that of 
Homer C. Fletcher of Company G, musician, died in camp hospital, November 
i8th, 1862, and Company G, escorted by the drum corps marched to the hospital, 
a brief religious service held, sermon by Chaplain Sargent. This was the first 
death in Company G. Three more of this company died in this camp, Orange 
Lackey, November 23rd, Orville K. Rogers, November 25th, and Captain ^Larvin 
White, December 13th. 

Captain ^^hile was the only Captain mustered in at Brattleboro that did 
not return to \'ermont alive. His body was sent to his home in Enosburg, Ver- 
mont, and it is my recollection that all who died at Camp Vermont out of the 
Thirteetnh Regiment were sent home by subscription raised in the respective 
companies to which they belonged. 

We had many visitors while here for we were nearby W'ashington and 
Alexandria, and numerous camps, and officers and privates (\'ermonters) 
belonging to other regiments, made frequent calls for a day or so to see some 
old friend and comrade. 

A soldier t'lat Company K boys from Swanton called Stub Lawrence, who 
went west from Swanton and now belonged to a western regiment, came from 
the hospital at Washington to see his Swanton friends. At this camp the wives 
of Burton Dean and James Kinsley of Company K, and some others joined their 
husbands and remained until we moved to Fairfax Court House. 

November 20th, we started with the rest of our brigade to take part in a 
grand review, a division review as it was said. W'e marched a mile or more 
beyond Alexandria, and the mud was awful deep, roads almost impassible for 





TORRKY \V. SIBLEY, CO. A. 
1862. 



TORREY W. SIP.I.EY, CO. .\, 
1906. 




WILLIA.M K. WOODRUFF, CO. .\, 

i86g. 



WILLIAM R. WOODRCFF, CO. A, 



I 906. 



At Camp J'crnwnt, I 'a. 91 

marching, it had been raining for two days and the Virginia clay stuck to our 
shoes so that it was hardly possible to lift our feet on the march. We were halted 
for rest and soon an order came to return to camp with which we gladly and 
cheerfully complied. It was a dirty, nasty march, and we were covered with 
Virginia red clay mud to the knees. 

It rained hard and fast before we reached camp, and continued all night 
and the next day, and then cleared off cold with fresh northwest wind, and 
again the boys were busy fixing up tents for winter quarters, for now we began 
to believe that here we should remain until the Spring campaign opened, unless 
General Burnside, who had just superseded General McClellan undertook to 
move against General Lee and capture Richmond, which rumor said was his 
ptirpose. But this was doubted, however, owing to the condition of the roads 
and the low flat country oa er which he would be obliged to march his army in 
order to reach Richmond, and the moving of artillery and wagon trains 
over the country at this season of the year had already been found to be very 
difficult. When all our tents were fixed up and we were settled down for 
winter, sure that we were to remain, to our surprise and great disappointment 
on the evening of November 25th, an order came about six o'clock in the evening 
to pack up and be ready to march. This was business and no use of asking 
questions. We obeyed and were soon on the march in the rain and mud, and 
the night was like Egyptian darkness, could not see but a few feet in any direc- 
tion, but on we marched until two o'clock in the morning, and arriving in a 
small grove of pine trees remained until day light. 

We had with us on this march, the Fourteenth and Fifteenth regiments and 
all under the command of Colonel Randall of the Thirteenth, and were on our 
way to occupy a front picket line along the upper Occoquan and Bull Run river. 

Fires were built, and around these the boys huddled to warm and to dry 
their water soaked clothing. j\Iany laid down near the fires, exhausted and were 
soon sound in sleep, regardless of mud, rain and cold. The ground was wet and 
damp beneath, and the rain was falling fast overhead. We had marched many 
miles in the darkness of the night and were tired out, and sleep the most and 
pretty much all did, (but the guard about the camp), until aroused by the din of 
camp making preparations to continue the march. 

Soon after daylight we lunched on soft bread and boiled pork from our 
haversacks, and took up the line of march, and arrived at Union Mills about 
noon, where we went into camp, and here we did picket duty along the upper 
Occoquan and Bull Run. 

The Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth regiments were all near each 
other, and nearby Bull Run battlefield, the slaughter house of two great battles, 
both humiliatmg and ought not to have occurred. 

Union Mills which was the headquarters of our present location was situated 
on the railroad, running from Alexandria south. There was plenty of timber in 
this locality and the numerous camp fires necessary for comfort made our camp 
in the night an attractive sight. 

Our tents were left at Camp Vermont and did not reach us for a week, and 
therefore camp life at this spot doing picket duty was far from pleasant or 
attractive, — the novelty of picket duty at the front was fast disappearing. 




PKTKR SHIATT, CO. A, 
1862. 



PETER SHIATT, CI. A, 
1906. 




ALLEN G. FRISCIE, CO. A. 
1863. 



ALLEX G. FRISI'.IE. CO. A., 
1906. 



At Camp Vcnnont, J 'a. 93 

Many of us while here visited Hull Run battlerielcl. and we found plenty of 
evidence of deadly struggle, carnage and destruction, and in many places, the 
dead had not been properly buried, and the shallow graves and trenches evidently 
were hastily and carelessly covered, and the rain and wind exposed to view 
those who had been slain in battle some three months before. And some had 
on the blue and some the gray, friend and foe sleeping their last sleep together, 
and no one knew who they w.ere, only that they belonged to the armies of 
General Lee and General Pope, who fought the battle of second Bull Run in 
August and Septemljer, previous to our visit there. 

We shrank from the horrible sights. We knew these brave boys had been 
buried less than ninctv da_\s. and our hearts were sad. because we felt here was 
neglect and lack i_>i proper care of the heroic dead. W'e knew at this time but 
a little of the hard and streruious realities of desperate warfare. 

( )ur A tents and other camp equipage arrived by cars from Alexandria on 
the 29th, and we soon had up our tents around about L'nion Mills, and now 
again were piotected from the unusual inclemency of the season. 

(_>n December 2nd and 3rd, some three or four New York regiments came 
to relieve us. and on the morning of the 4th we received orders to move back 
to Camp X'ermont. 

W'e struck tents on the 3th and, with everything on board, took cars for 
Alexandria on our way back to Camp \'ermont, arriving at Alexandria about 
dark. Xo teams were there to move our baggage, many of the boys of the 
Thirteenth and Fourteenth regiments left the cars and marched up to their old 
(|uarters, which they had hurriedly and regretfully left on the 26th of November, 
reaching camp in the face of a blinding snow storm, necessarily leaving their 
tents on the cars at Alexandria. 

Those who marched back to camp that evening were welcomed and accom- 
modated with supper and lodging by the Twelfth and Sixteenth, which we had 
left behind only a few days before, quite a numerous guard remained with the 
tents and baggage on the cars, and managed to pile up boxes and tents on the 
flat bottom cars to protect them from the blinding snow storm. 

Colonel Randall and a number of other officers found comfortable quarters 
in a house nearby. In the morning snow covered the groiuid from four to six 
inches, and it was cold and raw, wind blowing blizzard-like from the west. 
Colonel Randall was out early in the morning making arrangements to move 
up to Camp Vermont. Teams were soon on hand and our tents and other 
baggage in a short time were moving across Hunting Creek Bridge, winding up 
around the hills on the west side past Fort Lyon, on the way to our old Camp. 

We found our stockades as we had left them but a few days before, all in 
position, and each squad of tentmates knew their old quarters, and it did not 
take the boys long to spread their tents over and fasten them down to the logs 
as before, and long before night our cotton city of white was again built and 
occupied, and though tired, all were happy and glad to be back in Camp Vermont 
once more for the winter, this time sure. 

This was Saturday, and we made haste regardless of snow, mud and cold 
or wind to be ready for rest and quiet on Sunday. The regiment had been on 
the run so much from place to place since setting our feet on \'irginia soil, it 



94 The Thirteenth Regiiiient reniioiit I'oluiiteers. 

was difficult to keep track of even the days of the week. Sunday morning opened 
clear and cold and the boys were vexed to think the orderly Sergeants should 
disturb their siuiuhcrs at six o'clnck in the morning by that now familiar sound 
"Fall in. l-'all in for roll call"', but no one stood long in line and c|uickly after 
rcspunding to his name, crawled back into his tent. 

We soon learned that there would be no Sunday inspcctidu on this day, and 
for this we were very thankful, for we could not have arranged to have appeared 
in decent condition as to arms and clothing without working most of the day. 

()ur Ccilnnel tdok in the situation and issued orders to omh tliL- u^ual .Sunday 
ins]X'Clion. 

On our return from Union .Mills and lUiIl Run. where we had been for 
two weeks doing picket duty, the bo}s began to receive boxes from home contain- 
ing chicken pies, roasted and stufl'ed chickens and turkeys, mince pies, fruit 
cake, butter and cheese, etc., which were Thanksgiving dinners sent from our 
homes. 

These were welcomed dainties and came in due season, and in pretty good 
condition, some of the boxes had been roughly handled and contents considerably 
mixed up, but nothing was wasted, though jammed and a little stale, but all 
good. 

These palatable edibles brought fresh to mind the scenes of the old New 
England Thanksgiving Dinner and those who gathered around the well laden 
tables at home, and our eyes moistened, and for the moment we wished our- 
selves back mingling with our acquaintances in the merry making and festivities 
of the season. 

We had Thanksgiving dinners though a little later than usual, but on the 
installment plan. The boys in each tent that had been so fortunate as to receive a 
box, a special spread was made, and if any comrade had been forgotten or a 
promised box had not arrived, stich were sought out and invited in, and so 
from day to day as boxes arrived from Washington and Alexandria, brought 
to our camp by our regimental teams, we continued our feasting while in Camp 
Vermont. 

We heard by letters that boxes had been sent and most of them reached 
us, but some never, and though we went by delegations to Washington and 
Alexandria and searched the carloads of boxes received and stored in express 
companies' warehouses, did not find all, and these boys were bitterly disappointed, 
for in some of these boxes that were lost were boots from the home shoemaker, 
woolen socks that mothers had spun and knit, writing paper and envelopes and 
postage stamps, loaf sugar and brandy for cold and diarrhci-a, and other thuigs, 
we had found c|uite useful and had written home for. 

We had jslenty of army food in this camp, but the change to home-made was 
agreeable, and above all it was cooked and made and packed under the loving 
care of mothers at home, whose solicitude for their boys in the army was the 
absorbing thought day and night. 

r.cnedict's History of \'ermont in the Civil War says that General E. H. 
Stoughton visited Camp \'ermont on Sunday, the Jth of December, the very 
next day after our return from picket duty near Bull Run battlefield. The 
news soon .spread throughout camp and all were making an.xious incjuiries con- 



At Camp Teniioiit, J 'a. 95 

cerning him and his purposes. The knowing ones doubtless were aware whv 
he made this visit to our cam]> at this time, but the officers of the Line and the 
rank and file were e(|ually surprised wlien it was announced that he was present. 
We were informed that he had been made a Brigadier General and had been 
assigned to duty and placed in command of the Second \'ermont Brigade. This 
was a great surprise, and to some of the ofificers a grievous disappointment. 

The Thirteenth Regiment believed their Colonel was the man for the place, 
and that the selection should have been made from the Field officers of the 
several regiments of our brigade, and in fact rumor had mentioned Colonels 
Randall and Blunt, as likely to be made Brigadier General of volunteers and 
placed in command of the second \ermont Brigade. But influences of which 
we knew not of (always mysterious) had prevailed, and an officer that we knew 
nothing of, nor he of us, was now in command of our brigade and all were 
disappointed, and some disgusted. 

We had of course expected a Brigadier General, l)Ut 1 think the advent of 
General Stoughton among us was a complete surprise. He was known to (|uite 
a number of the Field Officers of our Brigade who had served with him in the 
old Vermont Brigade, while he was Colonel of the Fourth \'erinont and com- 
manded that Regiment during the Peninsular Campaign and in the battles of 
Crampton Gap and Antietam, with ability and bravery, and had won for himself, 
an enviable record as a commander of a regiment on many bloody fields of 
desperately fought battles. He had been educated at the United States }\lilitary 
Academy, West Point, and served as an officer in the regular army. All of 
which justified his recommendation and appointment as Brigadier General oi 
Volunteers. 

The Thirteenth Regiment was considerably disai)p(jinted for they had become 
much attached to Colonel Randall and sincerely believed that ability, experience, 
age and more than ordinary prowess made him an ideal candidate for promotion 
to the position of Brigadier General, but such was not to be, and in the light of 
subsequent history, perhaps it was well that Colonel Randall remained in com- 
mand of his own Regiment. 

General Stotighton was now in command and he was anxious to demonstrate 
his fitness for the distinguished honor conferred. Scarcely anything else was 
talked of in camp on this Sunday, but General Stoughton and what would be 
now done, and whether we should remain in Camp \'ermont for the winter or 
go elsewhere. Notwithstanding rumor, we commenced again on Monday morn- 
ing to rechink our stockades with red clay and make ready ( as fast and well 
as possible), our tents and surroundings with the expectation of remaining here 
during the winter, and in a day or two all was ready again for winter and the 
routine of camp resumed. Some of the boys had returned from Union Mills 
sick, sufifering with bad colds and diarrhoea from exposure and some had been 
injured on the midnight march on the way to Union Mills. 

We began now to realize the strenuous life of being a soldier and looked 
forward with apprehension concerning the future, not because of cowardice, but 
rather, whether we should be able under all circumstances to acquit ourselves as 
good soldiers with credit, and honor to our regiment. State and Nation. But 
few of us I think (perhaps not any), regretted their enlistment, and these if anv. 




1 900. 








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LIEUT. .NATHAN n;i. jnNl'.S ]\i.. v-Ti. i;. l.li:iT. ClJ-SSiiN K. .McrLKHV, Cll. I!, 

1862. 1863. 



At Camp J'cniioiit, J'a. 97 

there were, said not a word, and made the hest of the situation, and did their 
duty faithfully and well. 

Une ean imaj,fine our surprise and disappointment after being assured we 
were most likely to remain here until Spring, when the order came for the 
second time, now from General Stoughton, on the evening of December nth to 
be ready to march at daylight on the morning of the 12th. 

Before we could go to sleep our knapsacks and haversacks, and everything 
must be made ready to strike tents before daylight, and be ready to move at 
the word "Fall in." 

We had been back in our old cam]5 about one week and it now seemed like 
home, and all were comparatively haiipy, the very name (X'ermont). gratified 
otir pride and gave contentment. 

Cainp \'ermont was indeed a beautiful spot, on an elevated table land over- 
looking a broad stretch of the Potomac Valley from Washington to Blount 
Vernon with the wooded hills and fertile valleys of Maryland to the east, the 
still running waters of the broad Potomac at our feet, a living picture by night 
and by day, carrying up and down soldiers, munitions of war, prisoners, sick and 
wounded, constantly reminding one of desperate warfare. 

The city of Alexandria was considerably dilapidated and neglected, but now 
was the great depot of the government for shipments of food and other supplies 
to and for the army, and the city of \\'ashington some ten miles up the Potomac 
in plain view, and on both banks of the river as far as the eye could see the 
whole country seemed covered with white tents, the homes of the great army of 
soldiers preparing for aggressive warfare and the defense of Washington. All 
were .sorry to leave this delightful place so accessible to Alexandria and Wash- 
ington, numerous camps, Mount \'ernon and other places of historical interest. 

When the order came to move again so soon, many of our boys were absent 
on passes, visiting Washington, Alexandria and Mount Vernon and nearby 
camps, two from each company had been sent to Washington for mule teams, 
for those we fir.st had for some reason, were turned over to the government when 
we were out at Union Mills. Mule teams we must have for tents and other 
baggage could not be moved, and hence a detail of twenty. ( the author being 
one), were sent on a mission to Washington for mule teams. We reached the 
city of Washington and found the place where the mules were harnessed and 
hitched up for distribution, but others w'ere there also, for teams and we were 
informed must wait until our turn came. We, Yankee like, out of curiosity 
watched the niggers, catch, harness and hitch up these green raw mules and saw 
how they acted wheti turned over to other details to be taken to different camps. 
and our curiosity was fully and suddenly satisfied, and were now anxious to find 
some manner of escape from duty, for a ride back to Camp Vermont with raw 
mules hitched up for the first time we were anxious to avoid. We held a con- 
sultation and it was agreed so far as driving and riding green mules from Wash- 
ington to Camp Vermont, that distance from such mules was our only safety. 
Even the niggers who grabbed the mules by their long ears in their endeavor to 
handle and harness in the rough and tumble scramble were not able to keep 
top more than half of the time, and it was difficult to tell some of the time as 
they rolled and tumbled about which was mule and wdiich nigger. It was about 





,ii:rT. i:i)\\i\ i-. paumuk, co. b, 
1862. 



LIEUT. EDWIX I--. I'AL.MKK, CO. li, 
1900. 




siiuc.i'. ci-oKc.i'; (I. iiovcK, CO. u. 

1864. 



SERC.T. CKORCE O. IlOVCK. Cn. I: 
1905. 



At Camp Vermont, Va. 99 

an even thing, and we decided to return as we came and report that we had to 
wait and come again. We were sick of our job, not so much of a picnic as we 
had anticipated, and from what we knew and saw of mules rather be shot than 
kicked by a green mule. 

We remained over night at the Soldier's Retreat where we were cordially 
received after showing our passes, disclosing the purpose of our visit to th* 
city. \\'e. the detail, had decided to return without mules and spent the day in 
the city, started back in season to reach camp about nine o'clock, when our 
approach would not be seen. The author was to make the report and give the 
reasons for returning empty-handed. We reached camp about ten p. m., and 
learned that an order had been made to move at daylight next morning. This 
was we thought fortunate, and we said not a word, only no mules ready and must 
return another day. 

The regiment started at daylight and in the haste and confusion, not a word 
said about teams. The whole brigade was on the march as reported for Fairfax 
Court House twenty miles away. The detail reached Camp Vermont late in the 
afternoon, tired out and anxious too, for the air was full of wild rumors as to 
the location of the Rebel Army. It had been reported some days before that 
General JMcClellan had been dismissed in disgrace and his army from the highest 
in rank to the humblest private were indignant, and there was much excitement 
because of the change when in the face of the enemy, making ready for battle 
with General Lee. It was claimed that General McClellan had been removed 
because of his dilatory pursuit of Lee. He had proven himself an e(|ual with 
Lee at Antietam or Strasburg and had been following General Lee towards 
Winchester and Warrenton under the urgent directions of President Lincoln, 
not to permit General Lee to get away without engaging him in battle. We of 
the 13th and the whole of the Second \'ermont Brigade as well, were informed 
through the newspapers and other sources as to McClellan's and Lee's movements 
subsequent to the battle of Antietam, and every camp was full of exciting stories 
concerning the two great armies, and we who were fresh and green in the service 
were much wrought up and somewhat alarmed at each rumor of approaching 
battle, and it was not strange that many believed we were on the way to take 
part in another Bull Run defeat. We knew nothing as to the plan of campaign 
now in progress, and were soldiers for a purpose and were ever willing to go 
whenever and wherever directed. Not one enlisted, expecting a holiday pleasure 
trip to Washington and return. 

We arrived at Fairfax Court House late in the afternoon tired out, and the 
surroundings were not inviting, all was confusion, troops moving in direction 
of Centerville, Manassas and Warrenton in support of General Burnside now in 
command of the army of the Potomac, and no one seemed to know what was 
to be done with our brigade. We made ourselves as comfortable as possible and 
patiently waited for further orders. The weather was quite fine and we got 
along very well with shelter tents, and the houses we built with pine boughs in 
the woods. 

During the night of the 15th, rain in torrents fell, and long before daylight 
those who were not well tented and covered, were wet to the skin with dripping 
clothing, cold and shivering, standing about our campfires with rubber blankets 








<KRG'I'. H. Al.r.KK UHVVI•;^■, CD. 

1862. 



SKRi.T. \;i;kki!.i. (I. i.rcE, co. n. 
1862. 






SERCT. ARETIS TIIAYKK, Cn. 11 
1862. 



si:Kr,T. uissKi.u d. silsisv. co. h, 
1863. 



.// Camp I'airfax Court H<nisc, I 'a. toi 

over tlieir shduklers to dry and warm. The rain fell fast and we piled on the 
pine liniljs and trees and kept n]) a roaring', blazinj.^ hot fire till the rain was over. 
We did not have any s]iecial duty and it was thought we should move or take 
the place of those who had just arrived evidently waiting to hear from Durnside. 
who was. as we there learned at Frederickslnu'g. hghting with (jeneral Lee. 

The hurrying of troops in the direction of the army of the Potomac then at 
Fredericksburg indicated to us that Burnside was in need of sup])ort and his 
crossing of the Rappahannock was being contested by General Lee. The wind 
on the 13th and 14th was southerly, and we distinctly heard way to the south 
the deep rumbling of cannonading which we believed to be the forces of Burn- 
side and Lee at Fredericksburg some 30 miles away. Our A tents, etc., having 
reached Fairfax station by cars, the boys hurried down in squads and brought 
them on their shoulders to camp, such as were most needed and soon had them 
up and occupied, and all again were snugly housed and quite comfortable though 
rations were short, but in the course of a couple of days there was plenty. 

On the i8th were ordered out on the meadowlands northwest of the Court 
House for brigade drill with General Stoughton in command, .\bout this date 
a case of small pox was reported and an order came to have all vaccinated which 
was promptly done, though some objected because scars could be plainly seen 
on arms and legs, but the order must be executed and it was. While here, the 
regiments one at a time were sent out to Centerville on picket dut}', and the 13th 
regiment went out on the 20th, returning on the 24th. \\'e to<ik ijnly shelter 
tents and had a rough, raw time of it and all were glad to return to camp and 
occupy company quarters and feed at the cook tents where there was always 
plenty of hard tack, salt pork and beef, hot coffee, rice, pork and beans, etc. 

Our first march from this camp was out to Centerville some eight miles 
westerly from camp to a little village of whitewashed houses so common in this 
part of \'irginia, with large stone chimneys at one end on the outside, and now 
in part occupied by negroes, our forces occupied such as were needed for com- 
missary and quartermasters stores and headquarters for officers, and not far 
away were the abandoned barracks partially tumbled down, built and occupied by 
General Lee's army in the winter of 1861 and 1862. 

The 13th remained in Centerville all night and in the morning marched two 
miles further on and occupied the old barracks which were the winter quarters 
of General Beauregard's troops the winter before, and these were comfortable 
and must have been when made first-class for soldiers, log houses or huts well 
built and well located, now dirty but still very satisfactory for protection, for 
here we could build fires and keep warm, and cook and make coffee and tea. 
Our regiment was nov\' on the outer picket line of Infantry duty (Videtts still 
beyond.) We remained on the picket line 48 hours and returned to camp on 
the 24th. being relieved by one of the other regiments in our brigade, the 14th 
as I recollect it. While here a quarrel occurred among three Cavalrymen out 
at Centerville, one being shot, the arrest of the murderer, subsequent court 
martial, and trial that condemned him to be shot for his rash act and also the 
firing on and killing a first Virginia Cavalryman by a resident Secesh, and 
the burning of his house by the Lieutenant of the Cotnpany to which the 





CORP. FOKUiS (). i:USIIXKI,L, CO. I!, 
1904. 





EDWARD A. FISK, CO. li, 
1862. 



EDWARD A. FISK, CO. I! 
1904. 



At Camp Fairfax Court House. J 'a. 103 

Cavali"\inan killed l)elniiy;cd. The Secesh. escaped, or lie wmild likely have been 
shot. 

( )ur regiment spent Christmas in camp and no duty. We thought of home 
and knew that many a stocking would not be found in its accustomed place, and 
the usual Christmas dinners and parties likel\- in many homes would be omitted 
because of fathers and sons in the army. I recall that our cooks made extra 
efl'orts to have something nice for dinner on this Christmas day. We had pork 
and beans that had been roasted and baked all night in a bed of coals hot for 
dinner, boiled rice with good sale molasses or muscavade sugar, old government 
Java coffee, nice hard tack, (worms all shook out), sweet potatoes and corned 
beef, and all this cooked in good shape. We thought it a dinner fit for a king, 
and all were merry. 

Religious exercises were held in the afternoon. We were thankful to be 
able to recognize the birthday of the lowly Nazarene in camp in this manner. 
We were busy each day occupied in battalion and brigade drill, dress parade, 
guard duty, regimental details for picket out near Bull Run and Centerville. 

On the 28th, at the usual Sunday inspection, Captain Lonergan in his 
characteristic way refused to bring out his company and was immediately placed 
under arrest for disobedience of orders. All of which amounted to nothing 
more than a little diversion and something to talk about. The Captain was too 
shrewd a man not to have ready at hand plenty of reasons to justify his action, 
which were accepted and all was again serene. The captain was of course 
reported to General Stoughton and by his orders placed under arrest. While it 
was necessary to maintain discipline and good order among officers as well as 
privates, yet sometimes we were inclined to be too exacting over trivial questions 
of apparent neglect and omission, and be too hasty in formation of judgment 
that under similar circumstances would not again be made. But this Sunday, 
the 28th, was an eventful one for the Second Vermont Brigade. We were out 
on the front picket line and General Lee's Cavalry were liable to pounce upon us 
at any hour of the day or night and our General was on the sharp lookout to be 
ready to meet and repel any attack of Cavalry raiders that might come in that 
direction. We had heard cannon way to the south and some said it was near 
Dumfrees and doubtless it was known at Washington that General J. E. B. 
Stuart of Lee's army had crossed the Rappahannock and was on liis way north 
on a raid. 

It was known by General Stoughton late in the afternoon that Stuart had 
reached Burks Station moving north, the long roll was heard almost simultaneous- 
ly in each regiment and suddenly came the order to fall in, and we were hurriedly 
marched to the Court House village and here we found our General with his 
numerous staflf mounted and ready. The regiments were placed in the most 
advantageous positions and directions given to the commander of each regiment, 
and there we quietly waited, momentarily expecting the approach of Rebel 
cavalry. It was then claimed that General Stuart had with him, 4,000 strong, 
which fact made some of us imeasy for our numbers were small. The i6th 
regiment at the railroad station some four miles away and Colonels Blunt and 
Randall were attending a court martial at Alexandria eighteen miles distant. 




1)! iKKir S.M I III STi illl) AKll, (.'(I. I',, 
1900. 



Ari'.rsi'rs suoxtki.i., CO. B, 
1904. 



At Camp Fairfax Court House, J'a. lO-, 

Our light liattei')- cannon were so placed in position to command the open country 
and the roads from the south and east. 

Ahout eleven o'clock the approach of cavalry was heard coming up the pike 
from whence Hooker and Schermerhorn of Stoughton's staff had heen sent to 
reconnoitre, and had just returned in hot haste jjursued by Stuart's raiders. 
Companies B and G of the 12th under Captains Ora Paul and Ebenezer J. 
Ormsbee were down the pike in the timber and bushes there waiting the ap- 
proach of the cavalry, anxious to have the first chance to fire. Up the pike came 
our videttes being followed by a troop of Rebel Cavalry which was soon within 
rifle range. 

Captains Paul and Ormsbee greeted General Stuart's raiders with a simul- 
taneous discharge of 100 Springfield rifles from Companies P) and G of the 12th 
Regiment, which caused a sudden halt and a hasty retreat. The raiders now 
realized to their chagrin and dismay that we were ready to give them a warm 
receptiiju. Stuart turned off to the right, built fires as if to camp, but to really 
mislead, and then made his way around to the east of Fairfax Court House, and 
continued northerly and west to Aldie and back from whence he came without 
achieving much honor or securing any booty, and certainly with loss of some 
dead and wounded and loss of horses, carbines and revolvers. 

There was one bold rider with Stuart on that night that rode with his eyes 
wide open, and he profited by what he saw and again came that way, as yon 
must remember, and of this incident we will make mention later. 

The 13th was commanded in this first battle of our brigade by Lieutenant 
Colonel Brown, and the manner in which he led us up to the Court House and 
placed us in position and carefully watched every detail of movement and took 
the regiment to the rifle pits just east of the village, and personally superintended 
locating our position on the field, his activity and prompt response to General 
Stoughton's every call while arranging to meet the attack that we knew was ap- 
proaching in force, his words of caution, cheer and encouragement, his general 
bearing and cool and deliberate conduct as we lay in waiting for many hours, 
dispelled our every doubt, if any there was, of Lieutenant Colonel Brown's 
efiFxiency. courage and fearless bravery to command, and he gave promise that 
the regiment would be valiantly led and fought when the enemy came within 
reach of our guns. The night was still, and we heard the approach coming up 
the frozen pike miles away and the magnitude of noise and clatter of hoof and 
rattle cf sabre told us that the force was strong in numbers and we had onl\' 
two regiments in the front line, the 12th and 13th, and the 14th in support, and 
the 15th on the picket line miles away, and Colonel A'eazey with the 16th had 
been sent to Fairfax Station to guard the army supplies there. 

We had a part of a Connecticut battery, four guns in position with ex- 
perienced officers and gunners and all were ready and anxittus to tr\- a fi.'dit and 
see how it would come out. It was a beautiful moonlight night, we could see 
distinctly the wood and meadowland, hills and valleys, houses, our own camps 
with its man\- tires, and down the pike a mile or more up which General Stuart 
and his command was rai)idly coming, and they, the same Ijold fighters that had 
fought many a hard battle since the opening of the war. 




LESTER K. DOW, CO. I!. 



I.ESTER K. DOW, CO. B, 
1905. 




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SAMUEL J. D.AX.\, CO. B, 
1862. 



.\.\l IIX J. D.\.\A. CO. B. 
1906. 



At Camp I'airfax Court House, Co. lO" 

We saw the liead of the Rebel cohuiin coming, the canoneers were readv 
to fire when ordered, and we were in the rifle pits standing in position, guns 
loaded and capped, expecting every second to hear the order "fire", but when 
less than one-half mile away, we saw a flash and heard the crash and roar of 
musketry and hurried commands of officers, and then a rapid retreat moving off 
to our left. Our battery sent a few shells among them and soon all was quiet 
again, and the enemy we thought was about to move around our left flank and 
get behind and form a junction with the troops that had, we supposed come 
up on our right. We were hastily moved on the double quick to the left and 
rear to guard against any attack on our left flank or rear. 

General Stuart was evidently satisfied that we were ready and likely would 
not run. We had read of the battles of First and Second Bull Run, and what a 
disgraceful stampede our forces made from that nearby battlefield, and said to 
ourselves no matter who or what comes, we will stay and defend our positioii 

General Stuart moved around at a safe distance, and we saw nor heard no 
more of him. Of course we did not undertake to overtake cavalry with in- 
fantry. We remained out all night and returned to our camp in the early morn- 
ing ready for rations and sleep. The complimentary expressions of the boys 
on our return concerning the good conduct of Lieutenant Colonel Brown and 
Major Clark was very flattering to them; this was their first opportunity, and 
they gave a good account of themselves, and from that night Lieutenant Colonel 
Brown had the full confidence of the regiment as a dashing, cool headed, brave 
soldier and leader. 

An incident worthy of note should not be passed by without mention. 
Colonel Randall was absent attending a court martial trial at the city of Alex- 
andria, and learning of General Stuart's contemplated raid in the direction of 
Fairfax Court I^ouse quickly mounted his horse which was fleet of foot and a 
good one and with spur and bridle urged his splendid steed in order that he 
might reach Fairfax Court House and his regiment before General Stuart made 
his appearance, thinking it possible that no information had reached General 
Stoughton of Stuart's coming raid. This was a wild ride along the pike from 
Alexandria to Fairfax Court House in the dead of the night, realizing that 
Stuart and his command might be met at any moment, but the Colonel took in 
the whole situation and covered the distance of eighteen miles as quick as any 
horse and rider that ever passed that way, taking every chance of arriving 
ahead of Stuart's raiders, but General Stuart reached the Court House first, 
and had been received by rifle and cannon and retreated, turning ofi^ to the east 
and crossing the same pike that Colonel Randall was urging along his horse, white 
with sweat and foam, pressing hard to reach camp and passed along the piJ<e 
only a moment before the Rebel raiders reached and crossed it; a minute later 
Colonel Randall would have met them on the pike and likely been captured. It 
is certain had he not covered the distance from Alexandria to Fairfax Court 
House in so short a time he would have been intercepted by General Stuart and 
killed or captured, and thus it was, through the war, some apparently trifling, 
unimportant incident made Generals, won glory and renown or retired efficient, 
brave officers in disgrace and oblivion and the loss of battles and useless slaughter 
of valiant soldiers. 




zii;.\ mc.\i,listi;k, co. p. 
1862. 



ZIEA MCALLISTER, CO. B 
1906. 




BURT J. CHAM BERLIN, CO. B, 
1863. 



lUHT I. CUA.MBKRI.l.V, VI). V. 
1907. 



At Caiiif^ Fairfax Court House, I 'a. 109 

Randall's dash along the pike to reach his regiment was not luck or because 
it was so to be, but because of a single purpose to forward which every effort 
of mind and body of horse and rider was united to reach Fairfax Court House 
and his regiment before too late. The cheers that greeted our beloved Colonel 
as he rode among us showed our hearty appreciation and thankfulness for his 
safe return, and our confidence in his ability to lead. Colonel Randall was not. 
aware of Stuart's cavalry so near at hand nor the close chance he run of capture 
until after his arrival. 

Colonels Randall and Blunt started from Alexandria together for Fairfax 
Court House, and as they drew near. Blunt fell a little behind, and the Rebel 
General and his daring warriors were on the pike between him and Randall, 
and he, Blunt, had to turn his horse back and wait till morning before venturing 
to make camp. It is no wonder that General Stoughton and Colonel Randall 
were alarmed and apprehensive when they heard of the approaching raid toward 
Fairfax Court House, for they knew of him in the Peninsular campaign, of his 
raid around General McClellan and his whole army when before Richmond, and 
knew of his push and prowess at First and Second Bull Run and of his great 
ability as a cavalry leader and fighter. 

It may not be out of place to mention here that Major General J. E. B. 
Stuart was mortally wounded at the battle of Yellow Tavern, May nth. 1864, 
distant only about six miles from Richmond at the head of his command on 
what was called General Sheridan's raid. General Stuart died the following 
day. In his death, the Confederacy lost the most fearless, able and distinguished 
cavalry commander that drew a sabre in the cause of the Confederacy, and it 
may be truthfully stated that he took equal rank with any cavalry- officer of the 
Union armies. No officer exhibited greater bravery and daring under all 
circumstances than General Stuart. His untimely death was as great a loss, 
as any officer or soldier to the Confederate cause from first to last. He was 
conscientious and true, and it is too bad that he died in such a cause. 

On the following day all was ciuiet, but all sorts of stories were rife through- 
out our camp, hair breadth escapes and bold and valiant conduct, etc., was the 
burden of conversation wherever two, three or more gathered, — some of the 
boys were prone to magnify their bravery and skill as marksmen. One might 
well have thought, from what was said in the morning, that at least one hundred 
saddles had been emptied and scores of horses killed or captured, and many 
prisoners wounded, down the pike where Companys B and G of the 12th fired 
on the advancing columns, some in their enthusiasm claimed the ground was 
strewn with the dead, but in fact only two or three killed or died from wounds, 
two made prisoners, a few carbines and pistols, a half dozen of riderless horses, 
a few straps and caps told the story of the result, and not a man or a horse hurt 
on our side, some were frightened and thus ended our first battle, thotigh net 
sanguinary, it furnished us with knowledge of ourselves and gave us confidence 
that served us well on the bloody field of Gettysburg. My own diary and those 
of Fifer John Brough of Company K and Peter G. Dewey of Company I, say 
the wounded were carried away and the dead ciuietly and silently buried at dead 
of night in retired and secluded places. W'e found none of their dead or 




BYROX T. STOCK WKI.L, CO. H, 
1862. 



BYRON J. STOCKVVELL, CO. .B, 
1907. 




.\lbi:rt I). i;ak\ari), co. b, 
1862. 




At Camp Fairfax Court House, J 'a. ill 

wounded, l.)Ut the ground about told the story of dead and wounded, Init how 
many wo never knew. 

\\'e learned that raids and battles and other duties were not delayed on 
aeeount of the Saljbath day. The 30th and 31st inspection and dress parade, 
and on January ist, 1863, were excused from duty and one and all, in some 
manner, celebrated the day. Our boys engaged in a game of ball, the old style. 
None were killed or wounded, but lots of fun, and there prevailed social 
equality alike between officers and privates. Quite a number of our regiment 
were in the hospital. Lieutenant Marsh of Company K was on the 31st, sent 
up to the Court Mouse reported dangerously sick with tyhpoid fever, but 
generally the 13th was in good health and the morale satisfactory'. The author 
visited Lieutenant Marsh on this ist day of January, and found him seriously 
sick with fever and returned and reported to Captain Blake and Lieutenant 
Brown of Company K that grave doubts were expressed b}' Surgeon Nichols and 
nurse Comstock as to recovery ; this was sad news to Company K, for all were 
very much attached to the gentle, kindhearted and modest Lieutenant. It was 
now evident that we were to remain here for some time. Headquarters had 
been established up at the Court House, and we had been again mustered for 
pay and were told to fix up tents, etc. for the winter. We had done this a 
number of times, and then moved suddenly, leaving our stockades, wooden 
chimneys, dirt and stone fire places, sheet iron stoves, etc., behind vexed and 
disappointed, and we were slow and reluctantly, set about preparing for winter. 
A few stockaded their tents, but most contented themselves with making tem- 
porary improvements, expecting, any day, orders to move. Our time was now 
spent in battalion and brigade drill, guard and picket duty, and making our tents 
more comfortable as we now suffered some from cold weather. 

The boys received, while here, many boxes from home, the contents of which 
gladdened our eyes and satisfied our appetites and more, these New Year's gifts 
fresh from home were kind and generous reminders that our dear mothers were 
anxious for our comfort and happiness, and were covmting the days that would 
bring us back to them and home. 

Colonel Randall was not satisfied with our camp ground, and selected an- 
other about a mile away, and the boys were set to work and kept busy clearing 
and cleaning up the new ground, building stockades, etc., ready to make the 
change. The weather was snow, rain, hail, sunshine and clouds, cold and warm, 
occasionally all kinds on the same day. Many were sick, and the hospital was 
full and quite a number had been sent to Vermont hospitals, some had been dis- 
charged because unfit for further service, and some that had secured discharges 
were happy to leave for home. It was just as well, for some of them never 
should have volunteered into such a dangerous and strenuous life, and if they 
had remained in the service would have proved of but little value in battle. 

Just as we had finished up our new camp ground ready to move, orders 
ca.me to make ready to march, and long before daylight we were awakened by 
the reveille that called us to be ready to move at seven o'clock in the morning 
And on January 20th, we left Fairfax Court House and marched to Wolf Run 
Shoals some fifteen miles away to the high banks of LTpper Occoquan River and 
on the north liaiik in a pine and oak grove. The 12th regiment mi:)ved with us 





LEVI NELSOX, CO. IS, 
1862. 



M. FRANKLIN ATKINS. CO. IV 
1862. 




AI.r.KHT VVILLKV, CO. li, 
1862. 



.\Ll;i;Ki UlLLLV, ei;. i;, 
1902. 



^ 



At Caiii[> Wolf Run Shoals. I'a. 113 

to tliis place. The 14th, i^th and i(>th with tlie Connecticut battery remained 
at and near Fairfax Station, to which place was sent forward from Alexandria, 
food, clothing and other supplies for the troops in that section. The 13th was 
satisfied to make the change, for it seemed to be (the Court House) an unhealthy 
location, such had been the case with our brigade. The land about was flat and 
the water suppl)' very poor, many were down with typhoid fever, measles, colds, 
and many suffered with enteric diseases, and some serious cases of chronic 
diarrhaa. Many had died and some quite suddenly and the surgeons advised a 
change. No one regretted leaving the Court House village behind, for there 
was nothing in sentiment or scenery or past success, no ties of any kind save our 
dear comrades sick in the hospital, to hold us there. The long list of boys who 
had been placed under arrest, by order of General Stoughton, and marched off 
to the guard house, for neglecting to attend brigade drill was not ])leasant to 
think of, and these were anxious and willing to get out of sight and hearing of 
our Commander. 

The rain had made the hauling of tents and other baggage an almost im- 
possible task, and it was raining the day we started for W'lilf Run Shoals, and 
our nnilc teams could take only small loads, the wagon wheels were so loaded 
down with \ irginia mud that it was quite load enough, and hence only a part 
of the tents could be taken on that day and a detail was made to remain behind 
as guard of the camp until teams retiirned. The author was one who remained 
behind, two from each company remaining to watch, guard and care for the 
property left in camp, and see that everything was properly loaded when the 
teams returned. 

Our regiment had accumulated quite a large quantity of rations for many 
were sick and none cared for pork, salt beef and hard tack, and each company 
owned the e.xtra rations left on hand. I recall that company K had on hand at 
this time, when our regiment left for Wolf Run Shoals, nine barrels of nice salt 
pork, two barrels of salt beef, three or four boxes of hard tack, fairly good and 
quite free from worms, a quantity of rice, and unless all of this extra food was 
disposed of before camp finally abandoned, then the nearby pretended Unionists 
would appear like buzzards and carry it away, and therefore those who remained 
in charge would generally dispose of it to the citizens in exchange for corn meal, 
apples, sweet potatoes, cider, milk, butter, honey, etc., and always at ruinous 
prices even when in exchange for the barter they brought. 

The citizens knew we would not draw it off so were reluctant to buy, rather 
wait till we had gone and then help themselves. We never could get money 
from those who lived near our camps, for they had none unless Confederate 
bills, which we sometimes took to send home as curiosities and souvenirs. A 
darky or an old man would come in driving a broken down mule or played out 
horse with a few pounds of corn-meal, a gallon or two of milk, a few pecks of 
apples, a little apple jack, or cider, and we would sometimes give a barrel of 
nice salt jjork for a small quantity of their barter, and they would return happy 
with a full wagon load, and we managed to dispose of the extra rations left 
over in this manner. 

Our teams did not return for the remainder of camp-belongings for a number 
of days. We had no particular fear, for other troops had taken the place of our 




Ai.oxzo imrcK, co. i;, 
1862. 



AI.ONZO BRICE, CO. I! 
1900. 



0\ ^ 


3. _jytff 




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A ^i^i^^f 


'tej 


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B^5 




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■ 




UiiNAL H ASKING, Cn. I:. 

i8r.2. 



ROVAI, IIA^KI^.--, C(l. 1:, 

1900. 



At Camp Wolf Run Sliouls. fa. 115 

brigade, and our headquarters with General Stoughton in command was still at 
the Court House and surrounded by a strong guard, day and night. 

January 22nd, teams came for the remainder of the tents, baggage, mess 
chests, etc., but mud so deep they could not take all on this trip, and some of us 
had to remain until their return. 

Speaking of the sale of the rations of Company K left behind, I recall that 
I sold one bushel of nice rice for one dollar and took my pay in a Confederate 
bill, as they called it, and as it looked to me, but the next fellow to whom it was 
offered thought it good and it must have been or else it would have been returned. 

The teamsters or mule drivers as we would call them, informed us the 
roads were awful, brooks high, and beyond Fairfax Station, in places, had been 
built, and were building, corduroy roads in order to keep on top of the ground, 
and it wa,s with difficulty that even an empty wagon could be drawn in some 
places. 

January 23rd and 24th, were pleasant and much like Vermont Spring in 
May. The birds appeared and sang their notes of love and joy, and our hearts 
were gladened for now we should surely have teams to move the rest of the 
tents, baggage, etc., to our new camp, and we were anxious to join our comrades, 
for we had been here alone for the better part of a whole week (that is the detail 
left as guard), and on the watch, night and day, expecting to be gobbled up at 
any time, and we were anxious to join our companies and leave this unhealthy 
camp. 

On the evening of the 24th, teams arrived and with them orders came to 
strike tents in the morning and load up everything left behind, and move on to 
Wolf Run Shoals. This was welcome news, and we set about making prepara- 
tions early in the morning of January 25th, and the mule teams were on hand 
and we loaded them up as quickly as possible and were soon ready to start on 
our march to our new camp. It was a delightful day, warm, a gentle south wind, 
the air fragrant with the scent of pines in the great forest to the south, the 
harbingers of spring seemed at hand. \\'e were disappointed because no 
ambulance came to take the convalescent who were not able to march so long a 
distance. Some of them had come down to the old camp not knowing the 
regiment had moved, and a few were at the Court House, anxious to return to 
duty and join the regiment. 

None could ride because no room, and those who could march must make 
the journey on foot. Our knapsacks were placed in the wagons, we carrying 
only guns, cartridges, haversacks and canteens. 

Lieutenant ]\Iarsh of Company K had recovered from fever and learning 
that some of his company were at the old camp ground near by made his way 
down from the hospital thinking there would be an ambulance or teams in a day 
or two, and that he could ride over to our new camp to join his company from 
which he had been absent for about four weeks. He had been dangerously ill, 
but now was well on his way to health. His great anxiety was to join his com- 
pany and buoyed up with the prospect of seeing the boys induced him to make 
the fifteen miles march to camp Wolf Run Shoals. 

On the last day of December, Lieutenant Marsh was taken to the hospital 
with a burning fever, and was much cast down and apprehensive that his death 




WILLIAM NELSOX, CO. I! 



WILLIAM XKLSON, CO. B, 
IQO7. 





.ii;kci.mi-; lisk, cd. iv 



At Camp Wolf Run Shoals. I'a. iiy 

was near at hand for ciiiite a number of our regiment had died at tliis camp witli 
fever and many moi'e were dangerously ill in the hos])ital. (Jur young Lieutenant 
was thankful for recovery and a happier boy, (and he was only twenty), could 
not have been fotmd in our brigade. 

The loaded teams started down the pike round by the way of the Court 
House, and we the guard, and Lieutenant Marsh across the fields to avoid mud 
and water, and soon we were separated as we then hoped forever from the 
scenes, (not recollections) of this disagreeable and unhealthy camp. 

Before passing on to mir new camp, must call attention to some facts asso- 
ciated with our six weeks sta}- at Fairfax Court House. Company A lost one 
by death in this camp. Alden Richardson, December 26th, 1862, and one by deser- 
tion, Joshua Fiske. Joseph Avers was left at this camp and died January 27th, 
1863. Company V> lost by death, Carlos \\'. Turner, a drummer boy. January 
5th, 1863, a lad of sixteen, John C. Canerday, January 20th, only eighteen. Oscar 
C. Reed, December 26th, 1862 and by discharge, Franklin M. Atkins. January 
T5th, James M. Thayer, January 22nd. Company C by death, Charles C. 
Coburn, January 26th, 1863, (am not sure he died at Fairfax Court House). 
Company D lost by discharge, Seth W. H. Grififin, January 12th, 1863. Com- 
pany E lost by death. Corporal Hiram C. Wolcott, January i8th, 1863 and by 
discharge, Henry E. Sherwin, January loth, 1863. Company F lost by death, 
John C. White, January 13th, 1863, Hall Woodworth. a drummer boy, January 
9th, 1863, Reuben M. Babcock, January 29th, 1863. Company G lost by death, 
Joel W. Bliss, January 8th, 1863 and by discharge, John B. Fassett, January 13th. 
Company H lost by resignation. Captain \\ in. C. Peck. Company I lost by 
resignation, Charles E. Bancroft, January 15th, 18(13 and by discharge, Asa C. 
Atherton, January i8th, George A. Peck, January 12th. Company K lost by dis- 
charge, Edgar F. Sisco, January 12th, Charles Burnell, January 20th and one 
by desertion. Burton Dean, January loth, making a loss by death of eleven, by 
discharge 10, by desertion 2, by resignation 2, a total loss of 23 nf the rank and 
2 officers of the line, making a total loss, while in this camp, of 2^. This was a 
sad record for forty days and many others were sick in hospitals in this camp 
or transferred to Alexandria and Washington, and some sent to Vermont. The 
most of those who died at this camp were sent home by the companies to which 
they belonged on a mutually agreed arrangement, the plan of assessment. One 
was buried at Fairfax Court House, Hiram C. Wolcott of Company E, and at 
his rerjuest, for he said his wife could not endure the sight of his dead body and 
didn't want it sent back home. He was a volunteer from Morristown, \"ermont. 

Disease had made sad havoc in our ranks here, and we w'ere glad to move 
from the camp that had filled our hearts with so much sorrow. Our comrades 
had made the supreme sacrifice and died for a noble cause, but they ardently 
looked forward with high hopes of return to the scenes and associations of boy- 
hood and looked forward to a life of success and happiness. But why they 
premattirely cut off and life so short, and we rettirned and still survive, is beyond 
comprehension, doubtless it was all for the best, possibly eternity will reveal 
and make plain. 

Camp Fairfax Court House was no longer our home, and we faced about 
and by the left tlank marched southerly on our way (said camp rumor) to join 





LATHAM T. SEAVER, CO. IS, 
1862. 



LATHAM T. SEWER, CO. n. 
i8Q2. 





C.ILM \.\ (,. FOSTi:r, CO. 11 

1862. 



C.ILMAN C. EOSTEK, Ci i. I: 
1907. 



.4t Ciiiii[^ Wolf Run Shoals. I'a. 119 

General ilurnside and his great army of the Potomac now stuck in the mud, 
January 20th and 21st, 1863 at Fredericksburg, on his way to capture Riclinmnd. 

The 13th and 14th regiments at the close of the day's march, January 20th, 
1863, halted on the north bank of Upper Occoquan River some fifteen miles 
southerly from Fairfax Court House which place we called Wolf Run Shoals, 
because that was the name of a ford in the Occoquan a few rods above our 
camp which had been, and was constantly used by cavalry and other branches 
of the service, passing to and from the front line to the army along the Rap- 
pahannock. It was generally believed that this was only a temporary camp, 
and our assignment for picket duty up and down the Occoquan would last oitly 
a few days. It w^as an important position, it being the outer picket line between 
Washington and Fredericksburg where the great armies of the Potomac and 
northern Virginia were facing and watching each other on the banks of the 
Rappahannock. The last trip of our mule teams brought from our old camp 
near the Court House, everything but the accumulated rations that we were not 
able to sell, reaching our new camp late in the afternoon of January 25th, and 
with them came a part of the guard and a little later the convalescent and the 
rest of the guard and with them came Lieutenant Carmi L. Marsh of Company 
K. 

The march had been hard and difficult because of the mud, particularly 
after passing Fairfax Station, and the teams and guard and all were pretty well 
used up. Lieutenant Marsh who was completely e.xhausted on arrival was taken 
suddenly ill. Surgeon Nichols was summoned in great haste, and on examina- 
tion said he was suffering with a relapse with symptoms of cerebro spinal 
meningitis, and could give no encouragement of recovery. We moved him into 
our new csmp hospital just at night, January 27th, where he could have better 
attention and care by the surgeons and nurses. January 28th, commenced that 
unusual storm of rain and snow and wind; a genuine Vermont blizzard, first 
rain saturating our cotton tents, then snow, wind and fearful cold. We were 
in the woods but with all our efforts with axe and hatchet many suffered on 
account of the severity of the weather. The snow covered and stuck to our 
tents and drifted about, and under the bottom of them. We put rubber 
blankets up at the flap openings and with our coats on and laying down on the 
ground, small trees split into halves, and limbs and bushes to stand and sleep 
on, managed to pass through the day and night, and the following day without 
freezing — the ground all about camp inside and outside of tents was a soft 
porridge of Virginia mud, water and snow. It was fortunate that the mud 
began to freeze before the wind was high, or else many of our tents would have 
pulled their stakes in the ground that held them and blown down and away. As 
it was, a number blew over and one on a stockade collapsed. We did not have 
umbrellas in the army, so must cut our wood and do other duties without protec- 
tion, save the rubber blankets which were awkward garments in which to chop 
down trees. The author well remembers his efforts to keep dry and warm during 
this storm. Our fires were in the company streets in front of our tents, except 
now and then one who made a stone and mud fire-place inside of their tent with 
a stick chimney outside which some of the more enterprising and ingenious 
boys had already done, and in such cases those inside were cozy and warm, and 




WII.LIAM HATHAWAY, CO. 
1862. 



A 




CHARLKS D. HII.LIXGS. CO. li, 
1861. 




.TAMES WILr.ER, CO. I; 
I S62. 



.i.\Mi:s \\iLi;i;u. co. r. 
i8q8. 



At Camp Wolf Klin Shoals, I'a. 121 

these tents were fully occuj^ied until the storm was over. We were passing 
through an unexpected experience and no one seemed to enjov it. 

We had heard of General Burnside's campaign at Fredericksburg, and could 
now see and realize the utter impossibility of moving artillery or wagon trains 
in any direction at this season of the year. Our duty here was principally 
picketing along the north bank of the Occoquan river, a small swift running 
stream tumbling over stony rapids and falls on its way to tidewater and the 
Potomac, and in such weather as we were now having, such duty was not a very 
pleasant and eas\- task. Xearly everyone that went out for twenty-four hours 
returned with a bad cold causing a constant cough from the boys in camp day 
and night, and the attendance on the surgeon's call was large and increasing 
daily. 

January 29th. snow fell six inches deep and with it came a culd northwest 
wind, all of which reminded us of our w^intcr homes in \'ermont. 

While all was cold and dreary all about, and every one in camp was shiver- 
ing with cold and huddled around the slow burning camp fires, we were suddenly 
and very unexpectedly cheered by the good and welcome news that spread 
through camp on this morning that the long looked for paymaster had arrived 
and was to pay off the boys who had been, (many of them) with scarcely a five 
cent scrip in their pockets for weeks. 

The I2th regiment was to l:)e paid first, and then our regiment. There was 
running to and fro from tent to tent anxiously inquiring if the good news was 
actually true ; we had often heard like news before, and no paymaster came. 
It had been a long time since we were mustered for pay. and the boys were short 
of money with which to buy postage stamps, letter paper and envelopes and 
other little necessaries, and had been disappointed repeatedly and did not at 
first believe the rtmior that a paymaster was actually in camp with green backs 
and scrip with which to pay off the boys. We had been mustered for pay at 
Camp \'ermont, October 31st, and at Fairfax Court House, December 31st. ex- 
pecting to be paid each time immediately after muster, but not a cent. \\'e had 
not even icceived a shin plaster since we left Vermont, and the officers a- well 
as privates were short of green backs. The only circulating medium for weeks 
were Sutler's checks, little pieces of paste-board, i by 2 inches in size, usually 
red, figures indicating value and signed by the regimental Sutler and a few 
promises to pay (ordinary notes), for there was now and then a Shylock among 
us that had a few dollars to loan at high rates of interest who cared not how 
many pounds of flesh exacted, for use of a dollar until pay day. 

The presence of a paymaster this time was a fact, and he paid off the 12th 
regiment in the forenoon and in the afternoon commenced paying otT the 13th, 
but did not finish. Company K being at the bottom of the list had to wait. 
The boys were thankful and happy to once more see a little money to settle up 
old scores with Sutler and comrades, and have some left to buy tobacco, con- 
densed milk, butter, cheese, apples, etc. While we had generally plent}' to eat, 
yet a little change in bill of fare was quite agreeable and much enjoyed. The 
most of the boys drew their own pay, but many had bought checks of the Sutler, 
and he was on hand and stood beside the paymaster and got every cent due him 
whether the soldier had an\- or not. 





n;rin:x iiii!x?;!.\. c 
i86s. 



s'i'i:i'iii:.\ JOHNSON. CO. v., 

i8Q2. 





LUCIAN W. WHITE, CO. i; 
1869. 



LUCI.\N W. WHITE. CO. n, 

1907. 



At Camp Wolf Run Shoals, Va. 123 

The boys who had bought Sutler's checks so freely and lavishly now, for 
the first time, began to realize the folly of paying fifty cents a pound for butter, 
twenty-five cents a pound for cheese, fifty cents a can for condensed milk and 
when they stood by and saw the Sutler take every cent due them, swore by all 
that was good and great never to play the fool any more by working for the 
Sutler as they called it, but would thereafter subsist on pork and beans, hard 
tack and coffee which was good enough, and generally plenty oT it. The pay- 
master finished paying us off this 30th day of January, and returned to the 
Station leaving the boys quite happy and contented. It was almost impossible on 
account of the snow and rain to move in and about camp, mud everywhere, were 
obliged to build corduroy roads in our company streets and in our tents to keep 
on top of the ground. The boys were all busy these days laying floors in their 
tents made from small pine trees split in the middle then laid down split side up, 
driving down stakes with crotches at the top, lay poles crosswise and lengthwise 
and cover with pine boughs, and in this way we had a dry place to sleep, but 
not a very soft bed, but only in this way could we avoid sickness and prevent 
being almost buried alive. We had many among us good with an axe, and they 
built miles of corduroy road between our camp and the railroad station, other- 
wise the supplies could not have been hauled by our mule teams. It is sur- 
prising how much a regiment of a thousand men would consume each day. The 
M. D's. (mule drivers), wagoners, had plenty to do all the time and we were 
occasionally short of food because of the condition of the road from the railroad 
station to our camp. 

The first ten days in camp Wolf Run Shoals were the most trying of all 
our camp life. It was rain, sleet, snow, wind, cold and often down to zero, and 
disagreeable weather every day. We were on the front line and were required 
to be vigilent every hour. Our picket duty was down the Occoquan for two 
miles which was attended with danger and much exposure. No tents on the 
picket line, and had to be careful about fires, for just across the stream the 
country for many miles was infested nightly with Mosby's or other guerilla 
bands and spies on the alert watching our movements for an opportunity to 
break through our picket line that they might kill, capture, plunder and destroy. 
The severity of the weather and unpreparedness for the unusual winter, the 
exacting duties and long marches since crossing Long Bridge, October 30th, 
numerous changes from camp to camp and the urgent necessity of fitting our 
brigade for the expected emergency of a great battle between the army of the 
Potomac and that of Northern Virginia, was unexpectedly strenuous, especially 
for raw recruits. All this had most thoroughly tried our physical endurance and 
tested our patriotism, courage and loyalty. Our experience thus far had revealed 
how superficial was our knowledge of army life when we volunteered. Many 
had been sent to the hospital, quite a number had died and an unusual number 
had been discharged, even officers had resigned, and now on the last day of 
January, 1863, our regimental hospital was crowded and many sick in their 
company quarters, and were there visited by surgeons Nichols and Crandall. 

General Burnside's defeat at Federicksburg, the blunder resulting in fearful 
slaughter of thousands of his bravest veterans, and thousands more wounded 
and taken prisoners and with such a valiant army 116,000 strong, almost twice 





LKVI \V. SI'.WIIR. ti). i: 
i860. 



Ll'Vi VV. SK.WI-R. CO. U, 
1907. 





WILLIAM M. •irKNKK, lO. 1; 
1882. 



D.VXILI. P.\S.\KTT. CO. B. 
1862. 



At Camp Wolf Run Shoals. f'(/. 125 

the number of the enemy, and under such circumstances to be vanquished and 
out generaled was discouraging in the extreme filhng our hearts with doubt and 
fear as to what would come next, and the final result of the campaign. The 
most of our regiment were intelligent and fairly educated and read the papers 
and were well informed of the progress of the war and could comprehend the 
full meaning of the repeated and continuous defeats and disaster to the army of 
the Potomac from the very beginning, from First Bull Run, July, 1861, to 
Fredericksburg, January, 1863. Even Antietam was only a victory in the sense 
of preventing the consummation of General Lee's plan to captiu'c Washington. 

Surel_\- General [McClellan and his brave heroes were entitled to great credit 
for the service they rendered to their country on the bloody battlefields of 
Turner's Gap, Fox Gap in the Catoctin \'alley, the desperate charges up the 
precipitous heights of South Mountain and the great battle on the banks of 
Antietam creek near Sharpsburg, Maryland in September, 1862. Although 
these battles were quite even, so far as actual field operations and fighting were 
concerned, yet General Lee was thwarted in his purpose and obliged to retreat 
across the Potomac back to Virginia. 

The condition of our regiment for an aggressive campaign \va.s as good 
and strong as ever and equally so in the whole brigade. We had not lost heart, 
nor had our faith weakened as to final result, but could not avoid thought con- 
cerning the part that we were now likely to take in the then impending contest 
between the two mighty armies waiting for the spring campaign. These ques- 
tions were the theme of thought and conversation among us, but the final analysis 
and conclusion of every thought and discussion was duty still to country regard- 
less of individual consequences and every other consideration. (Jur regiment 
had of necessity spent much of its time, aside from picket duty, in building 
corduroy roads to the railroad station and i)re])aring our camp grounds and 
tents for winter quarters. 

The month of February opened with more comfortable weather, and all 
were comparatively cheerful. Among the quite important events occurring in 
the regiment during January were the promotions of Adjutant Orlofif H. Whit- 
ney to be Captain of Company H, Orderly Sergeant Albert Clark of Company I 
promoted to First Lieutenant of Company G, and James S. Peck advanced to 
Adjutant. These changes and promotions were made on account of considera- 
tions of well deserved and meritorious conduct and ability for the places, and 
they each assumed their positions on February 3rd, and entered upon the dis- 
charge of their duties, and it was a matter of talk in camp, freely expressed, 
that these promotions were well deserved. 

Here for the first time in our history as a regiment arrangements were made, 
and we commenced target practice, in which all were required to take part. 
Sickness only, accepted as an excuse. 

The father and mother of Lieutenant ]^Iarsh of Company K arrived in 
camp and found their son much improved with prospect of recovery with suit- 
able care. ^Ir. Marsh and wife were much elated and cheered on arrival, and 
were very thankful for what had been done by Company K, and the hospital 
attendants in care of their only son. A tent had been fixed up and floor laid out 
of s])lit logs and otherwise made comfortable and convenient as possible in 



c^^ 





OTIS C. MII.ES, CO. B, 
1888. 



SAMUEI. S. KEVKS, Co. B, 




\ 




JOHN RICHAPDSUX, CO. B, 
1862. 



uakm:v imccarron. co. it, 
1865. 



At Caiiif' Wolf Run S.'ioals. J 'a. 127 

camp, for the accommodation of Mr. Marsh and wife by Company K, for which 
attention Mr. ]\Iarsh expressed his appreciation for such unlooked for kindness 
and attention. 

Company K boys to the very last man were ready to do everything to 
promote the comfort of Mr. Marsh and wife, to sympathize with them and 
encourage the recovery of their son, still in a very critical condition. In the 
course of a day or two Mr. Marsh arranged with Dr. Nichols' consent and 
advice to have Lieutenant Marsh moved to a comfortable dwelling house then 
owned and occupied by a lady by the name of Mary E. Wilcoxson, and this lady 
was secured to act as nurse. This change from cotton tents to a comfortable old 
fashioned roomy plantation dwelling house and the procuring of the services of 
this kind hearted and experienced lady undoubtedly saved the valuable life of a 
brave Union officer, Ivieutenant Marsh of Company K, though the nurse was in 
sympath}- with the cause of the Confederacy. 

On the 1 2th or 13th, we crossed the river and climbed the hills crawhng 
through the laurel bushes by winding paths up to an old fort or earth works and 
rifle pits made by the Rebels to guard the ford the year before, and with spade 
and pick we quickly demolished and leveled them with the ground. We found 
no guns and saw no Rebs, and therefore no one hesitated. This was the only 
fort that we took by assault, and the boys wrote many letters home telling of 
their thrilling experience and the hair breadth escapes on this occasion. We 
built one fort at Camp Vermont, (fort Lyon), and captured and destroyed one 
at Wolf Run Shoals. 

Our life in camp had its bright side as well as dark, for almost daily the 
teams brought boxes for some of us from our homes filled with chicken and 
mince pies, fruit cake, butter and cheese, currant jelly, etc., all of which dis- 
appeared like the morning dew on a hot summer day. When a box arrived 
to any one in a tent there was a spread at once. The cracker box table 
covered with rubber blankets for a table cloth was set, and as soon as 'the 
contents were out and spread and the amount received sized up, a sufficient 
number of comrade chums, sometimes officers, were invited to come into a 
Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Our boxes started from home in season, but 
did not reach camp as soon as expected, so we necessarily had to postpone our 
dinners until the boxes did come, and judging from the loads that were hauled 
to camp, nearly everyone must have been remembered. And what Christmas 
dinners these were sent from our homes prepared by willing loving hands, how 
kind and thoughful were all we left behind and how considerate and anxious for 
our welfare and happiness. These mid-day dinners were occasions of homelike 
peace and plentitude once seen once known never to be forgotten. The dear 
dead, past, gone forever, yet the dear memory of those days as 1 recall them 
wells up in my heart and I sigh, the eye moistens as I think of the dear comrades 
of the old days when camping on the banks of the Occoquan. My dear surviving 
comrades roll back the wheels of time, open wide the gates of memory and 
whisper the names of tentmates so kind and true long since reunited with the 
silent majority and it may be that your awakened memory shall be recognized 
by the immortal spirits of the loved ones waiting on the other shore. 





ORSON C. TURXKR. Cu. i: 
I9C7. 





JOHN llAIRD, CO. B, 
1861. 



CORI'. ZlllA KEVU-S, JR.. CO. I!, 
1907. 



At Camp H'olf Run Shoals. I'a. 129 

Our first dress parade in tliis camp was on the 21st. The snuw. rain and 
mud had interfered since our arrival here, but target practice was an ahiiost 
daily order, and rewards were offered for such as showed best skill in hitting 
the bull's eye on the hill across the valley 300 yards and more away ; a few 
succeeded (accidentally most likely), and were excused from all duty for a week 
on account of their skill as marksmen. Company K had two so excused, 
George H. Sunderland and Oliver Parazo. Here too commenced the school for 
sword instruction, and Colonel Randall suggested that it was quite important 
to become familiar with the proper use of handling the sword, and that Sergeants, 
from whose ranks oflicers Vk-ould be chosen to fill vacancies, should cjualify 
themselves, for in making selections this re(|uisite would be taken into considera- 
tion. 

The school was opened on the i8th and a large class was promptly on hand, 
nearly every sergeant and some of our more zealous and ambitious corporals also 
joined the class for instruction, their desire to become proficient was commend- 
able, and their ambition for office, laudable ; this school furnished any amount of 
fun for the boys that watched the thrusts, strikes, plunges and guards and parries 
at each other with their little wooden swords. Those who held commissions 
did not take much interest in this preparatory school. This school of instruc- 
tion continued from day to day with unabated zeal regardless of weather or 
other duties. During the rest of the month there was plenty of snow and rain, 
freezing and thawing, cold and disagreeable. Snow ball battles were frequent 
and much enjoyed. Company was arrayed against company, battalion against 
battalion, right wing against the left. It was friend against friend, and all 
seemed to enjoy this mimic war, many wounded and some captured, some blood 
flowed and the pure white snow indicating great slaughter, but none reported 
killed or mortally wounded. The vanqitished in this fight were front and fore- 
most and full of fight at Gettysburg, and therefore none could teii from conduct 
in camp who would acquit themselves best in a genuine battle. 

There was quite a scare at guardmount on the morning of the i6th, and 
the parties responsible for it no doubt, on reflection, were ashamed. Such 
episodes were liable to break out most any morning in such weather, and sur- 
roundings as we had in this camp. 

The bone and carving disease broke out in all its intensity, and fury and 
grewsomeness in this camp. Some had heard that the Rebels were wearing 
rings and charms and making crosses and sending them home to sweethearts 
as souvenirs made from bones of our .soldiers that fell in the battle at Second 
Bull Run. In consequence of such stories, and we had good reason to believe 
there was foundation for them, and therefore a party from our regiment made 
the trip to Bull Run battlefield to ascertain if any indication of any such hellish 
desecration. 

We knew that graves once covered now exposed the remains here and there 
on that field of the dead of both armies, for we had visited the battlefield of 
Bull Run while in camp at Union Mills and the Court House. Some of the 
party returned claiming to have found evidence that substantiated the story and 
brought with them bones, they said, of dead Rebels, but this likelv was not true. 
The bones they brought were those of Rebel mules and cows from which many 







1IAK\KV M. WAIT, Cd. i; 
1862. 



HARVEV M. WAIT. CO. IS, 
1904. 



At Camp Wolf Run Shoals, Va. 131 

were busy night and day making rings and crosses, charms and other trinkets to 
adorn fingers and watch chains to be worn and sent home as souvenirs 
of the battlefield of Bull Run. Quite a number of the boys of ingenuity and 
skill with the jack knife were busy here making pipes from laurel roots in great 
variety and designs, carved on them heads of dogs and other animals in bass- 
relief, lettered and otherwise ornamented. This occupation raged for weeks 
like a fever, and finally the boys tired of the innocent amusement and gave up 
the business. In this dismal and lonesome camp, numerous cases of sickness on 
account of exposure prevailed, n'lOStly troubles incident to army life. The army 
itch broke out among us and it was evidently the genuine old fashioned kind such 
as some of us had when young boys. None of us had forgotten the symptoms, 
also parasites appeared in great numbers and like the thief at night demanded 
their share of flesh while we slept. No one could avoid noticing the scratching 
and contortion of the boys as they walked the company streets or stood in line 
at roll call ; for want of a better name we called these active crawling midgets 
"graybacks." Their coming we did not discover, but their staying ([ualities 
were never forgotten. 

Our regimental washerwoman Freeman H. Sunderland of Company K 
made a study of their habits and discovered a remedy that was sure death, and 
we thanked him then, and remember him still with gratitude. And this kind 
hearted generous gentleman of the old school still survives, maintaining a home 
for himself and invalid daughter in the town of Georgia, Vermont, living on the 
very farm where his highly respective commander General George J. Stannard 
was born and reared, and only a few rods from the monument erected by the 
State of Vermont to the memory of this most notable General from the Green 
Mountain State. 

Some of our regiment had measles at our last camp near Fairfax Court 
House, but here it was a regular epidemic for some time, and all who had not 
had this disease were afflicted with it, and those who were careful not to take cold 
recovered all right. Most everything that anyone ever had. we had in this camp. 
The weather seemed to breed disease, and yet our camp was high and on rolling 
ground, and we took pains to build corduroy roads in our streets and floors in 
our tents and in front of the headquarters and in nearly every place where 
necessary to travel. 

On the 19th of February, Company K lost by death its first soldier, Peter 
Bovat, a Highgate volunteer. This was the second death in this camp. Comrade 
Bovat died of congestion of the lungs, would now be called pneumonia. 

Chancey O. Parker, musician, Company E, died February 5th. Captain 
Blake of Company K called out his company, and by vote it was arranged to 
send all home that might die in camp on a plan of individual assessment, and 
comrade Bovat's body was taken to the railroad station and sent to his home by 
express to Highgate, Vermont. 

Quite a serious accident occurred in camp on the 23rd, by the falling of a 
tree on to an occupied tent of Company E, John H. Mudgett. brother of Henry 
E., was in the tent and quite seriously injured but recovered and marched with 
us to camp Carusi, April 2nd, 1863. It was almost a miraculous escape from 
sudden death. 





DA.XIHL c.RA.NUV, Cii. V. 
1862. 



DAMICI, (.KANDV, C(>. 1!, 
1898. 





AI.LADUREN STOWKLL, CO. B, 
1879. 



ROWLAND T. ^^LKl•:r.^:^■. en. ii. 
1907. 



At Camp Wolf Run Slifuls. I'a. 133 

Our regiment was very much and ha]ipily surprised to receive orders for 
muster to be paid. No one was looking for the paymaster again so soon, for 
it was on the last of January when we received two months pay. but so it was 
and on this last day of February, the 28th, we were nuistered for ])ay and 
manv of the boys were glad, for it took nearly all. when last paid off. to square 
up accounts with the Sutler who got the lion's share. 

To be a regimental Sutler in winter quarters when the boys are frequently 
])aid oft' was a lucrative business. The sales were enormous and the profits large 
and the Sutler soon returned home rich. They, the Sutlers, seldom followed 
where it was dangerous or where liable to be gobbled up by raiders — they were 
not soldiers, but parasites in fact of the army ever diligent in reaching out for 
the few dollars allowed the soldiers for their arduous service. 

The whole month of February was most disagreeable and trying of any thus 
far, because of the unusual winter, and only the most hardy could stand cotton 
tents in camp and shelter tents and bush houses on the picket line in such a 
winter, and yet there was but little grumbling, for we were becoming acclimated 
and careful, and cheerfully faced wliatever came as duty necessary to be done to 
accomplish the great and important work before us. 

March opened with pleasant weather and the warm sun and south wind 
dried up the deep mud, but the weather was changeable, rain and snow, light- 
ning and thunder, gentle wind and furious gale, cold and hot, freezing nights and 
thawing days. It seemed more disagreeable than the month of March in Ver- 
mont. 

The unusual stir on the picket line, the moving of cavalr}' in s(|uads. com- 
panies and regiments, the vigilance maintained, the constant changes, the rumors 
of onward movements of the army, the firing on and capturing our videttes and 
infantry on the picket line, and the wild rumors in camp day and night led us to 
believe that we should soon be on the march to participate in some great battle. 
Battalion drill on the 3rd. and then house cleaning in tents and cam]) every 
where, careful inspection of cook tents and sinks, our water supply, all places in 
and about camp. Surgeons Nichols and Crandall. and their assistants, giving 
directions here and there, as occasion demanded, to avoid an epidemic of fever 
in the approaching Spring. There was indeed much sickness and Surgeon 
Nichols was putting forth his best efforts to improve the condition of camp and 
its surroundings to avoid sickness, and to make the boys ready for the more 
active duty that he well knew was sure to come as soon as the weather permitted. 
Two regiments, the 12th and 13th were still here, while the 14th, 15th and 
1 6th were at Fairfax Station with headquarters at the Court House some four 
miles from the railroad station. During the 3rd day of March Colonel Wynd- 
ham, with quite a large body of cavalry, crossed Occoquan just above us at 
one of the fords on his way back to Fairfax Court House, having been in pursuit 
of ]\Iosbv and his gang who had captured a picket post on our line west of us 
between Brentville and Mannassas Gap. 

Mosby. with his faithful few, could travel faster than \\"\ndham with a 
large command, hence Mosby was not captured. Mosby was making his almost 
nightlv raids with considerable success, and he and his bushwhackers knew the 
countr\- thereabouts and the settlers kepi them full}- infijrmed. and these nightly 





WILLIAM IIACKIS, CO. I'., 
1885. 



JAMLS M. TIIA^1.I< 
186;. 





WH.rjAM MCDONALD, CO. B, 
1870. 



WILLI A.M MCDD.V ALU. CO. I!, 



1906. 



At Camp Wolf Run Shoals. I'a. 135 

forays were becoming quite annoying, but he was alert and resourceful and 
could not be captured or frightened. 

Colonel Percy Wyndham was mad because of his failure to overtake and 
capture ]\Iosby, though in no manner to blame. Mosby was a brave, dashing, 
and desperate foe, and took many chances and early won his spurs and was 
rewarded with a commission. 

On the morning of the gth, news reached our camp that Mosby with his 
guerrilla followers had passed through our lines and captured and carried away 
General Stoughton, his stafif and guards, but little credit was at first given to this 
wild, though important, rumor. It seemed incredible that a raid through our well 
guarded lines had occurred and none were inclined to believe it. The rumor 
was however soon confirmed, and our brigadier general and his staf? and guard 
had been stealthily surprised at midnight while sleeping and dreaming of victory 
and renown, and unceremoniously hastened rapidly within the Rebel lines on the 
way to Richmond. Not even a gun or pistol fired nor an alarm of any kind in 
season to be of any avail. A strong guard was on duty at the Court House; 
Colonel Wyndham's cavalry between the Court House and Centerville and quite 
a large force at and about Centerville, notwithstanding, Lieutenant IMo.sby with 
his twenty-nine selected daring guerrilla heroes (except one Sergeant Ames of 
a New York cavalry regiment who had deserted and joined Mosby), rode boldly 
into the little village of Fairfax Court House, passing our picket line between 
Chantilly and Centerville unmolested, not even challenged, not suspecting them 
as an enemy and single handed and with cool and daring deliberation gathered 
four times their number, mounted all on their horses, also captured and placed 
General Stoughton in the lead with a trusted man by his side holding the bridle 
of the General's horse and quietly and quickly escaped flanking Wyndham's 
cavalry on their way, swinging on to the pike boldy rode and passed around 
Centerville (then strongly guarded j just before day light, our forces supposing 
them to be Federal Cavalrymen no attention paid to them. They rode deliberate- 
ly along as if in no hurry. No one dared to utter a sound for each knew it 
would cost him his life. All had heard of Mosby and knew none would be 
allowed to escape, and any attempt would likely mean death. They rode 
leisurely along, reached and swam Cub Run and struck the pike ol Groverton 
and not having been pursued were safe with the General and some 'of his stafif 
and orderlies and guards. (Some in the haste and darkness had escaped from 
Mosby before reaching Centerville; Lieutenant Prentiss and others). 

Mosby now moved rapidly along and arrived at Culpepper Court House in 
the early morning turning his prisoners and captured horses over to General 
J. E. B. Stuart, who, after receiving Mosby's report, congratulated him on the 
almost imprecedented, bold and daring raid and capture. (A feat as Stuart 
said unparalleled in modern warfare). To be captured under such cirmuctances 
by so small a band and by guerrilla Mosby, who was known to be in that 
locality, was humiliting in the extreme and should not have occurred. We 
regretted the incident, but very little sympathy expressed for General Stoughton. 
At least we of the 13th had no comradeship ties that were broken or seriously 
strained, though Charles Barr of Company K and others of the guard were 
among the captured. Neither did we of the 13th have any particular alTection 





I'RANKLIX I). C.KIl-I-rrH, CO. I! 
1862. 



TRAXKUN D. CRIFI-ITH. CO. l). 
1907. 





EDiMUXD WHITCOMIi, CO. li, 
1862. 



Al.r.l.KT U. C11.\SK. CO. 1;, 

1875- 



At Caiiil' Wolf Run Slioals. l'<i. 137 

for our haught)' Brigadier, he had utterly failed to ins[)ire respect and confidence 
and no one manifested any sorrow tliat he no longer would command the 2nd 
X'ermont brigade. Of course we sincerely deplored the humiliation and loss, 
and regretted that so distinguished an officer should, under such circumstances, 
be captured and too, a loyal Vermonter that had shown so much evidence on 
many battlefields of promise, of a successful military career, should now suddenly 
pass into oblivion. 

Colonel Blunt of the 12th regiment being the ranking Colonel assumed 
command at Fairfax Station, which post was guarded by the 14111. 13th and if)th 
of the Second Vermont Brigade, moving his headquarters down to the railroad 
station. Colonel Randall of the 13th' was now left in command at Wolf Run 
Shoals. Our picket guard reported nearly every morning that they saw Rebel 
scouts or some of Mcsby's band across the river on the watch and those on the 
picket line were becoming uneasy, and somewhat alarmed, for some claimed 
to have been shot at and some (the timid) were inclined to see Rebs moving 
about in the dark where there were none. 

The weather being warm and fine some of the fishermen of (lur regiment 
go down to the river hard by, and catch a few small eels about the size of 
A'ermont striped snakes and looked very much like them, only black, yet they 
were eels, and those who caught them dressed and ate them and called them 
good. The author's fish appetite weakened as he saw the wiggling, squirming 
little black eels or water snakes. 

During the afternoon we were visited with a genuine southern thunder 
storm, thunder, lightning, rain, hail and wind ; some of our tents were blown 
down creating no little commotion and fear unlike Vermont storms. 

On the morning of March i8th. Lieutenant Marsh now on the way to 
recovery, bid good bye to his comrades of Company K, and his regiment, and 
started for \'ermont. Some thought he would not live to reach home, and none 
of us expected to ever see him again. He had been sick in this' camp since 
January 25th. All were sorry to part with him, and all hoped that he would 
recover. Surgeon Nichols said his only chance for life was to return to \'er- 
mont at once. 

James Monroe Hogaboom of Company K, while on picket fired across the 
river at a Reb. as he no doubt supposed, but no Reb was seen by any one else. 
The boys jibed him for the fearful slaughter he made on the picket line. It was 
in fact a played out mule that had been turned out. hearing the familiar noise 
of a gun pricked up his ears and waited for some one to come. We were 
satisfied that there was more prowling around, across the Occoquan that: usual 
from what we could see and hear, and Colonel Randall decided to send a scouting 
party over to investigate. The river was now high, and we could not pass at 
the ford, and Colonel Randall therefore ordered a boat to lie built, and on the 
22nd and 23rd, the regiment turned out and made a boat fmm boards taken 
from the grist mill nearby, ( see page 52 1 not a very nice smooth job, but we 
launched it and crossed over six or eight at a time, and in this manner two 
companies went over and foitnd the moving wagons we had seen in the distance 
to 'be white cows feeding in an open pastm-e, (and nothing more) and returned 
as we went. I\Iajor L. D. Clark had command of this naval expedition. Major 





ISCAK C. RKKD. CO. I! 
1862. 



WIXFIKLD S. RICH, CO. H, 
1890. 





JUH.N LEE, CO. U, 
1862. 



jlUIN LKE. Cii. 1;. 
1895. 



At Camp Wolf Ritii Shoals. I 'a. 139 

Clark had been a sea captain on Lake Chami)hiin and was at this time arrang- 
mg with General Casey to join our Navy. 

William Burgess of Company K died JMarch 24th, and at his request was 
buried in a little pine grove on a slight elevation just beyond the hospital tent. 
He was an orphan boy and had no relatives in this country. Was born in 
England and had no home or friends, and he said "Bury me up there." He 
was the only one of our regiment buried in this camp, others who died were 
sent home. No marble slab or stone ever marked his resting place, nor has 
comrade or friend visited the narrow house that still holds his remains. Our 
eyes are moistened with the sorrowing tear as we recall to memory this noble 
young man who offered up his life that his adopted country might survive. He 
expressed the convcition on leaving the State that he should not live to return. 
and so it was. 

On the 25th, Company E, H and K, with two others, and with Colonel 
Randall in charge, went in search of Rebel cavalry, said to be within our lines. 
It seemed foolish to send infantry after cavalry. Our search proved a false 
alarm, and we returned to camp tired and jaded out, but saw nothing of a Rebel 
kind, only old men, women and girls here and there making preparations for 
cultivation of gardens and fields. 

The 14th regiment arrived in our camp and took up their position just 
west of our regiment, further up the stream. We had at this time quite a num- 
ber of visitors in camp from the regiments of our own brigade, some from the 
First Vermont Cavalry and some from Vermont. Mr. Poland and daughter 
from Montpelier graced our camp with their presence and seemed delighted to 
see their friends of Company I, and the whole regiment was pleased to see and 
greet them, because Vermonters, and just from home. 

The brass band of our brigade in camp on this 27th day of ]\Iarch, 
played many pieces of the day in good harmony and style that delighted and 
cheered all. One piece would fill our hearts with sorrow, another elevate us 
in joy, and when they played "Home Sweet Home", our souls were moved in 
tenderness and hot tears fell from every eye, and for an hour or more they 
touched and aroused the agreeable and sublime passions of our nature, and 
with patriotic anthems excited us to war. We heartily cheered them and were 
thankful for their visit, and one brief hour, when thoughts were turned from 
the awful realities of war in which we were engaged, to the familiar strains of 
music so often heard at home before w^e volunteered. Yes, we ever thought 
of home and the loved ones we left behind, and our evening and morning prayers 
were the restoration of the Union and our safe return to the hills and valleys 
we loved and longed to see, and to mingle again with those we left behind. 

Our regimental hospital was crowded, very many of the sick were sent by 
ambulances to the railroad station, and from there to hospitals in Alexandria 
and Washington by cars, and some to Vermont which seemed to indicate and 
confirm the rumor about camp that we were soon to move, and some said to 
join General Hooker now in command of the army of the Potomac at Fredericks- 
burg, soon to cross the Rappahannock on his way to capture Richmond. Our 
brigade was in the 22nd army corps under Major General Hentzleman and in 
General Casey's division, and the probability of transfer was doubtful. The 




S'JKADMAN D. MOULTOX, CO. n, 
1890. 



HORACE TRASK, CO. li, 
1884. 




SVL\'.\.\rs KKVKS, CO. 1:. 

I86I. 



>VIA'A.\LS KKVKS, CO. i; 

1900. 



Jt Caiiif^ Wolf Run Sbools. I'a. 141 

officers best able to judge said \vc wniild likely for the present remain on the 
banks of the Occoqiian on picket duty, but there was no question but what an 
aggressive onward movement was about to me made ; spring was at hand, 
• ground drying up, roads becoming passible and streams fordable, and the 
administration of President Lincoln had been putting forth herculean efforts, 
making every possible preparation for a vigorous campaign, hoping and expect- 
ing signal success and the close of the bloody war so awful thus far in loss of 
life and property. 

President Lincoln grieved over the awful slaughter of Second Hull Run. 
South Mountain, Antietam and Frederisksburg, and comprehended better than 
his Generals that but little had thus far been accomplished in van(|uishing the 
foe and bringing the war to a close. 

March 28th, rainy and dismal, Sunday the 29th, warm and summerlike, the 
30th, cold north wind, the 31st, rain and snow all day and all who could, re- 
mained in their tents. April ist, a cold freezing morning, and we crawled out 
to answer the early morning roll call chilled and shaking in the cold blast of 
wind from the north. Everybody ugly and low spirited on account of the 
sudden and unusual change. In the afternoon we received marching orders to 
go down the Occoquan to be ready to strike tents and march at seven o'clock 
in the morning. Some said this was an April fool and the news too good to be 
accepted. All were anxious to leave this camp, for here had been much sickness 
and suiifering on account of the severity of the weather and the arduous duties 
of camp and on the picket line. ( )ur rations here had been good and plentiful, 
and vie had soft bread and fresh beef twice a week. Our hard tack was better, 
not so old, but before eating we broke each open to see if it was still alive and 
kicking. Some of us soaked our hard tack in coffee before attempting to eat 
it and from habit examined our coffee to see that there were no worms in the 
bottom of the cup. 

April 2nd was a beautiful spring day, a balmy breeze from the south, the 
woods were fragrant with the coming spring, numerous birds of beautiful 
plumage and melodious song flitted from limb to limb and filled the air with 
their glad songs of praise, the king of songsters, the mocking bird from tree-top 
joined his carolling melody and we of the Northland were entranced by these 
harbingers of spring and summer. The new camp was indeed to us an earthly 
paradise; and the boys of the 13th were happy and expressed their joy, too, in 
merrj' songs, jokes, hearty laughter and smiling faces. When all was ready, we 
leveled our city of cotton tents, shouldered our knapsacks and guns and started 
on the march at eight o'clock down the Occoquan. We marched through the 
open fields and thick groves of pine and oak along the uneven banks of the 
river nearby, while our mule teams went around b>- a traveled highway. 
Though glad to- leave this camp, and hoping never to return, there were many 
incidents that likely wotild never be forgotten. The author will, however, 
mention some of the facts of our regimental history at this camp. Wolf Run 
Shoals, before passing to other scenes and a new camp. 

Major Lawrence D. Clark of the Field resigned March 31st. and started 
for Washington where he had been (|uite frequently in consultation with 
General Casey about joining the navy, and to his disappointment on arriving 





KUCAR A. IIASTIN'CS, CO. H, 
1862. 



EDC.AR A. HASTIXGS, CO. 11, 
1907. 




(.i:iiKC,K S. CH.\r.MAX. en. B, 

1896. 



CII.\RI.i:s I). •I'nWI.K. CO. 1; 
1885. 



At Catnp IVolf Run Shoals, Va. 143 

at Washington found that he had jtist a few days before passed the age Hmit 
for admission into that branch of the service, and now much grieved and dis- 
appointed returned home to Vermont and resumed his occupation of farming 
and usual place in society, taking no further part in the suppression of the 
Rebellion as a soldier. Further mention will be made of him in connection with 
the company history of Company K. 

Company A lost by death, at camp Wolf Run Shoals, Joseph Ayers, died 
January 27th, 1863, by discharge, Barney Breslin, January 24th, Company B, 
lost by discharge, James ]\I. Thayer, January 22nd, Horace Trask, January 31st 
at Brattleboro, Vt. and Wm. AI. Turner, March 6th at Brattleboro. Company 
C lost by resignation. Lieutenant Geo. S. Robinson, February i6th, by death, 
Charles C. Coburn, January 26th, Milo L. Frost, March 6th, Abraham Lezer, 
March i6th, by discharge, Samuel Crozier, February 20th. Company D lost by 
resignation, Lieutenant John M. Rolfe, January 30th, by discharge, John A. 
Greenough, February ist. Company E lost by death, Chajicey O. Parker, 
February 5th, Cornelius V. Sessions, March 20th, by discharge, Joshua Luce, 
February i8th at Brattleboro, Ranson B. Goodell, February 15th. Company 
F lost by resignation, Captain John L. Yale, February 6th, by death, Rueben 
Babcock, January 29th, by discharge, Harmon H. Ballon, February 28th, Charles 
H. Dunton, March 17th, Willis T. Wells. February 2nd. Company G lost by 
discharge, Edwin P. Brown, March 29th, Norman Hogaboom, March i6th, 
Charles Levelette. March i6th at Brattleboro. Company H lost by resignation. 
Captain Wm. V. Peck, January 25th, by death, Eli A. Richard, February 25th, 
Walter Bush, March 4th, Hiram Foster, March 25th, by discharge Charles R. 
White, February 3rd, Jasper Lyman, February 17th, at Brattleboro, Eben F. 
Perkins, March 29th. Company I lost by discharge. Consider W. Brink, 
January 31st at Brattleboro, Isaac K. Davis, February ist, Wm. Noyes, 
February 28th at Brattleboro, Alva Rowell, April ist, Prentiss C. Wright, 
January 31st at Brattleboro. Company K lost by resignation. Second Lieutenant 
Carmi L. Marsh. February 17th, by death, Peter Bovat. February 19th, Wm. 
Burgess, March 24th, by discharge. Homer A. Burnell, February 25th, Welling- 
ton Clark, March 29th, Lorenzo L. Pomeroy, Jr., February i8th, making a total 
loss by resignation five, by death twelve, by discharge twenty-five, a total of 
forty-two. 

It will be observed that death and disease made a far more sad and serious 
depletion in our ranks in this camp (Wolf Run Shoals), than at Fairfax Court 
House, there twenty-five and here forty-two. All were thankful to leave this 
winter camp. The very name Wolf Run Shoals fitly characterized the place 
and none of us ever after referred to it even to this day with any degree of 
pleasure or satisfaction, and now after forty-four years of reflection recalling 
to mind in detail all that occurred there, am I able to state a single act or deed 
of any kind (except those of humanity), that command praise or admiration, 
unless it be patience, courage, endurance, fortitude, devotion and determination 
to remain steadfast and loyal to the end. 

We arrived at our new camp late in the afternoon of April 2nd. elated and 
joyous with so pleasant a location, beautifully situated, a broad open field of 
meadow and pasture land surrounded with groves of pine and oak on an 




CORP. JOHN Di'I.I'lI. CO. I!, 

Recent date. 



I,. TUdMPSOX SI'iiDDAIU), Co. I: 
1862. 




K.\TON .\. IIKATII, C(i. 
l8f)3. 



At Camp Canisi, Va. 145 

elevated plateau overlooking the Occoquan less than a mile south and many 
miles of the broad Potomac in the distance and a facinating view of miles of 
farm lands to the far south and east. It was indeed a charming spot, an ideal 
camp ground. Nature had lavishly surrounded this locality with its richest 
attractions of river, creek and brook, hills and valleys, forests of pine, cedar, 
oak, chestnut, walnut and cherry, bushes of laurel and hazlenut with mistletoe 
hanging in festoons from tree and bush and running pine nestling among the 
brown leaves of autumn, dotted with quaint old dwellings large and small, 
scattered here and there, convenient to great springs and flowing streams of 
pure water overlooking the broad Potomac for many miles toward the sea. It 
was all we could ask for as a camp-ground, and only some 30 miles to the 
Rappahannock where General Hooker and General Lee were preparing for 
battle; some of the more timid among us said would willingly remain here until 
the war was over. No particular danger here at this time. 

We were near the public road leading from Fairfax Court House to the 
flat country on the north side of the low banks of the Occoquan, Pohick Church 
and Mount Vernon, also the direct road to Fredericksburg and to the South 
counties. It seemed to us as we gazed west and south that we were now out 
of the wilderness and in sight of the promised land, and looked forward anticip- 
ating better days. Our surroundings were much better than at our old camp. 
Wolf Run Shoals. We named this new camp Widow Violet, Camp Carusi, and 
Camp Occoquan and each used the name that pleased him most. The first two 
were of local celebrity, once owners of the land we occupied, and the Occoquan, 
the one we liked best, named on account of the river and village nearby. We 
were near what was once the great thoroughfare of Fairfax County, over which 
General Washington and others of the F. F. V. often travelled in those early 
days to and from Fairfax Court House and Mount Vernon, and when journey- 
ing to Fredericksburg, King Williams Court House and Richmond. 

We had heard and read of those that once owned and occupied this attrac- 
tive part of Virginia and could now realize why the early settlers of our country 
selected this location for homes. There was still evidence here and there of 
former thrift and activity. Old mansions and churches erected in the days ot 
Washington were still to be seen in this section, some of which were in a good 
state of preservation. 

We camped for the first night in a small pine grove. Our tents did not 
arrive in season nor had Colonel Randall fully decided where to locate and lay 
out his camp ground. In the morning we discovered black snakes crawling 
around evidently having been warmed up by the many camp fires we had built 
and kept burning during the night. They were not agreeable bed-fellows but 
said to be harmless, but just the same ever after we were on the lookout for 
these long black snakes as we were told were quite numerous in this locality. 
They were six or eight feet long and some of us preferred Johnnie Rebs in 
camp instead. 

Colonel Randall selected a plot of land adapted to our convenience and 
necessity, to which we moved, cleared, and cleaned up, laid out in regular 
manner, and erected our tents all in military style. More than usual care was 
taken to have tents and company streets on straight lines, everything done 





JOHN" HIXKS, CO. II, 
i860. 





Wll.I.l \.\l II. IK \SK 
18X4. 



i-U.\XCIS VKKNON CR.WK, dl. I'., 
1862. 



At Camp Canisi. I'a. 147 

agreeal)le to previous instruction as to laying out camps that it might be all 
right when complete. The boys took special care and pride in laying out this 
camp ground, having each company street the same width and straight and 
tents on a line at equal distance from each other and everything at right angles 
so when up it would be attractive and convenient, each company vieing with the 
other in having their work well done. Our cotton A tents and wall tents that 
we occupied as our living quarters were situated at the east side near the timber, 
on a large plot of meadow and pasture land that had been in use for many 
years before the war in raising cotton, corn, sweet potatoes and other crops. 
Not far away were groves of small pine and oak.. All about, the land was quite 
level and well adapted for battalion and regimental drill and for dress parades. 
Here the cherry and persimmon seemed to flourish which grew much like the 
horse plum and black cherry in our Northern homes. In rear of our camp was 
a slow running brook sufficient for our purposes that wound its way among the 
trees to the flat marsh land on its way to the Occoquan. 

There were a number of fine springs of good water near by for drinking 
and cooking purposes, plenty of growing pine and oak for fire and other pur- 
poses, and all abotit us were pitch pine fences which made a quick hot fire. The 
natives protested against our using their fences and we were told to let the 
rails alone, but the fences gradually like the snow, melted away, di"y pine rails 
more convenient and we could not always wait for green wood with which to 
cook and make our coffee, especially when hungry and cold, and some of the 
boys were indolent and lazy and had no respect for the Neutrals (as they called 
themselves) or the rail fences. 

At the close of the second day tents were all up and in good shape for 
keeping house again, and we waited quite anxiously for our teams to come with 
rations. Our haversacks and stomachs were empty and some were impatient 
and unnessarily anxious. 

The usual guard was at once stationed around the camp and quite a laige 
detail sent down the river on picket duty about a mile south. Our camp was 
busy for a number of days fixing up bunks made of small poles raised about 
twelve inches and supported at four corners by crotched sticks driven into the 
ground covered with pine and cedar boughs which we used for tables, chairs 
and beds. To keep our guns, straps and clothing clean required constant atten- 
tion and this was a daily duty not to be omitted that we might look neat and 
tidy and avoid criticism on Sunday inspections. 

Our tents were up none too .soon for in the morning, April 5, the ground 
was covered with a foot of snow and a cold blast of wind from the north drifted 
it into piles outside and inside our tents. This was a great surprise to us as well 
as to the natives, for they said, had never seen a storm like it so late in the 
sprmg. It was like a genuine March blizzard in Vermont. The buds and 
leaves had started, fruit trees almost ready to blossom and the inhabitants were 
putting in their garden seeds and preparing fields for cotton, sweet potatoes 
corn and other crops usually grown in this section. This snow storm was like 
many we had in that lonesome and dreary camp, Wolf Run Shoals, but it lasted 
only a day or two. for on the 7th the warm south ^vind and hot rays from a 





tDWIN I',. ATKINS, CO. 
1862. 



KDWIX r.. ATKIXS, CO. 1!, 
1907. 





EUGK.NK NICHOLS. Co. H 
1863. 



ECC.KNE NICHOLS, CO. II, 
1895. 



At Camp Canisi. J 'a. 149 

cloudless sky suddenly melted the snow, dried up the mud and again every in- 
dication of Spring. 

Fair ladies having now arrived in camp the boys took pride in having every- 
thing in and about camp tidy, orderly and clean. We resumed battalion drill 
again on the 8th. Our Colonel was bent on having his regiment the best drilled 
of any in the brigade, and when weather permitted we were out on the parade 
ground being instructed in all the military evolutions and manoeuvers laid down 
in Hardees' Tactics. Fast day came on the 9th and Colonel Randall, accom- 
panied by officers and ladies, with the drum corps for music, went for a sail 
down the Occoquan as far as Potomac. It was a lovely day and they reported 
a pleasant trip long to be remembered. 

Our gallant and genial Colonel as all remember, was a very courteous 
gentleman and extremely partial to the ladies and he of course furnished them 
with every attention that their visit and stay among us might aliford them 
exictement and pleasure; and some were so much taken up with camp life they 
remained until June and departed with regret. 

The weather continued warm and pleasant, frost and winter gone and the 
boys when not on the picket line, battalion drill, or guard about camp, when 
passes could be obtained were visiting farm houses, Occoquan village. Mount 
Vernon, only ten miles to the northeast where many went, Alexandria and 
Washington and occasionally a strong guard would cross the river at Occoquan 
Village travel miles south, visit plantations in search of Rebels that they believed 
belonged to Mosby's guerrilla band, but we captured none that could be indenti- 
fied as belonging to his bold and lawless raiders. We believed that they were 
all the while acting under orders from General J. E. B. Stuart and other 
officers. They were acquainted with every road and path and hiding place, and 
we were not, hence our failure to overtake and capture any. We saw some old 
men and young boys and plenty of maidens and occasionally a darky. The al- 
most nightly raids along our picket line gobbling up a picket post here and there 
was the cause of the beating of the long roll in camp so often, generally in the 
dead of night. The quick call to arms expecting a sudden attack from Mosby, 
with whom we were now quite too well acquainted, was always attended with 
more or less confusion in camp. He, Mosby, and his minions would come and 
go like a thief at night and we could not capture or find their secluded rendezvous 
or hiding places. All doubtless remember the hurried call from the Ferry down 
to Occoquan Village to protect and support cavalry that were on the other side, 
the river having risen they could not ford or swin and the ferry boat had 
broken away and floated down the stream. The cavalry thought a force of Rebel 
cavalry was in pursuit to capture them. Company K went on a double quick 
down to the ferry, remained until night and then Company E relieved and K 
returned to camp. Not a Rebel cavalryman came in sight. Our fellows across 
the stream were a little rattled and that is all, and it may well be doubted if 
any force within twenty miles, for General Stoneman with 10,000 finely 
equipped and well organized cavalry was on his way to cross the upper Rappa- 
hannock and move around Lee's left flank and rear. 

Rumor reached us that Colonel George J. Stannard had been promoted and 
made a brigadier Genera;l and assigned to the commajid of the 2nd Vermont 





JOHN C. CAXKRDV. Cn. i: 
1862. 



CIIAL'XCKY r. CAKPKXTKR, CO. B, 
1862. 





.) AMES SIIANLKY. CO. 1:. 
1862. 



JAMES Sll ANI.l'A. 
1890. 



At Camp Canisi, J 'a. 151 

Brigade, which had the liearty approval of every soldier in the 13th regiment 
and the brigade. He was a Vermonter that we knew and wonld not hesitate 
to follow. He had shown himself to be made of the genuine Ethan Allen stufl:' 
at Harper's Ferry, when Colonel of the 9th Vermont, at the time of the useless 
surrender by Colonel Miles of his whole force without making an etiort to fight 
or escape on September 15th, 1862. 

General Stannard was a native of Georgia, \'t., and from St. Albans, and 
we of Company K the 13th and Comapny E the 12th (many of us) were per- 
sonally acquainted with him and had full confidence in his prowess and ability 
and would unhesitatingly follow wherever he might direct or lead. 

No state furnished any better material in the volunteer service than General 
George J. Stannard. of St. Albans, Vt., and none made a more brilliant record 
I saw him often during the battle of Gettysburg, especially at the time and 
place of General Pickett's famous charge. 

General Stannard originated and made the order (General Pickett's manner 
of advance having furnished the opportunity) during the charge, namely, 
"Change front forward on first company," this brought his brigade on General 
Pickett's flank at Short Range and his Green Mountain boys, (every one of 
which) were good shots fired volley after volley in quick succession, strewing 
the ground with .'t thousand of Pickett's heroic dead in less than thirty minutes. 
It was the comprehensive foresight and native inspiration that made and executed 
this now famous order that resulted in the great slaughter and defeat of 
General Pickett's intrepid veterans, and the complete vanqui.shment of General 
Lee's mighty army on this field which was covered at the close of the 3rd and 
last day of fighting with 20,000 and more of the dead and wounded in about 
equal numbers of those that wore the blue and gray. 

April loth again reported that we were soon to join Hooker on his way 
to take Richmond. Many say, nothing to this rumor for only veterans would 
be accepted by Hooker and the papers said he had already a mighty army of 
125,000 with 400 cannon and cannoneers sufficient to handle them and did not 
want any more men ; that he was now only waiting for an opportune moment 
to cross the Rappahannock, give General Lee battle and push his army back 
and capture Richmond. Notwithstanding the silly rumors afloat we remained 
at Camp Occoquan, daily drilling and guarding with vigilence our picket lines 
and preparing as well as we could for marching and fighting at any moment. 
Many in camp sincerely believed that General Hooker would vanquish Lee's 
army and march into Richmond and end the war before June ist, and there was 
much indeed to encoitrage such a prediction. General Burnside had failed, but 
the administration manifested great confidence in General Hooker's ability to 
accomplish what the army of the Potomac had in two years of campaigning and 
hard fighting failed to do, and so on this beautiful Spring day, Sunday. April 
19th. all is quiet along the Occoquan. 

Considerable sickness in camp, many of the sick have been sent to Alex- 
andria and placed in the hospitals. Our Chaplain, Rev. Joseph Sargant, died at 
mid-night. April 20th, and his body was taken on the 22nd by Captain Bostwick 
to Washington to be sent home to W'illiston, \'ermont. , 





R()\ AL URDWAV, Co. n. 
1862. 



•ROYAL (IKDWAV. CI). P., 
IQ06. 





CORP. CHARLKS P. CARPKNTKK. Cd. I: 
1873- 



II i;nr\ m ' K'i \ 

l8()2. 



At Ca)np Carusi, J'a. 153 

In less than six weeks, Captain Bostwick was taken down with fever, re- 
signed, and died before reaching home. Not an officer of the hne more 
universally loved and respected or one who gave better promise of fulfilling 
every requirement as an officer and soldier. His mother learned of his illness. 
hastened from Vermont, reached our camp and started with her only son for 
home, but too late. The mother, broken hearted, soon followed and side by 
side they have slept these many years awaiting for the final resurrection. The 
author, though not of the same company, soon became well acquainted with this 
young officer of charming personality. To see and know him was a rare 
privilege. The recollection of him has been a precious legacy. This untimely 
death was much regretted. A loyal, brave soldier that loved his country and 
laid down his life for its preservation. Conditions now permitted two from each 
company daily, to be given passes to visit Mount Vernon, Occoquan Village. 
Fairfax Station and the citizens outside our picket lines. The author in com- 
pany with Fernando C. Wilett of Company G on the i6th made the march to 
Mount Vernon and returned on the 17th in a rain storm, stopping over night 
about a mile this side of Mount Vernon at an old mansion then occupied by ; 
Mr. Mason which was kept as a sort of a hotel to accommodate the boys when 
making visits to and from Mount Vernon. 

Our regiment received information about this date that our Brigadier 
General, George J. Stannard, would make us a visit about the 25th. Great 
preparations were made to have everything neat and clean and in good order. 
We policed the grounds, set out rows of small pine and cedar trees around our 
camp and in the company streets, fixed up tents, scoured and burnished our 
guns and bayonets, etc., brushed up our dress coats and caps and blacked our 
army shoes. Everything was done that we might the better show respect to 
our distinguished guest. 

On Sunday April 26th, about nine o'clock, General George J. Stannard 
made his first official visit to our regiment, accompanied by a large body guard, 
a part of the 7th Michigan cavalry. A perfect day, warm and pleasant, and all 
were happy and in high glee because our Brigadier General was making us an 
official call. The order came "Fall in," and the way we went led by our Colonel 
out on the parade ground and there under the steady gaze of our General went 
through the various evolutions for an hour or more. 

The 7th Michigan cavalry gave an exhibition of drill that pleased all, for it 
demonstrated how perfectly horses could be taught military drill and evolutions 
by sound of bugle and use of bridle and spur. After the drill was over our 
regiment was formed into a hollow square into which rode General Stannard, 
led by Colonel Randall. He was introduced by our Colonel in a brief and 
eloquent speech to which General Stannard responded in his quiet and modest 
manner praising us for soldiery appearance, fine drilling and good looks, the 
neat and orderly appearance of our camp grounds, and said, "I have no fear if 
ever it should be my privilege to lead you into battle, but what you will be brave 
and fearless and acquit yourselves with credit and honor to Vermont" ; and in 
closing heartily thanked us for the very flattering and agreeable reception ac- 
corded him. Three hearty cheers spoke our appreciation of him and the com- 
pliments given. The drill and ceremony were over and the General and his 





1862. 



WALTER C. Dl-MICK, Cd. i: 





DAVID GLKASON, CO. li, 
1862. 



DA\1D C.I.EASDX. (.( 
1886. 



At Camp Carusi, J'a. 155 

guard moved out into the highway rapidly down the road out of sight and on 
their way to Fairfax Station. This had been a great occasion for the boys and 
all were elated and proud because of such a fine display, creditable appearance 
and orderly conduct and on account of the complimentary remarks made by 
our General. 

The officers of the line praised the rank and file and they, in reph'. com- 
plimented their officers. This had been a busy day and thoughts of home and 
our immediate future had not for a single moment engaged our attention. The 
review was over and night came and we laid down to rest and to dream of home 
and desperate struggles on the field of battle. These two subjects now burdened 
our thoughts night and day. 

On the next day after General Stannard left us, all were agreeably sur- 
prised to learn of the presence of the paymaster. The boys had been short of 
green backs and scrip for some time. The visits to Mount Vernon, Alexandria 
and out among the settlers after milk, butter, etc., had made an unusual demand 
on our pocket books and nearly all were flat and empty. We received the four 
months pay ($52.00) with pleasure and hearty thanks to Uncle Sam. The 
29th, drill and routine duties, and on the 30th, battalion drill and muster again 
for pay. The army regulations required a monthly muster on the last of each 
month, and this was called being mustered for pay. It was a full and complete 
statement on blanks furnished for the purpose in duplicate of the standing of 
every member of each company and all in any way connected with each regiment 
by way of enlistment. The mustering officer, unless someone especially provided. 
was the commandant of each camp or post. This tabulation when made up was 
called the muster roll containing a complete list of names of each company 
whether present for duty, sick in hospital, or away on detail duty, or absent for 
any cause, deaths, discharges, resignations. It did not follow because mustered 
each month for pay that we were paid monthly. Various reasons effected 
dates of pa3ment. It was now spring in Virginia and if ever a lot of fellows 
were gald to see it they were the soldier-boys of the 13th Vermont Regiment. 
The duties of a soldier at any time of the year during active campaigns is an 
arduous life, especially in a Virginia winter like that of 1862-3; only those, the 
most hardy and stalwart and with an unyielding determination, uncomplainingly 
responded to every duty and cheerfully and manfully did their very best to ad- 
vance the cause that induced them to volunteer. May ist, being I\Iay Day at 
home, our camp was early astir for breakfast, guard mount, etc., hoping in 
some manner to celebrate the day in camp as we were accustomed to do at 
home. The harbingers of spring had come and moved Northward to the green 
hills we adored and loved so intensely. 

Colonel Randall in the goodness of his heart, (for if any Colonel ever loved 
his boys, it was he,) gave orders and permission to roam about and go and do 
whatever pleased us most, but not to stray far away nor play any tricks or pranks 
on the settlers ; to behave well, and be sure and not go m small squads outside 
the picket line, and take any chances of being shot or picked up by some of 
Mosby's bushwhackers. Even our mules long before sunrise commenced the 
celebration of the day with their melodious brayings just outside in the edge of 
the woods to the right and rear of our tents. All seemed, to enjoy this day; there 





OSCAR A. STEARXS, CO. P. 
1880. 



LOREN li. REKD, CO. B, 
i860. 





BVKOX J. SIOCKWKLI., CO. 1:, 
1861. 



CHARLES C. INGALLS, CO. H, 



.It Camp Cunisi. I 'a. 157 

was ball playiny, running, jumping, and wrestling in and about camp, roaming 
in the woods, down the Occoquan fishing, some visiting the settlers in search 
of bread and milk, butter, ham, etc., and a mid-day meal outside of camp, of 
hoe cake and bacon, and also some were anxious to see the girls to whom they 
had already become quite friendly at least. The girls were a little reserved and 
shy. Had evidently seen and heard of the Blue Coats before and quite probable 
some had lovers in the Rebel army. These Southern girls were most bitter 
to\\ards those who wore the uniform of a soldier and evidently true and loyal 
to the cause of the Confederacy. Our boys, as a rule, were courteous and well- 
behaved to the dwellers thereabouts and paid well in good money for what they 
had, and at this time we had plenty of money and were always free and liberal 
in the use of it. We had no occasion to save it for the future, for the life of a 
soldier was too uncertain, but little thought w'as given as to what we should do 
when the war was over. I verily believe every intelligent soldier in our regi- 
ment (and most were intelligent) fully realized at this date the uncertainty of 
ever returning home. Impending battles, were surely near at hand. The 
philosophy of the soldier (it is said) "Be merry and happy to-day and take no 
thought of the morrow", and too many of us acted accordingly. 

This Ma\' Day in \irginia w-as much enjoyed and one still fresh in memory. 
It was indeed one of the golden days of our soldier life. 

The close of this May day brought all back to camp without an accident, 
and all were happier because of a day of freedom of thought and action outside 
of camp. It was the universal expression that this was by far the best day we 
had seen since we crossed Long Bridge into old Virginia. There were at this 
time ladies in camp from \^ermont, wives of officers, who with their husbands, 
with our Colonel as leader, enjoyed the day in and about camp. 

Colonel Randall was alert and vigilant during these active and strenuous 
times at the front and at the same time very gallant to the ladies in camp but 
did not propose to furnish Mosby and his guerillas any opportunity to ride into 
his camp day or night and gobble him up as General Stoughton had been. 

On the 2nd, day of May our curiosity was aroused as to what was occurring 
to the south of us, for we could distinctly hear the heavy, deep rumbling of 
cannonading in the direction of Fredericksburg. 

A move of General Hooker's army forward had been for some time an- 
ticipated, and we thought from the roar of cannon it had commenced; every- 
thing about us, the movement of troops, changing positions, strengthening the 
picket line, hurrying the sick off to hospitals, inspections, continuous drills, all were 
indications that a vigorous spring campaign all along the line had already com- 
menced. Our camp was intensely excited and aroused in consequence of the 
booming of cannon in the direction of Fredericksburg knowing full well the 
situation of the army of the Potomac and General Hooker's contemplation to 
push on. General Hooker, had assured the President on his recent visit to 
Falmouth that his army was ready and equal for the task, and that he could do 
what other Generals, McDowell, McClellan, Pope and Burnside had failed to 
accomplish. He encouraged and assured President Lincoln of the vanquish- 
ment of General Lee's army, the capture of Richmond, and the end of the war. 
This indeed was a noble ambition, and up to the 2nd day of May, 1863, General 



At Caiiil^ tarusi, la. T50 

Hooker's maneuvering of his great army gave promise of success and the con- 
summation of his laudable and burning desire to defeat General Lee and end 
the war. It is true he had the best organized, equipped, officered, largest, bravest 
and in every way most efficient army that ever had been mobolized on this 
continent ; and there appeared to be no good reason, if well handled, why the 
mighty and valorous army of the Potomac should not succeed. 

On the morning of May 3rd owing to the cannonading south of us, that we 
heard on the previous day, our camp was up early, anxious to ascertain what 
news, if any, from General Hooker and his valiant army at the front, and if any 
orders to move ; every soldier in camp was alert and anxious, but only rumors 
of battles, victory and defeat were rife throughout camp. During the after- 
noon, Sutlers with their teams and goods reached the ferry at Occoquan \'illage 
seeking passage across on their way back to Alexandria and Washington, anxious 
to be out of danger to themselves and possible loss of their goods, and they 
informed us that General Hooker had crossed the Rappahannock with his whole 
army and a great battle was being fought and that General Lee was on the 
retreat. This news coming fresh from Falmouth and vicinity and was con- 
sidered authentic and reliable. It was indeed encouraging and welcome news 
and it spread through our camp like the beating of the long roll, and smiling 
faces and cheering words spoke the hope and gladness of every heart. We 
momentarily, and I may say anxiously, awaited for orders to strike tents and 
follow on in support of the army of the Potomac. There were many in our 
regiment since that little affair at Fairfax Court House on the 28th of Decem- 
ber, when General J. E. B. Stuart charged in against us, that were anxious to 
try their courage and skill in a good square genuine fight, and some said this 
will be our only chance, and we can march to Hooker's army in 24 hours, and 
be in season to assist in fighting our way into Richmond. We intently listened 
to the rumbling sound of cannon all the day long and those, the more familiar 
with the sound, said that our army was on the advance. 

Monday, the wind being directly from the south all day long, we distinctly 
heard the continuous roll of artillery and we now knew a battle was in progress 
between the great armies of the Potomac and Northern Virginia, and all in our 
camp felt confident of victory for our side. 

During the day of May 4th, our regiment received marching orders and it 
is said our brigade was to start in a few hours, that other troops were to take 
our places on the picket line, that General Stannard had been ordered to advance 
his command as fast as possible to the front. No definite information however 
obtainable to what division or corps we had been assigned, but many seemed to 
think and expressed the hope that we should be assigned to General Sedgwick's 
corps the 6th, in which was the ist Vermont Brigade. 

No possible change would have suited the 2nd Vermont Brigade so well as 
to have found this rumor to be true. Many of tis had relatives and friends in 
the old Vermont brigade ; and were considerably elated over the prospect of 
being with them. Though it was certain a great battle had been in progress at 
the front with every prospect that we should be on the march any hour, yet 
Captain Thatcher of Company I started for Washington with quite a large sum 




CAI'T. LliWIS L. CUUUR.V, CD. C, 
1862. 



1ST. LIEUT. CEOROK S. KdUlX^nN, CO. C, 
1862. 




1ST'. I.IEUT. WILLI. \M E. M.\RTIN, CO. C 



1863. 



At Camp Cant si, Va. i6i 

of money to send to Vermont so says Peter Dewey's diary of that date, May 4tli, 
1863. 

Captain Thatcher was a scholarly gentleman, and no doubt the patriotic 
impulses of his heart were as solicitous and honorable as any officer of the 
Line, but it was evident that he was not as well calculated for the desperate 
struggle of battle as his associates. 

It has been demonstrated again and again to be a physical impossibility for 
some to go into battle. Captain Thatcher returned from Washington on the 
evening of the jt\\ bringing papers containing news of a great battle and the 
defeat of General Hooker at Chancellorsville, and the withdrawal of his whole 
army back across the Rappahannock. We had expected to move on the 4th, 
5th, and 6th, but did not, and it was now evident why. Defeat at Chancellors- 
ville and the retreat back to the north banks of the Rappahannock and Falmouth 
explained why. There was nothing talked of in our camp for days only about 
General Hooker's defeat. Some in their charity said, "Not a defeat but a 
change of base," others, "A sharp fight and a retreat in good order to make 
ready to fight on some other day," and similar remarks. The fact was (and 
the officers knew it as well as the rank and file, but all were careful about criti- 
cising superior officers) that we had suffered a most humiliating defeat. The 
public press, though conservative, admitted as much, and it fell like a thunder- 
bolt from a clear sky on the Union cause, and no satisfactory explanations given. 
President Lincoln and his Cabinet were amazed, alarmed, and deeply 
afifected, and could not account for the unlooked-for disaster. 

There was no good and sufficient reason given (nor has there ever been 
one offered) why the army of the Potomac should not have been successful in 
this battle unless it be the lack of ability in General Hooker to properly man- 
oeuvre and light so great an army as he then commanded. He was simply out- 
generaled by Lee, and that is likely the full explanation. 

General Hooker's literary executor, Samuel P. Bates, in his aritcle page 
218 \'ol. 3, "Battles and Leaders of the Civil War," reports what General 
Hooker said while on a tour of examination of the battlefield at Chancellorsville 
in October 1876 on approaching a certain pine tree and pointing it out said, 
"It was under that tree that Lee and Jackson planned the mode of attack and 
devised the mischief which routed and came near ruining my army." This 
statement is an admission of one of the causes of defeat, and want of ability 
to handle a great army and fight the same to its best advantage was another 
cause. In fact as a commander he was not in the same class with such officers 
as General Lee, General Longstreet, General Jackson and Generals Grant, Sher- 
man, Sheridan and Meade. 

Hooker had an army of 130,000, as it was claimed, 404 cannon, were well 
drilled and fed, and in the best condition for offensive operations and under him 
were many able and distinguished officers, corps commanders of experience, 
while General Lee had about 60,000 with 170 pieces of artillery. 

Hooker took his own time to prepare for this important movement, selected 
his positions for the attack and battlefield and surprised General Lee and crossed 
the Rappahannock without his knowledge, placed his army as suited him best. 




SKRGT. DIKIIAM A. M AUMLE, CO. C. 
1862. . 



SERGT. DrRHAM A. M AKHLK, id. C. 
1896. 



At Camp Canisi, Va. iC^;^ 

reached the held of contest in splendid order and good fighting trim. His men 
were as brave and the eqttal in battle as those of General Lee, and his guns were 
better and he had nearly two to Lee's one of men and guns. 

General Howard on the right was not to blame because General Lee sent 
Stonewall Jackson to attack the right flank then held by the nth army corps 
and commanded by General Howard, General Hooker blundered in sending 
General Sedgwick with the 6th army corps to that awful and useless slaughter 
of Marie's Heights, and for ordering General Sedgwick, who was miles to the 
left, to hasten to his support when he had 80,000 with him at Chancellorsville 
and neglecting on May 3rd to put the First and Fifth army corps both fresh, 
in good fighting condition, into action, and to have so arranged and made known 
his plans to others so that his combined forces could have been brought into 
united and active co-operation on the field of battle. To be sure General 
Hooker was injured in the forenoon of May 3rd at the Chancellorsville House 
and the army for a while was without a leader. General Couch, the next in 
rank, should have been more fully instructed by General Hooker before the 
battle to provide against a contingency of death or disability. The attacking 
party must not omit a single detail and no excuse can be oft'ered for such negli- 
gence. General Couch should have been fully advised that he might have 
assumed command sooner after Hooker's disability on the battlefield. 

J lie Hooker was a good, fearless, and brave fighter, but when called to 
handle and fight a larger force than a corps, was not equal to the demand, and 
this statement is fully warranted by the way the Chancellorsville battle was 
fought, the Union army being hurled and driven back in great haste and con- 
fusion to the north bank of the Rappahannock. The consensus of opinion 
among military writers of to-day is, that it was a mistake to have given General 
Hooker command of the great army of the Potomac. General Hooker as a 
Commander of a great army had not been tried. His subsequent career 
demonstrated his fighting activity, his true devotion to cause and country. 

The death of that brave, conscientious, and indomitable fighter Stonewall 
Jackson may have been the Providential incident that saved our army from 
more humiliating defeat, and possibly, capture. 

Thomas Jonathan Jackson was ever ready and willing to do his duty to 
the utmost, not for him to question why, but to obey. He was not a great 
General like Lee, Joseph E. Johnson, Albert Sidney Johnston, Longstreet, Hill 
and J. E. B. Stuart, but an unyielding dashing intrepid fighter of great magnet- 
ism and prowess. 

Quite a number of changes occurred in our regiment while at Camp Widow 
Violet, and perhaps the most important was the resignation of Lieutenant 
Colonel A. C. Brown to accept, at the earnest request of Governor Holbrooke, 
the position of Commissioner of the Board of Enrollment of the First Con- 
gressional District of \'ermont. This was a general disappointment, for the 
Colonel had fully demonstrated his fitness and courage to command when he 
had charge of our regiment in the night attack of General Stuart at Fairfax 
Court House, December 28th. He was a fine man of good character and well 
thought of and we were sorry to have him leave us. We knew of course there 
were plenty of others who could take his place and fill it with credit. Captain 





SERGT. CHARLES A. WATSUX, OK C, SEUr.T. CllAKLES A. WATSOX, CO. C, 

1863. 1898. 





SERGT. CHARLES SHKPARU, CO, C, 
1863. 



SERl.r. CHARLES SHEPARD, Co. 
1906. 



At Camp CiirKsi, I 'a. 165 

Wni. D. AJunson, of Company D was promoted to the position of Lieutenant 
Colonel on Alay 5th. The whole regiment was pleased with the promotion of 
Capt. jMunson. Everyone recognized his superior qualifications for the place, 
he being a graduate of Norwich University. Major Clark had resigned on the 
last of March and Capt. Boynton of Company E was promoted Major and 
entered at once upon the discharge of his duties as such. Also Colonel 
Randall's brother. Rev. Edward H. Randall had been appointed Chaplain on 
the 5th of May to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Rev. Joseph Sargent, 
who died April 20th. 

These promotions made vacancies in the offices of the Line which were 
in due season filled, mention of which will be found in the final statement of 
events at this cam[). 

Colonel Randall having been apprised of General Stannard's intention of 
making another visit, issued an order for a general policing of our camp and 
other preparations, and hence on the morning of the 9th down came the A tents 
and a general house-cleaning took place and everything was in order again 
before noon. General Stannard rode into camp about two o'clock in the after- 
noon accompanied by some of his staf¥ and orderlies and a mounted guard. 
The drum corps was called out to furnish music for the occasion. On the nth 
quite an amusing episode at dress parade ; the Colonel was absent and Lieutenant 
Colonel Muson had not yet arrived to assume his position as Lieutenant Colonel 
and the right of Major Boynton to command the regiment was questioned by 
Captain Lonergan of Company A. Captain Lonergan claimed that Captain 
Bo\nton's commission as Major had not been received, and for that reason he 
as the ranking captain was in charge of the regiment and post and this view 
was seconded by Captain Coburn of Company C, who felt that the rule of pro- 
motion in advancing Captain Boynton of Company E had not been strictly 
followed and seemed quite willing to stand by Captain Lonergan in his con- 
tention, and so at dress parade, both Major Boynton and Captain Lonergan took 
positions as commander of the regiment and attempted to discharge the duties 
of Colonel. Two in command and both giving orders to the Adjutant and he, 
the A.djutant, refusing to recognize Captain Lonergan's claim was ordered under 
arrest and his sword demanded. This, Adjutant Peck refused to obey and 
after considerable sharp talk, and without proceeding further, Major Boynton, 
realizing the awkward situation, without further ceremony dismissed the 
parade, and the several companies returned to their respective quarters con- 
siderably excited and disgusted with the foolish and boyish exhibition of 
Captain Lonergan, who sullenly returned to his tent loudly proclaiming his right 
to command. 

Major Boynton had been left in charge by Colonel Randall and the mere 
fact that his commission had not arrived as Major ought not to have been 
questioned. It was at least in bad taste and an exhibition of insubordination. 

The Colonel arrived about ten in the evening and when informed of what 
had occurred ordered both Captains Lonergan and Coburn under arrest. This 
made considerable excitement in camp and furnished food for talk and wise 
opinions for a number of days. After some explanations and apologies the 
whole matter was dropped and nothing more said about it : onlv a slight 





SERCT. LORKXZd D. CUTLER, CO. C. 
18^12. 



CORP. ELI S. PITKIN, CO. C, 
1862. 





CORP. EDGAR A. KELTON, CO. C, 
1862. 



CORP EDCAR A. KI-lLTilX, CO. C, 
1869. 



At Caiiil^ Cantsi, Va. 167 

difference of opinion as to strict military regulation, that and nothing more, 
therefore all were exonerated and restored to good standing and harmony and 
goodfellowship, and social relations continued as before. 

Alay 13th, Lieutenant Colonel Munson arrived in camp and assumed the 
duties of this office to which he had been promoted. On the morning of the 
14th. about nine o'clock, a mounted horseman rode into camp much excited and 
somewhat frightened and cried the news "iMosby has captured our teams on the 
road to Fairfax Station; twelve mules and four horses, wagons, etc., and seven 
soldiers and have started in great haste back across the Upper Occoquan." 
This piece of news spread like a fire alarm. The long roll beat and the regiment 
appeared promptly for all had heard the news and three or four companies 
were sent in hot pursuit on the double quick to overhaul and re-take our prop- 
erty and men, and capture if possible the marauders, but after arriving at the 
supposed place of crossing the Occoquan which was pointed out by one of our 
captured boys that had escaped, concluded that they might as well return to 
camp, for Mosby and his followers were doubtless far beyond our reach. They 
were mounted and we on foot and we had already learned no use of infantry 
to attempt to capture cavalry though we were fleet of foot. 

These teams and mule drivers and others belonged to our regiment and 
were on their way to the Station for rations for our post and to visit Alexandria 
and Washington. Our teams were captured just after leaving camp some two 
miles out by a party of guerrillas under command (as it turned out) of Lieutenant 
Smith of the 4th Virginia cavalry. Our boys were given a bare back free ride 
to Gainsville and there paroled and returned to camp as good as new except 
sore and tired. 

The captured said they hurried them as fast as possible and that bare back 
riding on a sharp mule or horse thirty or forty miles, fording rivers and through 
bush and timber, in paths and no paths, up hill and down was an experience 
anything but agreeable. They remained in camp and kept very quiet for a 
number of days. I do not think any of them did duty afterwards, and yet it 
was possible an exchange was arranged and their parole cancelled. Those taken 
were Sergeants Boyce and Silsby of Company B ; Sergeant Fuller G. Wood- 
worth and J. Griffith of Company G ; S. Austin of Company H ; J. Carr of Com- 
pany I and Hubbard J. Searl of Company K. I am under an impression from 
a memoranda at hand that these persons were sent forward to a parole camp 
at Washington there to wait an exchange. 

Oscar Hubbard of Company K died from typhoid fever on the i6th, and 
Stephen G. West of Company I on the 17th. About this date a large company 
of boys went over on the south side of the Occoquan as a scouting party and 
returned with eight horses and one man. The boys now claimed to be about 
even for those we lost on the 14th. Some of the horses were good, but most 
of them were played out, unfit for work or riding. 

The weather had been fine and warm most of the month and our camp had 
been the scene of quite a number of social gatherings, principally on account 
of the \'ermont ladies in camp, and they were of course accorded due attention 
by our Colonel and his associate officers. The officers, rank and file were born 
gentlemen and were ever courteous, except when occasion demanded different 
treatment. 




CHRISTOPHER H. WAKKKI ELD, 

Musician. 1862. 



HKISTiiIMIKK 11. WAKEITKLD, 

Musician. 1006. 



At Camp Cariisi. I'a. 169 

On the 2 1 St, General Stannard made another visit, and we had a dance in 
the evening given by the officers in camp in htmor of our distinguished guest, 
and to this gathering our General on urgent invitation consented to grace the 
occasion with his person. 

Captain Thatcher returned on the 30th from Union Mills where he had 
been attending a court martial hearing, and reported that the Rebel guerilla 
Mosby with a large force had captured a supply train at Catletts Station about 
fifteen miles south of Fairfax Station on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, 
consisting of ten cars of forage, a quantity of soft bread and Sutler's supplies ; 
had taken what they wanted and destroyed the rest, and were on their way east 
and might be expected at our camp any hour, and he had hastened back to 
camp to bring the news. This stirring news made excitement and some conster- 
nation in our camp ; we had frequently heard of Mosby, now called Major 
Mosby, because of his successful and daring raid at Fairfax Court House and 
capture of a brigadier general, staff, aids, orderlies and guards and we did not 
doubt but that the report was true and hence all necessary preparation was 
made to give him a cordial welcome and warm reception. No one in camp 
seemed to be rattled or looked pale with fear, all hoped to have an opportunity 
to even up with him for his repeated visits among us since we had been in 
charge of the picket line from the Potomac up the Occoquan, along Bull Run 
to Centerville. We waited all day expecting to hear the signal gun on the 
picket line, but none came, and all appeared much disappointed. It was re- 
ported that Mosby, meeting with so much success and finding a good supply of 
what was most needed in his camp, had returned back to the mountains from 
whence he came. It was also reported that the First Vermont Cavalry were 
in pursuit with which fact we were well satisfied, for they were Vermonters 
and were sure to do Mosby evenhanded justice according to custom if captured. 

Being now sure that Mosby would not be seen in our camp, we resumed our 
usual daily duties and occupations. Our routine duties thus far in this camp 
have only in part been told. Much of our time was devoted to letter writing, 
making notes of each day's hapenings in and about camp in pocket diaries. 
Quite a number of our regiment made arrangements with the 7th Michigan 
Cavalry in camp nearby, and borrowed their horses for a day to visit Alount 
Vernon and to scout the country in the direction of Dumfries and Fredericks- 
burg, impelled by curiosity instead of anxiety to fight. 

Quite a number among us, when not otherwise engaged, gave their atten- 
tion to the study of text books for they were college students and appeared 
anxious to make the most of their time and oportunity. 

The ambitious among us still engaged in sword and bayoiiet drill. Some 
of the boys daily engaged in playing cards, dominoes, checkers and chess, pitch- 
ing quoits, pistol practice, fishing and hunting, gathering berries and cherries 
which grew in abundance in this locality. 

It was no unusual thing for a large squad headed by some commissioned 
officer or Sergeant to obtain permission and cross the Occoquan, search the 
country, (always keeping well together), in pursuit of pleasure and to ascertain 
if there were any suspicious looking persons in that region. 






SKKCT. J. IILUSiiN KinDEE, CU. C, 
1862. 



ciiKr. siCRKxu wKicirr coi.i.u, 
1862. 





W. II. II. \V.\K1:FIKLD, CO. c, 
Fifer, 1862. 



W. 11. 11. W AKIU-IKLD, CO. C, 

Fifer, 1887. 



At Camp Carusi, J 'a. 171 

The last days of May brought news indicating that we should soon be 
on the move which led us to look over our clothing, knapsacks, etc., that we 
might see what we would likely most need, pack the remainder with trinkets, 
souvenirs, etc., we had on hand and send them home. A few were planning 
and still hoping for official honors long looked for and too long delayed. Some 
were attending the sick in camp of whom Captain Bostwick of Company F and 
Captain Whitney of Company H were seriously sick, and their friends and 
comrades were much alarmed. 

Captain Bostwick's mother had arrived hoping to return to \'ermont with 
her devoted son. Surgeon Nichols had told Captain Bostwick that his only 
chance of recovery was to reach Vermont as soon as possible. Captain Whitney 
was taken to Alexandria in a critical condition with a raging fever and every 
heart in the regiment was sad for he had been our tirst and much beloved Ad- 
jutant. 

The month of May had been the most exciting and busy of any, since we 
crossed the Potomac the last of October, and too it had been the most enjoyed 
on account of weather and location. These were indeed the halcyon days of 
camp-life in old Virginia and all had become much attached to camp Carusi 
and almost wished that when war was over and peace declared we might settle 
down in this lovely spot. 

June opened with a warm and siunmer-like day, our camp was up early, 
airing tents and blankets, policing streets and camp ground, standing around the 
cook tent fire waiting for pork and beans with acid vinegar, hard tack and 
coffee. Some were making their own coffee in their individual tin cups thinking 
they could do better than the cook. 

True, the flavor of the coffee occasionally was a little off made in those 
sheet iron kettles, boiled for twenty or thirty minutes, the same kettles that 
were used for pork and beans and general cooking. 

There was added to our rations in this camp desicated potatoes, pressed, 
dried vegetables for soup and other nick-nacks of that kind, and therefore 
enough to eat that was good. 

On the morning of the 5th of June the sad news of the death of Captain 
Orloff H. Whitney reached camp and the circumstances which attended it added 
much to our grief, for we thought he had been neglected by those in charge. 
In his delirium he had jumped from his window to the street and was taken up 
in a dying condition. The nurse in charge made some plausible explanation, 
but the Captain's friends and comrades were not satisfied. He was gone and 
no investigation would restore him to life. His comrades of Company K 
mourned the death of this great hearted, brave and zealous officer whose career 
thus far, gave much promise of achieving a full measure of success and honor. 
This 10th day of June, Dame Rumor says, arrival of orders to be ready to 
fall in at the sound of the bugle, and everybody expecting now an onward 
march. That General Lee is evidently contemplating another move north, and 
flushed with pride on account of his success at Chancellorsville, and because of 
the season of the year and the condition of his army, and on account of General 
Hooker's waiting policy on Stafford Heights inviting him (General Lee) to 
try again to capture Washington. 




M 


|N> 


^H^^'i^^^^^^J 




^^ 


■ 


i^^M 


y 



WTI.I.I AM II. I.KWIS. Cn. i_ , 
1863. 



WILLIAM 11. LEWIS, CtJ. C, 
1904. 



%^. 




■ifSBa^ 



lOIl.V K. CROSS, CO. C, 
1862. 



JOHN K. CROSS, CO. C, 
1900. 



At Camp Cariisi. I'a. 173 

The imymaster has again arrived in camp, and all seemed happy with the 
prospect of two months' pay in green-backs and yellow scrip. The Sutler, as 
ever, is on hand for his share, which is always the lion's share, evidently making 
preparation to close up his business and return to Alexandria or Washington 
out of danger. 

News reaches camp that General Lee is again moving down the Shennan- 
doah \alley on another invasion of Maryland, hoping this time to capture 
Washington. General Hooker's army has started north, east of the Blue Ridge 
and up the Potomac Valley to intercept General Lee and protect Washington. 
The van of General Hooker's great army arrives on the 14th and crosses the 
Occoquan on a pontoon bridge laid across at Occoquan Village near our camp. 
We assist in laying the bridge and then for a number of days sit on the bank 
and watch the moving army, infantry, cavalry and artillery, a whole army 
corps cross here, reported to be the 12th under the command of General Slocum. 
It was said fighting Joe Hooker and staff passed by near our camp on this 
occasion — it was not my privilege to see him pass, but did see him later at 
Frederick City, Maryland. The 6th corps, in which was the old Vermont 
brigade, crossed the Occoquan at the ford near our old camp ground at Wolf 
Run Shoals. An army of 100,000 could not all pass on a single road and hence 
occupied all the roads from Fredericksburg north between the Potomac and 
Bull Run and Manassas Junction. The diaries of Peter J. Dewey and John 
Brough say "General Hooker and staff passed our camp on the 15th of June. " 

The 14th, 15th and i6th were very warm days, roads dry and full of dust, 
great clouds appeared wherever troops were on the march. That part of this 
great army passing us appeared well and in good fighting condition, but it was 
evident from remarks made as they passed that a battle was near at hand, and 
that it would not be this time a Bull Run. All were mad on account of defeat 
at Chancellorsville. The old Vermont brigade bivouacked for the night, June 
iSth at Fairfax Station. 

Some of our regiment who were at Fairfax Station reported meeting a few 
they knew, and they made inquiries about friends in our regiment and brigade. 
We were on this day ordered to take down A tents and load them to be hauled 
to Alexandria and use instead fly tents. Everything foreshadowed that wc 
had marching orders and would soon follow, and yet many were sure that our 
time was so near out that we would not be sent on any long march or into any 
great battle. It was of course true that nearly all our regiment had been serving 
already more than nine months since the date of actual enlistment and the 
timorous and fainthearted argued much and long trying to convince themselves 
and others that when we left this camp it would be for Washington on our 
wa}- to \'ermont to be mustered out. Colonel Randall, when asked for his 
opinion, said our term of enlistment would date from the time of muster in, 
October loth, and hence would not expire until July loth, and if any battle was 
to be fought, it would not surprise him if our brigade had a chance to take 
part in it, that it was quite certain we would not be discharged before our term 
expired and surely when the capital of the nation was in danger of capture, 
as it then seemed, no one would be sent home or left behind and that we might 
rest assured, with the acquired reputation of \''ermont Soldiers with a lighting 




WILLIAM K. LAWSdN. CO. C. 
1862. 



WILLIAM E. LAWSON. 
U)04- 



At Camp Cartisi, ]'a. 175 

brigadier General like Stannard in command, if the army of the Potomac had 
another chance for a chnch with General Lee every regiment would be on the 
ground to fight and fight hard and he advised if we had any things to send 
home or letters to write better attend to it right away, for we should likely 
follow immediately after the army had passed, and if a long march, must get 
rid of all unnecessary luggage in order to endure forced marching. 

All were much engaged in watching the great army pass and in endeavoring 
to obtain information where going and what for, etc., etc., but the rank and file 
of the passing hosts were no wiser than we, and would reply "we are after old 
Lee who has given us the slip and gone up to Maryland again to redeem his 
reputation lost at Antietam when he was up there before, "and some confidentially 
would say that" we were down on the Peninsula campaign with General McClellan 
and if they will only put little ]\Iac at the head. General Lee and his army will 
never see Richmond again," etc., etc. Nearly all who served under ]\IcClellan 
in the battles about Richmond in the (On to Richmond Campaign) and at 
Boonsboro, South J\Iountain, Crampton and Fox Gaps and at Antietam had 
great confidence in his ability as a commander. 

It was now summer in Virginia and we were given plenty of drill and 
scouting across the Occoquan the better to prepare us for any kind of service 
no matter how arduous and long the march or desperate the struggle. 

On the 19th or 20th we heard heavy firing in the west and in the direction 
of F.uU Run and south towards Aquia Creek. The wise and timid were now 
sitre that the Rebs were coming up the Potomac Valley by way of Dumfries 
to make a dash into Washington. We had heard of General J. E. B. Stuart 
often since our first introduction at Fairfax Court House, December 28th, and 
were prepared to expect him at any time and from most any place. The con- 
tinuous firing created considerable excitement in our camp each having his 
own opinion as to the cause. No one appearing we thought it practice firing. 

Simday, the 19th, was our last inspection in this camp and on the 23rd we 
received orders to be ready with six days' rations to march. Our haversacks 
would only hold four days' rations and we had no way of carrying rations only 
in our haversacks. We however stuffed our haversacks, took a hearty break- 
fast of pork and beans and on the morning of June 25th, 1863, with feelings 
of mingled gratitude and sorrow took a long lingering farewell look of our now 
deserted camp and its surroundings where we had spent the happiest days of our 
soldier life, and said good bye to this delightful camp on the sunny banks of 
the Occoquan, turned our faces northward, fell into line and at the familiar 
voice of our faithful commander as he said "Forward March" commenced that 
memorable long and weary seven days' march that ended on the battlefield at 
Gettysburg, July ist, 1863, amidst the booming of cannon, the rattle of musketry 
and the piteous moans of the wounded and dying. 

Before writing of the march to Gettysburg will give a brief summary of 
some of the changes and conditions while in Camp Widow Violet on the Occo- 
quan that may serve the purpose of interest as well as reference to some of the 
incidents that occurred while this camp was our soldier home. 

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew C. Brown resigned May 5th and Captain Wm. 
D. Munson was promoted Lieutenant Colonel on the same day. May 5th, but 



/ 






RUKUS II. FAKR. CO. C, 
1862. 



RUru,'^ II. I'AKK, 

1905. 





ALKX.WDI-R DI.VCWALL. CO. C. 
1862. 



JOSKPil Si.MMONS, CO, C. 
1862. 



0;( tlw March to Crttyshtiri/. ijy 

did not assume the duties until a later date. Rev. Joseph Sargant. Chaplain. 
died April 20th at the nearby dwelling house on the way from our camp to 
Occoquan Village, and Rev. Edward H. Randall, a brother of Colonel Randall, 
was appointed Chaplain, but he did not for some reason accept the commission. 

Company A lost none at this camp by death or discharge nor was there any 
change in the Line officers of this company. There were changes in the non- 
commissioned officers, namely, Alvin H. Henry was reduced from First Sergeant 
to Second and James B. Scully promoted from Second Sergeant to First 
Sergeant, April 30th, a strange coincident. No better boy in Company A for 
Orderly Sergeant than J. B. Scully. Company B lost by death Charles D. 
Billings, May 19th, Cyron G. Thayer, May 20th and Lorin B. Reed. Alay 30th : 
and by discharge, Jerome Fiske, June 27th, Stedman D. Moulten, April _'4th. 
making three by death and two by discharge in this company. Company C lost 
by death only one in this camp, Francis F. Taylor who died April i6th. Com- 
pany D lost by death Thomas Calvert, May i/th; by discharge Sergeant George 
Stevens, May loth, Henry H. Talcott, A'Tay 2nd. Company E lost by death 
L,eonard C. Fuller, May 27th and George B. Hebb, May 22nd. and Luke Flem- 
ing, June 8th who died at Brattleboro. Captain Joseph J. Boynton. uf Com- 
pany E was promoted Major, May 5th, and Orderly Sergeant Sidney S. Morey 
of Company K promoted Second Lieutenant June 4th. It is evident that 
privates Edward L. Hibbard of Company K and Hiram Shattuck of Company 
F had a strong pull with the Colonel or they would not have been promoted 
from the ranks to positions of Lieutenants in Company D, considering the 
material in the company from which to select, but the motives that influenced 
the appointments were not known. No cjuestion, however, ever made but what 
Hibbard and Shattuck were well qualified and entitled to promotion and honor. 
It seemed a little strange and Company D boys were not pleased, but found no 
fault with comrades Hibbard and Shattuck. 

Company F lost by resignation Captain Bostwick. June 12th who died at 
Washington on his way home; by death Wilson A. Bentley, June 25th, Erastus 
Powell, May 25th and by discharge, Melancthon S. Lee. April 4th, Eli N. Peck, 
April 6th, Ziba Pixley, May i8th at Brattleboro. Company G lost by death 
Thomas Longly, June 17th, Orville Wheeler, May 20th. Company H lost by 
death Captain Orlofl:' Whitney, June 4th, Sergeant Charles M. McKnight. May 
24th, Thomas Slayton, April 7th, John K. Dow, May i6th, Seth S. Moore, 
May 24th; by discharge, Henry Hobert, April 25th, Isaac Kimball, June 3rd, 
and Russell Wheeler, April 18th. Company I lost by death, Stephen G. West, 
May J 7th; by discharge, George H. Davis, May 6th, Wm. H. H. Whitney, 
April 6th. Company K lost by death, Oscar B. Hubbard. May i6th. and one 
by discharge, Martin L. Clark, April 4th, making a loss of officers by resigna- 
tion two, by death two, of the rank and file by death 17, discharge 11, making 
a total loss by death of T9, by resignation and discharge 13, a total loss to the 
regiment at Camp Widow Violet 32. 

It will be observed that on the date of leaving Camp Occoquan, June 25th, 
1863. our regiment had lost from all causes about ^25 (in this estimate is 
included those captured and paroled and in parole camp.) 





MARCUS F. TUCKER, CO. C, 
1862. 



MAKCrS F. TrCKI-.R, C(K C. 
1872. 




DAVID IlL'NTINGTON, CO. C, 
1907. 



WII.I.I AM U. oUMt^l'.Ki:. Ci>. c, 

1882. 



On the March to Grttysburf/. 179 

Ouiti- a laryc number were sick in the hospitals at Alexandria, Washington 
and X'ermont, some were on special duty and some at parole camp and taking 
into consideration all the losses up to June 25th the effective force of the 
several companies would not exceed on an average over j^ each. 

The morning report of Cotnpany K on this date reported three officers of 
the Line and 70 of the Rank and File present for dut} , and not over that num- 
ber of Company K started on the march, June 23th, and in this estimate two 
musicians, one wagoner, two cooks and one Inigler is included. I assume that 
the other companies were about the same in number. 

There had Ijeen since muster into United States service. October lotli. 
1862 to June 25th, 1863, by death, resignation, discharge, desertion. T18. 
Captured and in jjarole camp, sick in hospitals, detailed in battery and on 
detached dut}- about 70, making a total of 188, leaving of the regiment present 
for duty including the cooks who acted as guards to wagon trains, drum corps, 
ambulance, detail and hospital corps and the officers of the Field and Statt, 
non-commissioned staff and of the Line about 760. Our total when mustered 
in was q^Ti. Some were mustered in after we reached Washington, do not 
know h()w many, but am siu'e of two. 

Company K had two cooks, 2 musicians, I bugler, i nurse, i in a battery, 
1 in th.c ambulance corps. 2 wagoners and therefore of this company not over 
65 of the rank and file shouldered their knapsacks and started on the march 
June 25th. We had also our Captain and First and, Second Lieutenant, making 
the total fighting strength of Company K in line on this date not more than 68. 
I am quite confident that 68 is a fair average of all the companies that fell into 
line on the morning of June 25th and started on the march in pursuit of 
General Lee's army. 

The sick, convalescent and otherwise disabled had been gleaned out and 
sent forward to Alexandria and Washington so that those who did start on the 
march be\'ond question were physicially vigorous and strong and capable of 
much fatigue and endurance. It is true that there was quite a number that 
believed we were to march directly to Alexandria and Washington and be 
placed on reserved duty and remain in the defences of Washington until our 
term of service ex])ired and then sent forward to Aermnnt to be mustered out 
and for this reason sonje were in the ranks that morning which if they had 
known where we were going and what was before them would have been sick, 
lame, or had some other excuse and not have started on that seven days" march. 
Some in fact were unfit for such a task. 

Colonel Randall gave out no information concerning our march or its desti- 
nation or probabilities of a fight. He wisely kept all knowledge received . from 
General Stannard and was very careful how he answered the anxious inquiries 
of those who now believed there was no danger of being sent into battle. The 
officers and a large majority of the rank and file knew full well that a great 
battle was near at hand. We had been, through the papers and other avenues, 
sufficiently apprised of General Lee's march northward and his ultimate pur- 
pose was said to be the invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania for supplies 
and to go to Harrisburg and Baltimore and then on to capture Washington. 




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EDWI.X I.. WKIC.Hl'. CO. C. 
1862. 



EDWIN L. WKK.HT, CO. C, 
1897. 





GICORGE Sli.VTTUCK, CO. C, 
1897. 



IIE.NKV A. MiEKS, CO. C, 

i8(>^. 



On the March to Crtty.sbiiif/. i8i 

General Lee, in consummation of that burning ambiti(jn to which end lie 
had given his great abihty, unremitting toil, and singleness of purpose, night and 
day since he was given the command of the great army of Northern Virginia, 
was the capture of Washington, establishment of a Confederate Government 
and return to his old home on Arlington Heights and to accomplish all this 
before the army of the Potomac could reach Washington to intercept, was now 
his hope and determination. 

General Lee had met Burnside and Hooker at Fredericksburg and Chan- 
cellorsville and was now familiar with Hooker's capacity and mode of man- 
oeuvering and therefore fearlessly and boldly made his plans and started early 
in June again for JMaryland. That a more comprehensive and better under- 
standing may be had as to some of the reasons that led to our transfer from the 
22nd army corps defences of Washington under command of General Hentzle- 
man and assigned to the ist army corps under Major General John F. Reynolds, 
it may be well to review briefly the several events, surroundings, and circum- 
stances that had a bearing on the plans of the campaign of both of the great 
armies and the outcome that followed. 

After General Hooker's defeat at Chancellorsville lie recrossed the Rap- 
panhannock and waited on the defensive until after General Lee had started 
his army down the Shenandoah Valley ostensibly for the purpose of invasion 
of Maryland and Pennsylvania and the capture of Washington. General Lee's 
plans were made as early as June 3rd. General J. E. B. Stuart and cavalry 
had crossed the Rapidan and arrived at Culpepper Court House. Brandy Sta- 
tion and some as far north as W^arrenton Junction. General Longstreet's 
corps had been sent forward and General Ewell's corps had started, and on the 
9th of June Longstreet had joined General Stuart at Culpepper Court House 
and Ewell was crossing the Rapidan while General A. P. Hill's corps was left 
in plain view purposely at Fredericksburg intending to deceive Hooker as he 
did in the movements of Lee's army. 

General Hooker, wishing to stir up Lee's camps at Culpepper Court 
House ordered General Pleasanton to move his cavalry in force for that pur- 
pose, thinking that General Lee would not remain idle at this season of the year 
and lose what appeared to be a golden opportunity to steal a march down 
Pennsylvania Avenue in the capital of the nation and establish his head(|uarters 
in his old home in the Lee mansion on Arlington Heights. 

During the month of May subsequent to the battle of Chancellorsville, 
General Lee had strengthened and re-organized his army into three army corps 
and his cavalry as a grand division with batteries of horse artillery under com- 
mand of Major General J. E. B. Stuart, the most able of all his fighting cavalry 
commanders, General Longstreet having command of the ist army corps. 
General Ewell, the 2nd army corps and General Ambrose P. Hill, the 3rd army 
corps and the artillery under Major R. F. Beckham. Lee had selected, being 
governed by his personal knowledge accitiired on many battlefields, those he 
considered the best for the several positions for the consummation of his plans 
already matured. 

While General Hooker had been resting and quietl}- waiting on the north 
bank of the Rappahannock in the vicinity of Fredericksburg and Falmouth fc.ir 



/ 






Ai.ANSdN A. ^•^■I•:. I'o. c. 
1862. 



ALAXSOX A. NYK, CO. C, 
1892. 




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SAXUKI. I'KATT. CO. C, 
1863. 



;.\.\iri:i. I'KA'n , in. c. 
1889. 



On tlic March to Ccttysbitrfi. 183 

Lee to attack him there, doing nothing in particular to improve the strength of 
his army or the morale of the rank and file which at this time was in a deplor- 
able condition. They had lost confidence in General Hooker because of the 
result at Chancellorsville. Hooker had lost by expiration of term of service 
about 25,000 effectives and these had not been made good only in part, and not 
by soldiers of so much experience and it therefore will be seen at once that he 
was not in as good condition as before the battle of Chancellorsville, and it was 
very evident that General Hooker was no equal to General Lee in planning a 
campaign and manoeuvering and fighting a great army. Lee was ready and on 
the first week of June was on the march by way of Culpepper Court House 
twenty miles or more west and north of Falmouth when Hooker was yet watch- 
ing General Hill's corps making as much show as possible to attract attention 
on the Heights south of Fredericksburg. 

(jcneral Pleasanton on reaching Culpepper Court House and lirandy Sta- 
tion June loth, found General Stuart in force supported by infantry and artillery 
and after a few dashes and clashes having ascertained to his satisfaction the 
information wanted, considered discretion the better part of valor and (|uietly 
recrossed the Rappahannock sustaining a loss of about 1,000 killed, wounded 
and missing and hastened back to General Hooker's headquarters near Fred- 
ericksburg ar.d surprised the General with information of great moment to him 
and his army as well as the Nation, informing him that General Lee was in 
force and on the move north at Culpepper Court House and Brandy Station at 
this date. June loth. that Stuart and Ewell were at Brandy Station and Long- 
street at Culpepper Court House. 

General Hooker at this time was still resting quietly for Lee to attack him, 
apparently not suspecting Lee's flanking movement, though only 20 miles to his 
right, that is, 20 miles westerly from General Hooker's army. General Hooker 
suddenly awoke to find his right flank turned and Lee on his way down the 
Valley towards Harper's Ferry, and that he must now act, and therefore at once 
faced about and sent his cavalry towards Warrenton Junction, a corps of 
infantry to follow expecting to intercept Lee's progress, but this move was too 
late for on the 12th of June, General Ewell had already passed down the valley 
as far as Manasses Gap, two days' march from any of Hooker's infantry corps. 
General Hooker started a part of his army on the march, which reached Bealeton 
on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad just north of Brandy Station with 
some of his cavalry at Warrenton Junction. .\11 the rest of his army was still 
within ten miles of Falmouth. From this day. June 12th, it was a race between 
both armies for Harper's Ferry. Lee down the Shenandoah 'Valley and along 
the east side of the Blue Ridge, and Hooker up the Potomac Valley, by way of 
Dumfries, Occoquan, Centerville, Manassas Junction, Fairfax Court House, 
Chantilly, .\ldie. and Leesburgh, and on the 13th of June Ewell's corps had 
reached Winchester and Martinsboro. Longstreet and Stuart were still at Cul- 
pepper Court House and .\. P. Hill was now on his way to Culpepper Court 
House. 

General Hooker was still on the north bank of the Rappahannock with the 
1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th corps extending for a few miles west of Falmouth to the 
northeast of Bealeton with the nth corps at Catletts Station, and the 12th and 



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JOSHUA M. IIAII.KV. t". C. 
1862. 





JOSHUA M. CAILUV, Ct). C, 

Standing. 1889. 




WILLIAM SLADK. CO. C. 
1S87. 



CHARLES C. TKWKSr.LKV, CO. C. 
1906. 



On the March to Gcttysbiiri/. 185 

6th corps at Dumfries and his cavalry at Warrenton Junction all moving rapidly 
north. On the 17th, a part of Ewell's corps and Stuart's cavalry crossed the 
Potomac into Maryland and were near Chambersburgh, Pennsylvania, moving 
eastward and the rest of his corps was crossing the Potomac at Shepherdstown, 
with Longstreet having just passed through Ashby's Gap into the Shenandoah 
Valley and Stuart on the east of the Blue Ridge near Ashby's Gap and Aldie, 
while Hill's corps had just reached Culpepper Court House. 

General Hooker's corps were scattered between Occoquan River and Hern- 
don Station just south of Dranesville. The ist was moving on the Alexandria 
and Leesburgh pike. , The second corps was crossing the Occoquan at Wolf 
Run Shoals, the 3rd and 5th were at Manassas Junction, the 6th and 12th at 
Fairfax Court House and the nth at Centerville. 

On the morning of the 25th day of June, the 2nd \'ermont Brigade broke 
camp and started on what was one of the most exciting and unprecedented 
marches (as to distance covered in a given time) during the war. The Con- 
federate forces on this date were far ahead, having crossed the Potomac, that 
is. General Ewell's corps and Jenkins's cavalry, as early as the 15th and had 
already visited many places in Maryland and Pennsylvania collecting supplies 
and pushing on as rapidly as possible towards Harrisburgh, were in fact in com- 
plete control of Harper's Ferry, the Upper Potomac and Maryland (on the west 
of South Mountains) and the Cumberland Valley in Pennsylvania extending 
east as far as Greenwood a few miles northwest of Gettysburg. Ewell's corps 
on the morning we broke camp at Occoquan, was north of Chambersburgh mov- 
ing rapidly up the Cumberland Valley towards Carlisle and Harrisburgh. 
Longstreet's corps in Maryland at and north of Hagerstown, and Hill with hia 
corps was at and north of Boonsboro, Maryland. 

General Lee's whole army was on this date north of the Potomac except 
General Stuart with his cavalry who was on a raid passing around Hooker's 
army between W'ashington and Edwards Ferry on his way to join Ewell at 
Harrisburgh. The army of the Potomac at this date, June 25th, had not yet 
crossed into I\Iaryland and were occupying the southwest valley of the Potomac 
between our camp on the banks of the Occoquan River and Leesburgh near 
Edwards Ferrv moving in all haste to cross the Potomac into Maryland and 
Pennsylvania to intercept General Lee and force a battle before he could cross 
the Susquehanna and occupy Harrisburgh. 

The I St corps, commanded by General John F. Reynolds, to which th« 
2nd Vermont Brigade had been assigned and ordered to join as soon as possible 
after Hooker's army had passed, was on the day we left Camp Occoquan, June 
25th, crossing the Potomac at Edwards Ferry fifty miles in advance, two full 
days' march ahead of us. 

General Reynolds who was regarded as one of the best in the army of the 
Potomac was in command of the ranking corps, the ist, and was taking the 
lead and was to command and take control of all manoeuvres and engagements 
of battle as occasion demanded until General Hooker should arrive and therefore 
he was alert and vigilent to intercept, as soon as possible, General Lee and 
bring on an engagement (a battle) with General Lee's army to check its on- 
ward movement knowing that as soon as an attack was made, Lee would be 





GEORGE S. LAWKKNCi;, CO. C, 
1862. 



george s. lawrence, co. c, 
i88q. 





ciiARi.i:s c. C()ui;iu.\. ci 
1862. 



HENRY WAKKl-Iia.I). Cc 1. C. 
1862. 



On the March to GrttysbiDy. 187 

compelled to stop and fight or retreat back into Virginia. Hence, it will be 
seen that the 2nd \'erniont Brigade and especially the 13th Regiment was called 
upon to execute and fulfil a most extraordinary and unprecedented order, 
namely, "wait on the picket line at Occoquan until General Hooker's army has 
passed, cavalry, artillery, wagon and pontoon trains and then break camp and 
join the First army corps under General Reynolds" who was in the lead of the 
army making all haste to thwart Lee"s ambitious plans and if possible encom- 
pass and vanquish his army before it could recross the Potomac. 

None of the 2nd \'erniont Brigade ( even the officers) realized the great 
task before tliem, nor did we stop to consider or inquire but in the early morn- 
ing of that never-to-be-forgotten June day. enthusiastic and light hearted, as 
any soldier could be on receiving orders (attention, route step, march) as one 
man with steady step moved down and determined to do their very best, think- 
ing only of duty in the then impending danger. 

Our regiment was c(.)nversant with all that had been published as to the 
pending campaign, and also of what had been thus far accomplished on both 
sides, the battles fought and the success and failure of Generals in command 
and intelligently recognized and comprehended that the supreme effort of the 
nation was now in the balance and depending on the outcome of this campaign. 
which as it then looked, must end in a great battle north of the Potomac. 

General Lee had crossed the Potomac into Maryland and Pennsylvania and 
thereby challenged battle, and the army of the Potomac was now in his rear 
following as rapidly as possible for the sole purpose of accepting his offer of 
challenge and engaging him in a mighty struggle for a signal victory. General 
Lee's success at Fredericksburgh and Chancellorsville encouraged him in the 
belief that it was an opportune time for the Confederate cause before any 
changes made in commanders of the army of the Potomac. To cut loose from 
the environments of Richmond, and move at once on to Washington knowing 
full well, as matters then stood, the fate of the Confederacy depended on the 
outcome of his deeply laid, thoroughly prepared, bold and desperate plans. 
Succeed he must. The whole plan of campaign had been laid before Jeff Davis, 
the President of the Confederate States, and fully considered, and both realizing 
that if a great victory could now be won there would be hope of recognition 
of the Confederate Government and final success, and, with this in view, he had 
prepared his army, selecting those only who had fought and won on many 
bloody battlefields, placing them under his most able and valiant commanders, 
having inspired all with the confidence of sure success and promise of immediate 
and final establishment of the government they had long hoped for and valiantly 
fought to secure, and under such auspicious circumstances and surroundings, 
he left General Hooker with his mighty army on the north banks of the 
Rappahannock, with Richmond almost defenseless, and, thus prepared, boldly 
moved northward with his great army of 75,000 strong (the flower of the Con- 
fedreate army), the largest, best, and most thoroughly equipped in every respect 
of any that Lee had led on to battle since the firing of the first hostile gun at 
the stars and stripes that waved over Fort Sumter on that dismal early morning 
of that eventful day. .April 12th. 1861, sincerely believing in his ability to take 




l:K\ JAM IN :;. IlKXJAMI-N. CO. C, 
1862. 



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CURTIS C. COLIK'KN, Cll. C. 
1864. 



.LKll.-^ C. CULliUUN, CO. C. 



1906. 



Oil the yfarch to Gcttyshiin/. 189 

care of his arni\- and win every battle, devontly hoping that the long cherislied 
desire of his heart would be the resiih. 

General Hooker, after his disastrous defeat at Chancellorsville and retreat 
across the Rappahannock, from May 5th, quietly waited for General Lee to 
advance and attack him manifesting no intentions of moving against Richmond, 
though he largely outnumbered Lee, nearly two to one, convincing General Lee, 
that he, Lee, could safely leave Richmond calculating that as soon as he was 
well on his way down the Shenandoah \'alley, the Government at Washington 
would become alarmed and the army of the Potomac would be ordered forward 
to protect the city of Washington and engage him in battle. And such was the 
situation when we started on our memorable march of seven clays, covering a 
distance of at least 20 miles, putting to the test jjliysical endurance to over- 
take and join the First corps before the clash of arms that we knew w^as sure to 
occur very soon^ The most of our regiment had jirepared for a long march 
and discarded everything that we could get along without, experience having 
taught us that guns, forty rounds of cartridges, haversacks stuffed with rations, 
with canteen and shelter tent, rubber blanket, an extra shirt and pair of socks, 
letter paper, testaments that had been given us before we left home, needles, 
thread, etc.. etc., tucked away in our knapsacks would be quite enough to carry. 

Some of the homesick and anxious hoped that our destination when we 
started on the march would be Washington, and therefore they packed their 
knapsacks, full, loaded themselves down with overcoats, woolen blankets, etc.. 
that they might carry them home, not because of value but as mementoes and 
souvenirs of the service ; but before we reached Union Mills on the first day's 
march now and then, one sweating and ptiffing beneath the noon day sun, threw 
away his overcoat and woolen blankets and when we left Union Mills, taking 
the direct and nearest road to Centerville, leaving Fairfax Court House far 
to our right and the pike that led to Alexandria and Washington, the line of 
march was strewn all along the way to Edwards Ferry with overcoats and 
blouse coats, blankets, extra pairs of shoes, cooking utensils, in fact nearly 
everything that could be spared was left behind. ( We were not allowed to 
throw away knapsacks, haversacks, canteens and cups, guns, cartridge boxes, 
straps and ammunition, fly tents and rubber blankets, for these were absolutely 
essential and necessary on the march). The unnecessary articles were strewn 
along the travelled way of the 2nd A'ermont Brigade on the first two davs of 
their march. 

Referring back to our last camp on the Occoquan, it will be remembered 
that we took the road leading to Fairfax Station and after a few miles took a 
road running nearly parallel with the Occoquan River leading direct to Union 
Mills, where we had been ordered to concentrate and from there moved on as a 
brigade under General Stannard's Command. 

General Stannard was anxious to comply with General Reynold's request 
and join the First corps as soon as possible, which was already in Maryland. 
We arrived at Union Mills about two o'clock in the afternoon where we found 
the I2th, 14th, 15th and i6th regiments awaiting for our arrival. We halted 
for about an hour for a little rest and to complete a few preliminaries before 
taking up the line of march as a brigade. 




;.\RDNKR P. KOWEl.L. Cli. C, 
1862. 



;.\KDNKK 1'. KdWKLL. CO. C, 
1895. 




HORACK F. DARLINC. CO. C, 
1862. 



HORACE P. DARI.INC, CO. C. 
1897. 



On the March to Ccttysbiirfj. 191 

The army nf the Potomac was far ahead of us except here and there 
laggards who for some cause fell out, or squads of cavalry on the watch for 
information that might be of advantage. 

On leaving L'nion Mills, we travelled for about two miles almost due north 
and then bore off to the left in a direct line to Centerville. leaving Fairfax Court 
House far to our right, crossed the Alexandria and Warrenton turnpike at 
Centerville just before sundown taking the road that led to Chantilly and wester- 
ly to Gum Springs, and there finding a suitable place for camp grounds, a mile 
or so beyond, went into camp for the night having travelled (the 13th Regiment) 
full 25 miles and nearly all the way from Union Mills in the rain and mud, and 
some of us were thoroughly tired and willing to lie down for rest and sleep, 
though wet, hungry, and tired. 

The first thing, after halting for the night, was to post guards around the 
camp to guard against surprise. Each regiment was given ground to occupy, 
and then parceled out to each company, the fly tents were spread just above our 
heads to keep off the rain then falling fast. All this was <|uickly done, ( it was 
for the night only), and the next quite important dutr was to examine the 
contents of haversacks and decide what we would have for supper, (if we could 
make a fire, and some did,) we had coffee, otherwise we must get a canteen of 
water which was always handy by because camps were selected with a view of 
being near plenty of good water. 

Our haversacks even at the close of the first day's march, were not part- 
icularly inviting. We were not long in deciding what we would have for \<'e 
mtist decide between boiled pork and hard tack, or hard tack and boiled pork. 
A few had baked beans and boiled rice during the first day's march. An empty 
stomach and a craving appetite never permitted much delay or care as to the 
food we ate, if wholesome. We threw nothing away and ate sparingly of what 
we had. for we knew not when nor where we should find more ; our wagon 
trains were not able to keep up with us and they carried the extra food. 

As soon as the supjjer was over the whole regiment involuntarily laid down 
on the wet ground in pairs (so rubber blankets could be had to lie on and one to 
cover over to keep us dry.) That first day was a hard march for the 13th 
regiment, having had some ten miles longer march than the rest of the brigade. 
When we awoke in the morning none were happy. It had poured down rain 
all night and nearly all were wet through to the skin, and some of the boys 
appeared and talked as if they felt ugly, but it mattered not, breakfast must be 
prepared in haste for we were to be on the march at si.x o'clock, and at the 
bugle call we were all ready to fall in. We were a little slow in moving on the 
morning of the 26th for the rain during the night made the condition of the 
roads bad and that caused delay. We directed our course this day toward 
Edwards Ferry where the army had crossed and were crossing the Potomac 
on pontoon bridges and reached Herndon Station on the pike from Alexandria 
to Leesburgh and here camped for the night. 

We passed Aldie on our left late in the afternoon where General J. E. B. 
Stuart and General Pleasanton had a sharp cavalry fight only a few days before 
and we were moving cautiously along our line of march, and therefore had not 



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1879. 




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1862. 



MARTIN I.. CH \.\I)I.i:k. 
1900. 



Oil the March to Gettysburg. 193 

covered as many miles on the march as we otherwise would have done if we 
had not expected Stuart's cavalry to attack our flank or rear. 

It was reported that Stuart was on our right making trouble among our 
wagon trains, creating considerable excitement for fear that he might make a 
dash into our rear at any moment, in fact, some of Stuart's cavalry came near 
enough to satisfy him that we were in sufficient force so that it would not be 
prudent to attack. 

On the morning of the 27th, we started on the march at daylight and 
reached Edwards Ferry and crossed into Maryland and as soon as a suitable 
place could be found, went into camp for the night. Here we found many 
troops, the 6th corps had crossed just ahead of us and were in camp nearby. 
We saw some of the old or ist Vt. Brigade, especially the Colonel of the 6th 
Vt. (Elisha Barney) who came to see Captain Blake and others of Co. K who 
he was well acquainted with. None of the 13th Vt. at the close of this hard 
day's march had any desire to do any unnecessary marching. We had now 
reached Maryland where the inhabitants were generally loyal and appeared 
more prosperous. Their fields were cultivated and everything indicated thrift 
and prosperity. 

The south side of the Potomac was Virginia and had been the battle and 
camping ground for both armies during the last two years and occupied by 
one or both all the time, so it was no wonder that fields were neglected and 
that cows, horses, sheep, hogs and hens were not to be found only here and 
there hidden away where they would not likely be seen or heard. On the 
Virginia side we were not able to buy or beg a canteen of milk or a loaf of soft 
bread, pie, hoe cake or anything that could satisfy our hunger. We were glad 
to cross over, as some said, into the promised land, where apparently the in- 
habitants were more civilized and thrifty, and where there was a fair prospect 
of procuring food, for we were anxious for a change having been for some 
days confined to boiled pork, salt beef, hard tack and a little coffee. We 
found a mile or more after crossing Edwards Ferry, a convenient and suitable 
place for camping and were glad to lie down for rest. Some of our regiment 
had already fallen behind not being able to endure the heat, rain and march- 
ing. We had now marched sixty miles in three days. We had thrown away 
many things and were now under what we called light marching orders, carry- 
ing nothing only what was strictly necessary. The doubting ones were now 
convinced that we were not on our way to Washington to do guard duty for 
a few days and then go home to Vermont. The country all about us was full 
of marching troops, infantry, cavalry, artillery, baggage and ambulance trains, 
and General Lee with his whole army also on the same side of the Potomac, 
but north and west of us pushing up the Cmnberland Valley as rapidly as 
possible towards Harrisburgh, Penn. The next day, the 28th of June, was 
Sunday, but that did not matter for if not a sin to shoot and kill our fellowmen 
on Sunday, it could not be a sin to march and overtake if possible the enemy 
and protect our friends from danger and their property from devastation and 
capture. Before we start on this day's march let us see where the Rebel forces 
are and where each army is located, what has been done and what the chances 
are for battle. First, let us see what has become of General Lee's army since 





JKRD.MK li. HALLOU, CO. C, 
1865. 



DOX H. CILLKV. 0>. C. 
1903. 



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WUJ.IS p. STKWAKr, CO. c, 

1862. 



Jdlil , !.\, HI. L. 

1862. 



On the March to Gettysburg. 193 

he crossed into Maryland. General Ewell's corps on the 28th of June was in 
the Cumberland Valley near Carlisle, some twenty or thirty miles directly north 
of Gettysburg, and Early of Ewell's corps was at York and Wrightsville on 
the Susquehanna below Harrisburgh, some twenty-five miles east of Gettys- 
burg. Generals Longstreet and Hill with their corps were in the vicinity of 
Chambersburgh and Greenwood about twenty miles northwest from Gettysburg 
and Imboden with his cavalry at McConnellsburgh and Jinkins and White with 
cavalry on the west bank of the Susquehanna near Harrisburgh and General 
Stuart with a cavalry force at Brockville a few miles northwest of Washington 
moving in all haste north to join Ewell at Harrisburgh. The several corps or 
our army were between the Potomac and Fredericks City and Middletown, 
Maryland, the foremost some forty miles south of Gettysburg. The ist, iilh, 
and I2th corps were at Middletown moving up the valley between the Catoctin 
and South Mountains and the and, 3rd, 5th and 6th corps were near 
Fredericks City moving northeast between Catoctin mountains and the 
Monocacy River and Kilpatrick, with cavalry in the lead some forty miles 
south of Gettysburg. Both armies being thus situated it will be seen that 
Gettysburg was near the center between these two great armies with a fair 
prospect of meeting within a zone of twenty or thirty miles with Gettysburg 
as the center, unless one army or the other retreated. General Ewell with his 
corps had been north of the Potomac since the 15th and Jinkin's cavalry brigade 
was sent forward up the Cumberland Valley by the way of Chambersburgh to 
collect supplies. He also levied large contributions from the inhabitants which 
was paid as an alternative rather than sulifer loss by fire. General Ewell, it 
was claimed, met with great success, levying money and supplies on this 
invasion into Maryland and Pennsylvania. There was nothing to oppose or 
prevent Ewell having his own way in the \'alley clear up to Harrisburgh and 
he could and did help himself. He captured on his journey, after passing the 
Potomac, thousands of prisoners, cannon, and small arms, eleven colors and 
three hundred loaded wagons, as many horses, a considerable quantity of 
stores of all descriptions, with little loss in killed, wounded and missing. 
Ewell's corps had lived on the fat of the land for two weeks and collected 
sufficient for Longstreet and Hill's corps when they should arrive. This was 
a bold and desperate move on the part of General Lee, leaving Richmond to 
the mercy of General Hooker's powerful and magnificent army without provid- 
ing for any base of supply and marching his veteran army one hundred and fifty 
miles into a densely populated country, thinking perhaps the fortunes of war 
might favor him as it did Napoleon in his early campaigns. A time had 
arrived, as General Lee evidently thought, for unusual and unlooked for action 
and that now a desperate, strategic move, so bold and daring that his purpose 
could not be understood, must be adopted. He had lured General Hooker 
across the Rappahannock and severely punished his army leaving Hooker dis- 
appointed and his army discouraged, while Lee's army had been victorious 
under circumstances that warranted implicit confidence in their leader and 
their own prowess and fighting skill to overcome double their number on any- 
field. 




HCirS I). NTTK, e-(). c. 

1868. 



I^UCU'S D. M'TK. i-'O- C. 
1903. 



On the Marcli to Gettysburg. 197 

The condition and situation was opportune, no better time or opportunity 
was likely to present itself to General Lee than the present. He, General Lee, must 
have believed it the only chance for the success of the Confederate cause, or 
otherwise so great a man and general would not have planned and attempted the 
execution of what is known as the Gettysburg Campaign. The 2nd Vermont 
Brigade on this 28th day of June was marching north just east of the Potomac, 
on their way to the Monocacy River and Valley, passing through Poolsville in 
the early morning, and then Bellsville, Brownsville, and crossing the Monocacy 
at Greenfield Mills. At this place it will be remembered that Captain Lonergan 
of Company A fell into the turbulent and now muddy waters of the Monocacy, 
but with no serious result, simply a needed bath and nothing more. This 
incident Captain Lonergan was never allowed to forget, and among the rem- 
iniscences that Captain Lonergan often referred to at our camp fires since the 
war, was his plunge into the Monocacy, and nothing did he seem to enjoy more 
than when he was, with wit and eloquence, delighting and convulsing with 
laughter his comrades with vivid descriptions of his tumble into the muddy 
waters of the Monocacy. He remarked at the time, on reaching shore "Too 
much liquid on the outside, and not enough on the inside, or it would not have 
happened." He was mounted at this time on a horse he had procured on the 
march. Other line officers, who could, had done the same and these horses 
served to give many a tired soldier a ride and rest for a few miles on our way 
to Gettysburg. 

We stopped for dinner soon after crossing the Monocacy and discovered at 
this time that our haversacks were growing light and rations short, pork and beans 
and boiled rice had disappeared before we left Virginia, having nothing left 
in our haversacks but boiled pork, hard tack, coffee and sugar and but little of 
that and were apprehensive as to when and where we should get more. We 
had long since left our wagon train far to the rear and the daily marches from 
sunrise to sundown had developed a growing appetite for food and plenty of it. 
We were now the fourth day from our camp on the banks of the Occoquan, 
and all had voracious hankering for food and were not over particular about 
the quality or age. You must remember we found some of our cracker boxes 
dated i860 and these boxes contained what we called our marching hard tack, 
which like the Sutler's cheese sometimes crawled, but on this march, likely none 
would have objected to hard tack sandwiches with %vorms dead or alive. 

Our noonday halt of an hour was over, we were now refreshed and pushing 
on as fast as possible for Frederick City, Maryland, where General Hooker had 
established his headquarters. We reached Adamstown late in the afternoon 
and every girl young and old was out to greet and cheer and in every way to 
express loyalty to the Stars and Stripes and sympathy for those who wore the 
blue. Beautiful young ladies with flags in hand lined the streets, some with 
their hearts in their hands, and as a good looking Green Mountain boy came 
along lovingly extended their hands and said, "Be brave, God bless and protect 
you. Good-bye." 

We had seen nothing like this since we left Springfield, Mass., on our way 
to Washington. Some of the boys were given bouquets and pressing invita- 
tions to return after the war was over. Love at first sight had captured not 





l-KANCIS I". ■I'AVLdR, CO. C, 
1862. 



SARGENT R. EMERSON, CO. C, 
1897. 





CII.\RI.i:S 11. CARSON, CO. c, 

1862, 



WILI.ARD C. SNOW. CI I. C. 
1862. 



On the March to Gcttysbiiry. 199 

a few. Private Henry E. Meigs, of Company K, was among the number that 
often spoke of the lovely girls of Adamstown and hoped we might return that 
way. This quite enthusiastic and loyal greeting cheered our hearts and rested 
our weary legs and gave us new courage for the rest of the march. W'e passed 
tlirough Adamstown and bivouacked for the night about two miles beyond, 
having marched twenty miles or more during the da}-. The weather had 
become hot and sultry, rain and sunshine nearly every day, the roads were 
muddy and full of small sharp pebble stones and many of the bo}> had become 
footsore with blistered feet and were well nigh exhausted, but only a few of 
our brigade had thus far fallen out. 

Xews of devastation and fighting to the north of us ran through cam]i 
and there was occasion for similar rumors from what we had heard fnmi Lee's 
army up in the Cumberland \'alley. It was said that there were Confederate 
troops to the west, north, and east of us and not far away, and no one was 
able to guess when and where we should meet them. 

General J. E. B. Stuart, we knew, was somewhere between us and Wash- 
ington on his way north ( and only a few miles directly east on the road to \\'est- 
minster. On the morning of the 29th after a good night's rest, we took up the 
line of march at seven o'clock and about twelve o'clock were passing through 
Frederick City, Maryland, cjuite a pretentious and thriving city, but inland and 
a nearby railroad station some two or three miles from the city. 

The clouds seemed to open and the rain fell fast as we reached the city. 
Orders had been passed down the line not to leave the ranks or molest or in 
any manner disturb or annoy the inhabitants, that the officers of the line would 
be held accountable for the conduct of their companies. We were in a 
loyal state and the majority of the dwellers of this city were supposed to be 
in sympathy with the Union, as it was claimed. Both armies hitherto had 
passed through Frederick City and because sympathizers of the gray as well as 
the blue resided therein, were inclined to be discreet and quiet, but still along the 
line of march on both sides of the street from open doors and windows we saw 
fluttering in the breeze the Stars and Stripes and many a fair hand waved her 
white handkerchief as a token of friendship and expression of loyalty ; and 
whenever we saw these evidences of welcome and encouragement hearty cheers 
from our ranks rang out along the line making answer to the welcome and 
expressing our appreciation to the brave and loyal hearts that dared to show 
their colors under the existing circumstances. ^^'e had heard of the open 
sympathy given to Stonewall Jackson when he passed through along the same 
streets in September before, and now proposed, as best we could, to encourage 
every exhibition of loyalty that attracted our attention. 

Old Frederick City was the home of Barbara Frietchie made famous by 
Whittier's poem. 





CHARLES A. DAVIS. CO. C. 
1862. 



CHARLES A. D-WIS, CO. C, 
18-C. 




ERANKLIN 1. TAYLOR. CO. C, 



1863. 




On the March to Gcttysbiircj. 



BARBARA FRIETCHIE. 



Up from the meadows rich with corn. 
Clear in the cool September morn, 
The clustered spires of Frederick 

stand 
Green-walled by the hills of Maryland. 

Round about them orchards sweep, 
Apple and peach tree fruited deep, 
Fair as a garden of the Lord 
To the eyes of the famished rebel 
horde. 

On that pleasant morn of the early 

fall 
When Lee Marched over the mountain 

walk- 
over the mountains, winding down 
Horse and foot into Frederick town. 

Forty flags with their silver stars. 
Forty flags with their crimson bars, 
Flapped in the morning wind; the sun 
Of noon looked down, and saw not 
one. 

Up rose old Barbara Frietchie then, 
Bowed with her fourscore years and 

ten: 
Bravest of all in Frederick town. 
She took up the flag the men hauled 

down '. 

In her attic window the staff she set. 
To show that one heart was loyal yet. 
Up the street came the rebel tread, 
Stonewall Jackson riding ahead. 

Under his slouch hat left and right 
He glanced: the old flag met his sight. 
"Halt!" — the dust-brown ranks stood 

fast: 
"Fire!" — out blazed the rifle-blast. 



Quick as it fell from the broken staff 
Dame Barbara snatched the silken 
scarf: 

She leaned far out on the window sill, 
And shook it forth with a royal will. 
"Shoot, if you must, this old gray 

head. 
But spare your country's flag," she 

said. 

A shade of sadness, a blush of shame. 
Over the face of the leader came: 
The nobler nature within him stirred 
To life at that woman's deed and 
word: 

"Who touches a hair of yon gray head 
Dies like a dog! March on!" he said. 
All day long through Frederick street 
Sounded the tread of marching feet; 

All day long that free flag tost 
Over the heads of the rebel host. 
Ever its torn folds rose and fell 
On the loyal winds that loved it well; 

And through the hill-gaps sunset light 
Shone over it with a warm good-night. 
Barbara Frietchie's work is o'er. 
And the rebel rides on his raids no 
more. 

Honor to her! and let a tear 
Fall, for her sake, on Stonewall's bier 
Over Barbara Frietchie's grave, 
Flag of freedom and union, wave! 

Peace and order and beauty draw 
Round thy symbol of light and law: 
And ever the stars above look down 
On thy stars below in Frederick town! 



It shivered the window, pane and 

sash : 
It rent the banner with seam and 



.John Greenleaf Whittier. 





LUCIL'S II. I'.ARRETT, CO. C, 
1862. 



LUCIUS M. I' l^l'l I I . * •'• '■"• 
1896. 





|()ll.\ S. ■ir.MPI-KTON. CO. c, 

1862. 



JOHN s. ti:mi'i,eion, co. c, 

1904. 



Oil the March to i^cttysbnr;/. 203 

This piieni is based on sufficient facts to have warranted Whittier in the 
historical reference made and expressions used. There was such a person as 
Barbara Frietchie and her home was in Frederick City. Md.. and she was living 
there when Stonewall Jackson led hi^ rebel hfjsts through the streets of 
Frederick City. September 6th. i8()2. and she, Barbara Freitchie, owned, and 
had in her possession on that date a United States flag, that she was old and 
gray, being at the time almost gO years of age, that she was devoted and fear- 
less and earnest in her country's welfare, was well known in Frederick City up 
to the date of her death which occurred Decemlier iSth, 1862. in which city 
she died and was buried. She ever fearlessly expressed her views and sym- 
pathy for the Union and doubtless waved the Stars and Stripes from her 
home as General Jackson and his army passed b\. Only a few days later. 
September 12th, 1862, she stood on the porch of her home and waved her flag 
of Stars and Stripes as General Burnside's troops passed through Frederick 
City and this fact is authenticated by numerous witnesses. Barbara Freitchie 
was a true, noble, concientious woman and sorrowfully spoke against the 
wicked folly of the Rebellion. She was of that mould and education that would 
have prompted her to do just what is represented she did do when Jackson was 
marching through her home city. She was born in Colonial days, a school girl 
at the time of the Declaration of Independence and a young lady when Wash- 
ington was elected President. She lived in Frederick town when Washington 
spent a night there in 1791 and the cup from which he drank and the flag she 
waved as the armed hosts passed through her home city in 1862 are still among 
the heirlooms religiously cherished by the Freitchie descendants. Her old man- 
sion home was pointed out and we devoutly cheered and uncovered our heads 
as we passed. There was cheer upon cheer from the ]iassiug Itatlalions express- 
ing their love and respect for her who had lived and died a true j^atriot and 
devoted Christian, loyally supporting her country's cause with her latest breath. 

While we were marching through Frederick City, rumor of a change of 
commanders of the army of the Potomac reached us and was at once the sole 
topic of discussion and there was a great diversity of opinion concerning the 
propriety and advisability of a change. ]t was said that General Mead was to 
succeed General Hooker. General Mead was only known as one of the able 
and successful corps commanders in the army of the Potomac. General Hooker 
had not been a success thtis far and but little confidence existed as to his ability- 
to properly handle and fight a large army. The .\dministration. especially 
President Lincoln, was now more anxious than ever before. Another defeat 
like Chancellorsville must be avoided, and therefore heroic measures, though 
in the midst of a campaign and in face of the enem\-, must be adopted if by so 
doing more certain of success. It was the almost unanimous expression, 
(though a critical moment) that the change was wise and best. General Hooker 
was a hard and desperate fighter and had won deserved praise on many battle- 
fields as a commander, but had not fulfilled the expectations of his associate 
officers or the Administration at Washington as a commander of the great army 
of the Potomac, and some of his most able corps commanders had refused to 
serve under him after the Chancellorsville defeat. 




M. I.. FROST, C(l. C, 
1862. 



CLAKK D. CRKSSV. CO. C. 
1862. 




CKRS.MOV HANCOCK. CO. c, 

1862. 



CKKSMCX IIA.NCOCK, CO. C, 
1880. 



(hi tin- March to Ucttysbiiri/. 205 

General Couch, ccmimander of the Second corps, because of General 
I h:x>ker's conduct in management of the Chancellorsville campaign, especially 
from the ist to the 5th of May, peremptorily refused to serve longer under 
him, and this same feeling was shared by others of the corps commanders, and 
therefore when the news reached the army at Frederick City on the 29th of 
June that General JMead had succeeded General Hooker and was then in com- 
mand, a general feeling prevailed that it was a wise and important change. 
General Mead had been known as a cool, careful, and conservative leader, 
though ever brave and active, never refusing or hesitating to lead and fight his 
corps when asked, and his associate corps commanders recognized him as equal 
at least of any who had been connected with the army of the Potomac and 
heartily and enthusiastically endorsed the change, believing the whole armv 
would be better satisfied and encouraged to contest to the uttermost the enemy 
in the then approaching battle. 

General Hooker was a little sullen and disappointed though he had already 
sometime before tendered his resignation. He, Hooker, realized better than 
ever before the great responsibility of the command of the great and 
mighty army of the Potomac and doubtless his experience at Chancellors- 
ville made him apprehensive as to the result. The whole responsibility 
(if success rested with the commander. Ever}'thing about us on this 
2gth day of June indicated great activity and that changes were being 
made in the plan of campaign and that a new commander was at headquarters 
vigorously directing every move and change, manoeuvering the army to the end 
of making every possible preparation for the coming struggle. The 2nd Ver- 
mont Brigade had passed through Frederick City and was now forging ahead 
to overtake and join the First corps to which they belonged, now at and near 
Emmetslnirgh. Maryland, thirty miles or more north. 

We had now been on the march since the early morning of June 25th, 
and many were foot sore with blistering and bleeding feet. The water, mud 
and gravel found way over the tops of our low army shoes and through holes 
in sides and bottoms and this with scalding heat caused tenderness and blister- 
ing and pain, and some limped and hobbled along though apparently determined 
to remain in the ranks to the end. We did not halt for dinner until three or 
four miles beyond Frederick City, and it was an hour or more past the usual 
mid-day lunch. 

We were obliged to leave a few of our brigade behind that had been over- 
come with heat and hard marching. We met just outside of the city General 
Hooker and other officers traveling south towards Monocacy Junction and it 
was said he had just turned over the command to General Mead and that he 
was on his way to take the cars for Baltimore. He looked downcast and sad 
and his whole appearance and surroundings and his attendants confirmed the 
rumor that he had been relieved from the command while on the march and in 
the face of an invading foe with every prospect of immediate battle, and when 
he too vvas more than anxious to again cross swords with General Lee to 
thwart his purposes, vanquish his hitherto victorious army and possibly end 
the war and restore confidence in the armv of the Potomac and at Washington 




HIRAM W. SCRII'.XKR,- CO 
T862. 



iiosi:.\ I'.. oRMsi'.Kr,. en. c. 
1890. 




.IdSHl'II II. SILI.()\\■.\^•. CO. c, 

1862. 




On tlic March to Gcttxsbunj. 207 

and slmw ti) the world that he was greater than Lee. The resuhs of this 
campaign meant everjthing to the Confederate cause and much to the Union. 

We in the ranks knew but little that led to the sudden change and cared 
less if it increased the chances of success and signal victory. 

General Hooker went to Baltimore and General Mead to Gettysburg. All 
this day we marched through mud and water, rain and sun alternately pouring 
and shining down upon us, but undaunted on we moved hoping to join our 
corps still miles ahead between Emmetsbnrg and Gettysburg. 

General Stannard comprehended the urgency of haste and put us to the 
test of human endurance. In order that nothing should impede his progress 
he issued an order that none should leave the ranks, while on the march, to 
procure water. This order under the circumstances seemed cruel, because of 
the weather 90 degrees in the shade and marching from dawn to sunset at our 
utmost speed stopping only at mid-day for rest and to eat a sandwich of hard 
tack and boiled pork. We camped for the night, June 29th, about twelve miles 
north of Frederick City and three or four miles south of Lewiston in a little 
valley on the west bank of the Monocacy. 

\\'e had patiently waited for orders to stop for the night for nearly all 
were exhausted and hungry. Boiled pork and hard tack pretty much gone, 
no wagon train to supply us and to buy, beg or make personal requisition was 
the only alternative. Food and water on such a march are indispensable. 
Many of us had greenbacks and could buy. The price was high, but the food 
was the very best. The great loaves of wheat bread and large fat cherry pies 
hot and steaming from the outdoor oven we deemed cheap at any price and 
quickly exchanged our greenbacks for bread, pies and milk bantering not a 
word as to price. I paid one dollar a loaf for bread and fifty cents a piece for 
cherry pies. We were hungry and cared not for money. Some of the boys 
would say, "Xo use to save our money, may be killed to-morrow." The grim 
philosophy of the soldier was (uppermost in mind), namely, "'Let us eat and 
be happy to-day for to-morrow we may be killed in battle." We freely parted 
with our greenbacks and script and the thrifty Marylanders as freely parted 
with their pies, cakes and bread, butter, cheese and milk and their pockets we 
filled with money and our stomachs with the food we bought and both were 
satisfied. I did not learn of any pilfering by any of the boys of our brigade 
while passing through Maryland all seemed to conduct themselves in an upright 
and honorable manner, realizing the fact that they were in a loyal state and 
where a large percentage of the people were loyal, steadfastly upholding the 
cause of the Union. 

On the morning of the 30th of June, we were awakened early by the bugle 
call and at six o'clock were on the march. The weather was still cloudy and 
the rain had fallen during the night and the roads were almost impassible even 
for infantry. It did seem there was more rain than we required for the business 
at hand, and yet had it not been for the cloudy days and copious showers many 
more would have fallen out. 

We reached Lewiston about eight in the morning hungry for our morning 
meal was thin and little of it, and halted for a brief rest. The enterprising 
residents of this village were prepared for our coming and nunienius hucksters 




AMOS A. WIIlTINc, CO. C, 



AMOS A- WIHTIXC. CI). C. 
1906. 




VV1I.UI.\.M W. WII.LKV. CO. C 
1862. 



On the March to (irttvslviru/. 209 

appeared along our line of march hawking their tempting pies, cakes, etc., 
urging us to bu}- (which was unnecessary.) We soon had their delicious food 
stored away in our stomachs and haversacks, and they of course had our money. 
Some of the boys that had been improvident and careless were fast becoming 
short of cash, but others shared with their comrades as long as the money and 
food held out. 

The 30th of June was, as I now recall it. the hottest day's march thus far 
on our journey. The weather and roads had been much the same since we 
crossed into Maryland. We were, as it seemed to us, marching faster and 
faster each day ; the regiment in the rear often had to double quick in order 
to keep up. The roads were now full of cavalry, artillery, infantry, ammuni- 
tion wagons, ambulances and frequently bunched and parked in such a manner 
as to impede our onward march, making our officers mad and progress slow 
and disagreeable. 

We of the 13th on this day were in the rear of our brigade, and the i6th 
in the lead, and it seemed to us that the i6th were marching faster than usual, 
keeping us now and then on the double quick in order to keep closed up. 
General Stannard evidently was determined to join the First corps to which 
he had been assigned before a battle commenced. He sent his aid, Lieutenant 
Benedict, forward to find General Reynolds and notify him of our position 
and approach and ask for orders. We reached Mechanicstown late in llie 
afternoon and bivouacked for the night just south of Emmitsburg a few miles 
south of Pennsylvania state line. 

Permit me before starting on another day's march to consider briefly 
where the two great armies were at the close of this last day of June, where 
bound, and where a battle was likely to occur and when. General John F. 
Reynolds commanding the First corps was near Black Horse Tavern, Marsh 
Run, about five miles south of Gettysburg with all his command except Stan- 
nard's Second Vermont Brigade which was at Mechanicstown pushing on as 
fast as blistering and bleeding feet and weary bodies wottld ])ermit. 

General Winfield S. Hancock in command of the Second corps was at Union- 
town, just west of A\'estminster, south of Gettysburg about thirty miles. General 
Daniel F^. Sickles in command of the 3rd corps was just north of Taneytown, Md., 
and about sixteen miles due south from Gettysburg and some three or four miles 
south of the Pennsylvania State line approaching Emmitsburg and Gettysburg 
over the Taneytown Road. General George Sykes in command of the Fifth 
army corps was at Union Mills, Maryland, just west of Manchester about 
thirty-five miles south of Gettysburg and a few miles east of Pike Creek. 
General John Sedgwick in command of the Sixth army corps was at Winches- 
ter, south and east of Gettysburg, about thirty-five miles. General O. O. 
Howard commanding the Eleventh corps was in the vicinity of Emmitsburg, 
perhaps twelve or fifteen miles south of Gettysburg. General Henry W. 
Slocum commanding the Twelfth army corps was at and near Littlestown, 
Penn., southeast of Gettysburg about fifteen miles away, four or five miles 
southwest from Hanover. General Alfred Pleasanton in command of the 





FKAXCIS 1-. STdDUAlUi. 
1862. 



I-K.\XC1S F. STciDDAKl). CO. 
T905. 





PLUMMKK II. KUIIAKDSON, CD. C. 
1862. 



I'MMMIK 11. RICHARDSON, CO. C. 
1907. 



On the March to Gettysburg. 211 

cavalry corps had his several divisions at different places, the first division under 
General John Buford was at Gettysburg along Wiloughby's Run, west and 
southwest of Gettysburg Village. General Kilpatrick was at Hanover. General 
Gregg at Manchester. General Henry J. Hunt in command of the artillery was 
moving the artillery along with the several army corps and hence it will be seen 
that on the evening of June 30th the army of the Potomac was located as here 
stated, which is approximately correct in the following order, the better to be 
concentrated at Gettysburg, namely, the First army corps at Marsh Run, the 
Eleventh at Emmitsburg, the Third at Bridgeport, the twelfth at Littlestown, 
Second at Uniontown, the Fifth at Union Mills, Md., Sixth at Manchester, 
cavalry in divisions at Gettysburg, Hanover, Manchester, and some regiments 
and battalions at different places as the exigency demanded, with General Mead's 
headquarters at Taneytown, Maryland, twelve or fifteen miles directly south 
of Gettysburg encircled as it will be observed by his eight army corps and 
artillery and all within ten miles of his then headquarters, and on both sides 
of Pike Creek, which had been considered by General Mead as a suitable spot 
to engage General Lee in battle. The Confederate army on the evening of 
June 30th was situated as follows: General Richard S. Ewell in command of 
the Second Corps south of Hiddlesburg at Cashtown and Greenwood some 
eight miles west of Gettysburg. General Ambrose P. Hill commanding the Third 
corps about six miles northeast of Gettysburg. General Longstreet commanding 
the First corps at Chambersburgh west and distant some twenty-five miles from 
Gettysburg, General Stuart in command of the cavalry was with a part of the 
cavalry at Hanover and the rest was with Longstreet, Ewell and Hill's corps, and 
the artillery attached to the several army corps under command of General E. 
Porter Alexander. The distances here given are direct lines and not the roads 
that were traveled to reach Gettysburg. 

The location of the two great armies and their proximity to each other 
on the evening of June 30th foreshadowed beyond question a mighty and 
sanguinary conflict, — a battle was imminent at or near Gettysburg unless General 
Lee would admit defeat and ignominiously retreat, which, under the circum- 
stances, was very improbable. 

General Lee had planned this campaign with deliberate care and con- 
summate ability, bringing to bear his valuable experience and his quite intimate 
knowledge of the army of the Potomac, its commanders, especially General 
Hooker, and at the same time, owing to the disheartening condition that the 
defeat at Chancellorsville produced in the army of the Potomac, and doubt and 
confusion in the administration at Washington, determined on the bold 
step of invasion, with greater and more ambitious objects in view, than 
ever before. His long cherished hopes were the main spring of action and his 
successes seemed to warrant and justify his present campaign and he started 
fully prepared to engage the army of the Potomac no matter who in command 
or its strength in numbers, but expected to meet General Hooker, but now June 
30th he knew he must fight with General Mead in command of whom he knew 
but little. He had been fully informed that General Mead had crossed the 
Potomac and was in hot pursuit with an army of 90.000 strong harassing his 





CALVIN W. KKHAKDSON. CO. C, 
1905. 





HKNKV K. MSIIN. CO. C. 
1863. 



IIK.NKH k. \L?ri.V. CO. c. 

1907. 



On the March to Gettysburg. 213 

rear and threatening to cut off his only possible way of retreat and escape. 
The situation gave him no alternative. He must face about and accept the 
challenge of battle. He, General Lee, had from the first anticipated that General 
Hooker would follow him, as soon as the administration and Hooker divined 
his purpose, but not so rapidly nor had he likely thought it probable that Hooker 
would be relieved and General Mead placed in command on the march and on 
the eve of impending battle, but being apprised of the rapid and near approach 
of the Federal army now commanded by General Mead suddenly suspended 
his plan of campaign and ordered General Ewell to face about and move towards 
Cashtown and Gettysburg, undoubtedly confident of success. General Lee 
never planned for defeat, but like an able, fearless General always planned a 
way of retreat. He well knew that he must now fight, and realizing the ad- 
vantage of selecting a field of battle, it was done, and there at Gettysburg the 
great battle that meant so much to both sides was fought. While it is true 
• hat General ^lead's headquarters were at Taneytown on the evening of June 
30th with all his army corps about him within a radius of twelve or fifteen miles, 
yet they were only halted for the night and their onward march in pursuit had 
not been for any reason or purpose held back and every preparation and cal- 
culation was onward, march, and during the night General Mead issued orders 
to march directly towards Gettysburg in the morning. General Lee knew of 
the fine roads leading from Gettysburg west to the Cumberland \'alley over 
which his army had come and that Gettysburg was an important strategic posi- 
tion and here he arranged for a battle and was first on the field and chose his 
position. I have been thus particular that you of the 13th Vermont Regiment 
might see and comprehend our situation as a regiment and brigade on the 
night of June 30th. We had gained a day's march and more from our camps 
along the Occoquan \-et the First corps to which we had been assigned was 
still miles in advance toward Gettysburg. 

General Stannard sent his aid, Lieut. Benedict during the late afternoon of 
June 30th forward to report to General Reynolds, our corps commander, our 
near approach and ask for orders. Lieut. Benedict returned to General Stan- 
nard"s headquarters near Emmitsburg during the night and reported that 
General Reynolds was at a small country tavern some five miles this side of 
Gettysburg and sent an urgent request to join his corps as soon as possible 
for it was likely that all would be needed before many hours. This quite 
important piece of news did not reach the rank and file until the following 
day. General Stannard comprehended the full import of the message and 
made all possible preparations for joining Reynolds as early on the following 
day as he could and have his brigade in condition to fight. 

The last night on that memorable march before the battle, we were 
bivouacked just outside of Emmitsburg apprehending that a battle was at 
hand, and likely before the setting of another sun many now buoyant and hope- 
ful of success and signal victory would be offered up a willing sacrifice for 
humanity and preser\'ation of the L^nion. W'e were well nigh worn out with 
our long weary march, day following day, from sun to sun. in almost a tropical 
heat, over bad roads and through fields, straining every nerve to overtake and 
join our corps two days the start of us in the march, and the whole Potomac 




ABRAHAM I.i:zi;R. 1(1. l', 
1862. 



l-lCI.lx V.WXEY, ^■i 
1862. 





JAMES CLARK, CO. C, 
1862. 



GEORGE E. I'lERCE, CO. C, 

i8q2. 



On the March to Gettysburg. 215 

army was hastening forward to intercept General Lee before he could cross 
the Susquehanna. The 2nd Vt. Brigade passed by many troops of other corps 
on our march to Emmitsburg and at the close of the day, (June 30th) was 
only a few miles (perhaps 10) behind the First corps to which we belonged, 
which corps was now in the lead and nearest to Gettysburg. We were un- 
usually tired, hungry and foot sore at the close of this 30th day of June, and 
only because of the power of mind over matter had so many been able thus 
far to remain in the ranks and with a determination to continue until the field 
of battle was reached. We ate of what remained in our haversacks and quickly 
laid down to rest, reflect and sleep. A few wrote brief letters home by the 
glimmering light of a far spent candle held by a reversed bayonet stuck in the 
ground, but very soon all was comparatively quiet and we thiough footsore 
and weary thought only of the consequences of the impending battle, of home, 
friends, and whether we should ever return to our native state or be captured 
or left dead and wounded on the field of battle ; such was the burden of thought 
and conversation. We slept the sleep of the weary and awoke at dawn of 
day refreshed and ready to take up the line of march at the bugle call and 
push forward, manfully determined to do our part to the uttermost, regardless 
of danger of capture, wounds or death. 

The morning rumor in our brigade was that General Stannard's Aid Bene- 
dict had brought an urgent message from General Reynolds to General Stan- 
nard to hasten forward his brigade, for likely in a few hours his corps would 
be engaged and he should need every soldier in his command. The morning of 
July 1st was cloudy and gloomy, all was commotion and confusion and the 
vast army all about was moving forward in the direction of Gettysburg, cavalry, 
artillery and infantry, a grand, sublime and imposing spectacle of 100,000 
bravely hurrying forward to mortal combat. Every road was filled with a 
moving mass of soldiers occupying every available avenue, path and field over 
which an army could march and all moving with elastic step, stalwart forms, 
upright and bold, with faces beaming with courage and determination. Every- 
thing seemed to be on the move, the forest, cattle dotted meadowlands, fields 
of waving grain, herds of spotted kine feeding on the hills and in the valleys, 
the clouds above and land beneath apparently all moving in the same direction, 
was indeed a most ravishing and beautiful sight. An army of 100,000 equipped, 
arrayed for battle and on the march surpasses in grandeur and sublimity all 
other spectacles ever witnessed by man. We, the 2nd Vt. Brigade, impatiently 
waited at Emmitsburg for a chance to take up our line of march. 

General Stannard made known his information from General Reynolds 
and his orders to hasten forward, but not until ten o'clock were we able to pass ' 
through the moving mass on our way to join our corps which we supposed was 
anxiously waiting for us at Marsh Rim. The 13th regiment was placed in the 
lead on this day and with spirited and elastic step moved rapidly, courageously 
forward with ranks all well closed up and every soldier in his place (a few had 
fallen out,) now left at Emmitsburg, each seemed determined to cover the few 
miles that separated us from our corps with the least possible delay. We 
expected to join General Reynolds before noon knowing his location and the 
distance as reported by Lieutenant Benedict, for it was said to be only about 





DAVID C. SILLDWAV. CO. C, 
1863. 



WILLIAM H. liuWLAND, CO. C, 
1863. 





JAMES S. CASWELL, CO. C, 
1908. 



SAMUEL W. IJEXIAMIX. CO. C, 
1862. 



On tilt- March to Grttysbiin/. 217 

eight miles or iwn hours' march at the rate we had Ijeen moving when not 
impeded by other troojis in our way. We hastened along for two hours and 
about noon arrived where the First corps had camped for the night and then 
learned that General Reynolds had put his corps in motion at daylight and was 
miles away and likely at Gettysbtirg while we were resting in his camp of the 
previous night, evidently vacated only a few hours before for the smottldering 
camp fires were still burning which we used and here made and drank our last 
cup of coffee and ate our last hard tack on this memorable march from the 
banks of the Occoquan to Gettysburg. \\'e. on every rise of ground, as we 
hastened forward looked anxiously expecting to see our corps i for we could 
see miles in advance) being ignorant of the orders issued during the council 
of war, held while we slept, that caused General Reynolds to hasten on so early 
in the day. 

We were at n<jon some ten miles from Gett_\-sburg and from the course we 
traveled and the time it took to reach there it must have been more than ten 
miles. We were not on the direct and nearest route to Gettyslnirg, but moving 
northwesterly toward the foot hills of South [Mountain and in fact were the 
left flank of our marching armv and evidently following the same course (for 
the traveled roads were a sure guide ) that had been passed over by our corps 
in the morning. Early in the afternoon as we reached the crest of a con- 
siderable hill we saw a single horseman approaching in all haste and as fast as 
his tired steed would allow. \\'e knew that a battle was imminent and that the 
coming of a mounted courier was no stirprise under existing circumstances. 
His general appearance and foam-flecked horse told us that he brought im- 
portant information. General Stannard ordered a halt as the weary horse and 
anxious rider approached the head of his colitmn. He, the mounted courier, 
saluted General Stannard and inquired if he was General Stannard of the 2nd 
\'t. Brigade and then said to General Stannard, "A big fight is in progress at 
Gettysburg, General Reynolds has been killed," that General Doubleday was in 
command, that he is hard pressed and must have help or could not hold his 
position and that General Stannard must hasten forward his command as fast 
as possible. 

This was the first intimation that we received that the great battle had 
already commenced. We were now some eight miles distant from the position 
of our corps on the battlefield. General Stannard at once passed the informa- 
tion down the line and gave orders to move as fast as possible and keep the 
ranks well closed tip. We had been marching thtis far during the day at our 
very best (too fast to endure it long) and yet we tried to move faster and 
faster observing General Stannard 's anxious face as he rode tip and down the 
line to converse with the Colonels and see if we were doing our best. We 
knew our corps was in the advance and likely had engaged in battle before any 
other corps had reached the field. General Doubleday's aid (for such he was) 
wheeled about his tired horse and returned in all haste over the road he had 
come to report the approach of General Stannard. 

We at once took up the march, followed the horse and rider, and moved 
on over hill and through valley often in mud over our shoes faster than before 
until within about four miles of Gettysburg, and as we reached an elevated 




SAMUEL W. BENJAMIN, CO. C, 
1904. 



On the March to Gettysburg. 219 

tableland with open country to the north, we heard for the first time booming 
cannon way to the front of us which announced that artillery was actively 
engaged and a battle was raging, but just how many and who engaged we knew 
not, but we apprehended from such knowledge as at hand that our presence was 
demanded and anxiously looked for. 

As the sound of cannon rolled down the valley and broke on our waiting 
ears the brigade involuntarily and suddenly halted and eagerly listened to the 
magic sound that was calling us to hasten on. We gazed inquiringly into each 
other's faces but spoke not a word. No one needed to tell us now what the 
continuous roar of artillery presaged, or of the probability of our brigade soon 
being engaged in mortal combat. We were within two hours' march and 
would soon reach the field of contest. We knew our corps commander had 
been slain in the battle and that our corps was strenuously engaged and anxiously 
waiting our arrival and that General Stannard had been ordered to join the 
corps to which we belonged as soon as he could possibly do so, and on we 
marched ranks well closed up, stimulated by sound of cannon, smell of powder 
and sight of clouds of smoke that rose in the distance, in order to reach the 
field and render assistance to our comrades of the First corps now engaged in 
battle. 

We approached Gettysburg on the south by way of Marsh Run and cross- 
ing Willoughby Run to the Emmitsburg road southwest of Big Round Top 
and marched along this route until we came up with General Buford's cavalry; 
then crossing the valley and ascending Cemetery Ridge moving north near to 
the old cemetery in plain view of the location of the pending battle. We met 
wounded on their way to the rear for surgical care and attention. We were 
now on the outskirts of the battlefield, perhaps a mile from Gettysburg village, 
and we could not tell only by the sound of cannon and the clouds of smoke 
where the enemy were, nor where our corps was at that time situated, nor did 
we know the result of the day only that our corps commander General Reynolds 
had been killed and that our forces had been driven from the field, where the 
battle opened, back into and through the village of Gettysburg and upon 
Cemetery Ridge, a half mile or more south of the village. The sound of cannon 
had indicated that the fighting lines were constantly changing and moving 
south and toward our approaching brigade and therefore before going further 
on to the battlefield knowing nothing of the situation of the enemy, General 
Stannard sent his Aid (Benedict) to find our corps commander, General 
Doubleday, report our arrival and situation, and ask for orders. We halted 
and were in plain view of Plum Run valley and Seminary Ridge and the hills 
and plains to the north and northwest. These were trying and anxious 
moments waiting for Stannard's aid to return; the passing wounded, bleeding 
and moaning, was a sight that spoke volumes concerning the results of the 
pending battle that we were now being led into. Lieutenant Benedict returned 
with orders to join our corps on Cemetery Ridge. The sun was still shining 
just above the hills and mountains as we hastened forward to position guided by 
Benedict of Stannard's staff. The artillery firing had ceased, but the sharp 
crack of rifle to the north and northwest told us that the picket lines and 
sharp shooters were still actively engaged in and around Gettysburg village. 




WILLIAM IlLAIN. 



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HORACE L. IIU.L. CO. C, 
1862. 



HORACE L. HILL, CO. C, 
1908. 



On the Battlefield of Gcttysbiiy(/. 221 

We passed over the same field now occupied in 1907 1)\- our brigade and 
regimental monuments, and took position on the southwest front of Cemetery 
Hill just west of Taneytown road in what appeared to be a wheat field. Here 
we were stirrounded now by the several divisions of our corps with General 
Robinson in our immediate front, General Wadsworth at Culp"s Hill, and the 
rest of our corps on the southern slope of Cemetery Hill between Taneytown 
road and the Baltimore pike, all near each other, holding the right and left 
flank, with the Eleventh corps (General Howard's corps) holding the front 
and center line on the north slope of Cemetery Hill between it and Gettysburg 
village. North of Gettysburg village and the village was now occupied by 
General Early's division of General Evvell's corps. 

We finally reached a position just at the close of day exhausted, com- 
pletely worn out with seven long days of marching, especially the hurried march 
to reach the battlefield on July ist, and we were told to lie down on our arms 
as we were, with straps and belts all on and gim in hand ready for immediate 
action, for we were liable to be attacked at any moment. It was apparent as 
we reached this position that orders and commanders were considerably mixed 
up for on our arrival no one seemed to know just where we belonged or what 
to do with us. We were moved about from place to place on orders likely 
no one had a right to give which the 13th did not enjoy in their worn out con- 
dition. It is claimed and it may be correct that our location on the field that 
first night was on the right of General Birney's division of the 3rd corps, and 
that we remained there until morning. This does not coincide with my recol- 
lection of our location on that first night. We did not belong in the 3rd corps 
and Birney's division was situated a mile or more down the Taneytown road 
south of the old Cemetery. 

General Doubleday's maps, page 344, volume 3, Battles and Leaders of 
the Civil War, show Birney's division that night more than a mile south from 
the old village cemetery. The exact location of the 2nd Vermont Brigade on 
this first night is not named on the map, but General Doubleday's division to 
which we belonged is located and mentioned as being on the southeast slope of 
Cemetery Hill between Baltimore pike and Cemetery Ridge. It is, however, 
sufficient to say that we were on the battlefield before sunset of July ist, and 
were located and remained during the night near Cemetery Hill and not far 
from the position where General Mead established his headquarters. 

We had been on the march for seven long days doing our utmost to over • 
take and join the First corps to which we had been assigned, leaving Camp 
Occoquan after all of the army of the Potomac had passed and the First corps 
was in the lead on the way up the valley to intercept General Lee on his way 
to Maryland. It was an almost impossible task when all were on the march 
in the same direction to overtake the First corps, which was in the lead, and 
yet General Stannard's Second Vermont Brigade had in fact during the march 
gained almost two days on the First corps, and arrived on the field of battle only 
six or eight hours later in the day than Wadsv^'orth's division which was in the 
van of our corps, and in fact Wadsworth's division of our corps was the first 
infantry that arrived on the field of battle and engaged the enemy then held in 
check by General Buford's dismounted cavalry. When General Stannard's 





11.11. i:i)u.\Kii 1.. iiiiii;,\Ki) 
1863. 





f.lEUT. IlIR-VM sn.\l'TCCK, CO. D, 
1900. 



^I:RGT. JOUX II. LVON, CO. D, 
1906. 



On the Battlefield of Gcttyshiira. 223 

brigade took position on Cemetery Ridge about sundown July ist. Cemetery 
Hill and Ridge was in the possession of the Federal forces. The First and 
Eleventh corps were for a time it is claimed under command of General Winfield 
S. Hancock by an order brought by General Hancock who had come direct from 
General Mead's headquarters, arriving about 4 130 in the afternoon. It is doubt- 
ful about his assuming independent command for General Howard was on the 
field and outranked General Hancock. 

It seems on the arrival of General Hancock with orders from General 
Mead that he and General Howard, like true soldiers and comrades, both by 
mutual assent were in command and acted as such until new positions were 
selected and occupied and everything made ready to resist any attack that might 
be made. 

Generals Sickles and Slocum arrived on the battlefield about sundown of 
July 1st. The great battle of Gettysburg opened at the break of day July 1st, 
on the picket line held by General Buford's cavalry on the Cashtown Road on 
the east side of Willoughby Run about a mile west of Gettysburg village, and 
the first gun fired was by either General Archer or General Davis' brigade of 
General Heth's division and of General Ambrose P. Hill's corps against General 
Buford's videttes that had been stationed west of Seminary Ridge along the 
east bank of Willoughby Run between Hagerstown and Mummasburg Roads. 

General Buford dismounted his cavalry and held in check Generals Davis 
and Archer's brigades with great skill and courage until General Wadsworth, 
in command of the First division of the First army corps, accompanied by 
General Reynolds, reached the field about ten o'clock in the forenoon. It was 
on this part of the battlefield in the edge of McPherson woods at the time the 
iron brigade led by General Doubleday was making a charge against General 
Archer's brigade, that General John F. Reynolds was shot by a sharp shooter. 
He died on the spot and now an elegant granite monument with a statue of 
heroic size standing in the Gettysburg Cemetery eloquently tells of the brilliant 
record of this distinguished officer. He had no superiors as a corps com- 
mander. His death was a National calamity and all who knew him sincerely 
mourned his untimely death. Napier's Eulogy seems quite appropriate, namely, 
"No man died on the battlefield at Gettysburg with more glory than General 
John F. Reynolds, and yet many distinguished officers fell and there was much 
glory." 

The unexpected and near approach of the army of the Potomac on the 
heels of General Lee's army, General Longstreet having just reached the Cum- 
berland Valley some twenty miles west of Gettysburg, led General Lee to con- 
clude it might be dangerous to move further against Harrisburg and therefore, 
what appeared to be a military necessity, ordered Generals Ewell and Hill 
to return and concentrate toward Gettysburg, and hence the battle was opened 
there July ist with General Reynolds in command by arrangement and orders 
issued in council the evening before. General Reynolds with Wadsworth's divi- 
sion arrived on the battlefield about the same hour that we of the second brigade 
left Emmitsburg. General Stannard tried to move his command at daylight 
on the morning of July ist as was planned but it was impossible owing to the 













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OUir.IXAI, Sl'RCKANTS 01- CO. D, 1862. 

No. I. Alaninis F. Marrs. No. 2. Julius F. Densmore. 
No. 3. Henry O. Clark. No. 4. George Stevens. No. 5. William L. Blake. 



On the Battlefield of Cetlyshnnj. 225 

crowded coiiditidn of every avenue at travel with troops that impeded his 
advance. 

There was some confusion and excitement when we arrived on Cemetery 
IJill near Douhleday's and Howard's headquarters. Our forces had been 
driven Ijack and now occupied Cemetery Ridge as a strategic strong position. 
General Reynolds, to whom had been gi\cn the evening before by General Mead 
special directions to advance and assume command when he should find the 
enemy, had been killed. This great loss i:ilaced General I )onbleday in command 
of the field until about noon, when (icnt'ral llowarfl of the Eleventh corps 
arrived. He outranking General r)oul>led;i\' look command and remained in 
command until General Hancock arrived diri'ct from <k>neral Mead, (and after 
General Mead had learned of the death of General Keyu'ilds) with particular 
directions to take charge of the battlefieUl and so informed General Howard, 
but General Howard outranked General Hancock and was in command as he 
claimed, until General ]\Iead should arrive. 'J'he situation was critical and both 
Howard and Hancock realized that there was no time for any discussion as to 
rank, but only what was best to be done. ( k-neral Howard had lieen driven to 
his present position, and General Hancock while in conversation with General 
Howard surveying from Cemetery Hill the coinurx- all about, said, "General 
this is a good place to fight a battle." Howard agreed and then Hancock said, 
"We will locate here for the final battle", and then every effort was put forth 
to so locate artillery, cavalry and infantry to be ready for General Lee's army 
which was sure to attack as soon as daylight, if not liefore. The Federal army 
was so well and skilfully placed on and about Cemetery Ridge as to be quite 
secure against a much superior force, on account of location and sin-roundings 
When our brigade reached the field July ist the army was (|uite well |)repared 
to hold the jiosition selected and then occupied. 

Our corps, the First, was now alto.gether on and near Cemetery Hill, the 
Eleventh corps was also on Cetiietery Hill. The Third corps, in command of 
General Sickles arriving, took position between Little Roinid Top and Ceme- 
tery Hill and the Twelfth was near by rapidly approaching the battlefield. 
Besides we had General Bnford's cavalry and many batteries in position. 

The close of the first day's fight found General Howard with the Eleventh 
corps on Cemetery Hill holding the front and center, the First corps holding 
both flanks with Buford's cavalry on the Emmitsburg Road near the peach 
orchard, the Third corps about a mile south on the Taneytown road, and the 
Twelfth near Little Round Top. Though we occupied a strong and almost 
impregnable position, we were largely outnumbered at this hour and almost 
completely surrounded and the Confederate army had been successful during 
the day and compelled us to select our present position. General Ewell's corps 
was at our front and right close up to the base of Cemetery and Gulp's Hill. 
A. P. Hill's corps was on our left, supported by General Longstreet and his 
corps, and therefore it will be seen we were at the close of this first day's battle 
almost completely surrounded by General Lee's whole army which, owing to 
the success of the day, made them confident of final victory. It was quite 
fortunate for our side that Generals Ewell and Hill did not follow up their 
vantage ground at four o'clock in the afternoon of the first day. We had in 




SERGT. HENRV (>. CLARK. CO. D, HENRY (I. CL.\RK, CO. D, 

1862. igo6. 

Clark on the left; John Welch of Co. I on the right. 





CORP. GEORGE X. WRIGHT. CO. D, 
1862. 



GEORGE X. WRIGHT, CO. D, 
1906. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 227 

fact been badly whipped during the first day because of superior numbers. Only 
the First corps and some of Buford's cavalry on the field until about noon to 
meet and fight Ewell's and Hill's combined commands. The first day was a 
sad and hard day for we had been driven from position to position and compelled 
to retreat and take refuge on Cemetery Hill. We had during the day suffered 
great loss, though we had succeeded in making the progress of Lee's army very 
expensive in dead, wounded, and captured. Generals Ewell and Hill with their 
corps, 40,000 strong, now flushed with victory, had they followed up their golden 
opportunity, it is more than likely the great battle would have been fought to 
a finish in the vicinity of Pipe Creek south and east of Gettysburg. Great 
Generals make mistakes and General Lee made them on this field. Our position 
on Cemetery Ridge was very strong; General Hancock when he first arrived 
saw at a glance it was a very strong natural position equal to thousands of men 
to resist an attack, and his selection at sight of this position was an inspiration 
and contributed much towards the defeat of General Lee and of the victory 
of General Mead. We had at four o'clock on the first day of the battle only 
the First and Eleventh corps which had been badly depleted during the day 
and General Buford's division of cavalry and a part of our artillery and on the 
other hand the whole of Lee's army was on the field with the exception of 
Longstreet who was near by and rapidly approaching on the Chambersburgh 
road. Our position was such at this hour that we might have been driven from 
Cemetery Hill if General Ewell had been permitted to have carried out his 
plan of attack at four o'clock in the afternoon, but General Lee quite naturally 
waited for General Longstreet with whom were the selected and the flower of 
the army of Northern Virginia, besides General Longstreet was first in council, 
first in battle and first when a mighty battle was pending involving such im- 
portant consequences as on this occasion, and he had not yet reached the field, 
and General Lee now believed that General Mead's army was all up and in 
position on Cemetery Ridge and Gulp's Hill, Big and Little Round Top, ready 
and waiting for a defensive or offensive contest, determined on, at any cost, 
victory. 

It is literally true that our regiment was hungry, thirsty, tired and well 
nigh physically exhausted when we reached position on Cemetery Hill ; and down 
the line came the order not to build fires to make coffee, but lie down with 
equipments on ready for action, for the enemy were near by to the north, east 
and west and had been successful during the day. Our corps, the First and 
Eleventh had been forced back, though by hard and desperate fighting from 
early morning until night, contesting every foot of ground, making the slow 
advance of General Hill's division expensive, with fearful slaughter; our corps 
too, suffered great loss, as we were driven from position to position by the 
overpowering numbers of the enemy, falling back however in good order neither 
rattled, unduly frightened or panic stricken in the least, on our reserve then 
on, and holding Cemetery Hill. Our first and almost desperate inclination as 
we halted was to quench our awful thirst, our canteens were empty and had 
been nearly all day and much of the time for the last three days, for as all must 
recollect an order was issued on the march through Maryland prohibiting any 
one to leave the ranks for water while on the move, and only when halted for 




OSCAR J. TOMJJNSOX, Cn. U, 
1906. 



JOHN W. l-ORKHSI", CO. D, 
1902. 



On the Battlefield of Gcttyshunj. 229 

rest and at noon and evening. Some of our regiment because of fainting had 
in passing an overflowing and nearby spring left the ranks for water in viola- 
tion of the order, choosing rather to obtain water and remain in the line of 
march than fall out and be left behind. We had been taught by General Stan- 
nard two days back while marching through Maryland that orders must be 
obeyed and would be enforced to the letter irrespective of rank, humanity or 
any other cjuestion save the military necessity that might demand a suspension 
or change, and so we thereafter obeyed and sufl'ered the misery of unquenched 
thirst on a rapid march rather than disobey. 

First Lieutenant Stephen F. Brown of Company K prompted only by 
motives of humanity after repeated re(|uests for permission for some of the 
boys of his company to leave the ranks for water and discovering the fainting 
condition of some, took private C)liver Pariso of Company K loading them- 
selves with all the empty canteens they could carry and started for a nearby 
spring for water which they found in charge of a mounted safe guard, who 
informed Lieutenant Brown that his orders would not allow him to procure 
water at that spring. Lieutenant Brown said, "My men are fainting from 
thirst and must have water, and water I have come for, knowing what the 
order was, and with or without your consent water I must and will have." He 
gave his name, rank, company and regiment to the safe guard who immediately 
rode off in haste and Lieutenant Brown and Private Pariso filled their canteens 
with water and returned to the company and quenched the thirst of many a 
thankful private, and for this act Lieutenant Brown was placed under arrest 
and relieved of his sword ; but IJeutenant Brown continued in his place, marched 
to Gettysburg on to the field, procured a common camp hatchet that belonged 
to a comrade and went into battle with this hatchet as a substitute for his 
sword, and no one was foolish enough to object to Lieutenant Brown taking 
part in the fight, though only armed with that ancient and barbarous and savage 
weapon of warfare. Lieutenant Brown's release from arrest had been procured 
in the early morning of July 2nd, but his sword was miles distant in the wagon 
train where it had been placed when taken and could not now be restored. 
The hatchet answered Lieutenant Brown's purpose and he made good use of 
it during the battle. 

As a matter of fact on the last day of battle, and while on the charge 
against General Pickett's charging columns, with raised hatchet in hand captured 
from one of General Pickett's officers a sword, scabbard, belt and pistol in the 
presence of the author which was then and there in haste buckled on and 
thereafter worn by Lieutenant Brown during the battle, and carried by him 
to his home in Swanton \'ermont, where he hvmg it on the wall where it re- 
mained for many years after the war was over, and this sword and scabbard 
he cherished as mementoes of General Pickett's famous charge, and in remem- 
brance of the battle that was the turning point in the mighty struggle for the 
preservation of the Lmion and the principals of freedom, humanity and justice. 
The sword and scabbard is now in charge of the historical Association of Ver- 
mont and among the relics at the State House at Montpelier, \'t., carried there 
by Lieutenant Brown a few months before his death. 




JOHN E. WlIF.Er.OCK, CO. D, 
1862. 



JOHN }■:. \\iii-;elock, co. d, 

1 90^). 




MOSES A. WHEELOCK, CO. D, 
1862. 



HENRV MC.WOV, CO. D, 
1862. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 231 

By the time our brigade settled down in its location it was quite dark and 
none of us had any knowledge of springs or streams of running water and did 
not know where to procure any water, but on inquiry were told by going east a 
short distance would strike an over flowing spring. Six or eight from each 
company were allowed to go in search of water, taking as many empty canteens 
as they could carry. A half dozen or more from company K started for water. 
We soon reached the banks of a brook, but it was now mostly dry and the 
holes we found contained only warm, muddy, dead water, and we thought also 
animals, (not fish) and on we went following down the brook until we found a 
small running stream, and in the woods it was quite cool and fairly good. We 
satisfied our thirst, filled our canteens and hastily returned to our thirsty com- 
rades. Perhaps some had, after reaching our position on the field something 
to eat, but sure it is many of us did not have a morsel left in our haversacks 
and there was no wagon trains in sight or any where to be found. All had 
been sent off to the east to avoid capture. It was exceedingly fortunate for 
the First and Eleventh corps and Buford's cavalry that General Lee had no 
accurate knowledge of the numbers before him during the first day's battle. 
He knew the army of the Potomac had all crossed at Edwards Ferry and 
thereabouts, some days before and that the First and Eleventh corps under 
Generals Reynolds and Howard were on the battlefield vigorously contesting 
the advance of Generals A. P. Hill and Ewell's corps during the first day's 
fighting, and therefore concluded that the whole army of the Potomac under its 
new leader. General Mead, was in position on Cemetery Hill and Ridge, Gulp's 
Hill, Big and Little Round Top, waiting for him to advance. He had ordered 
both Hill and Ewell not to bring on a general engagement until his whole army 
was up. General Longstreet who commanded the First corps (which was con- 
sidered the best and most important) had not yet arrived, nor was his artillery 
all at hand. The able, skilful and tenacious manner in which the First corps 
under General Doubleday had fought and held the field on Seminary Ridge 
and west of it against General Hill's overpowering numbers until General 
Howard arrived with the Eleventh corps early in the afternoon, and then the 
manoeuvring of the First and Eleventh corps and the desperate fighting during 
the rest of the day with General Howard in command fully justified General 
Lee in the opinion that a much larger force was before him than actually existed. 

In fact only Buford's cavalry and the First corps and some of our artillery 
were on the battlefield at Gettysburg until afternoon of the first day of the 
battle and they met the advancing hosts of General A. P. Hill's corps and held 
their position against a great disparity of numbers until the Eleventh corps 
arrived. General Howard and staff took a more direct road from Emmitsburg. 
leaving his corps in charge of General Churz, and reached Gettysburg about 
noon some little time before the arrival of his corps. The first days battle had 
been fought from early dawn until afternoon by General Buford's cavalry and 
General Reynold's First corps and the rest of the day had the assistance of the 
Eleventh corps under command of General Schurtz, General Howard being in 
command of all the forces after his arrival on the field. And thus it was the 
First and Eleventh corps numbering less than 18,000 men with General Buford's 
division of cavalry and some artillery had courageously and successfully fought 



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MVUON P. SCULLIX, CO. D, 
1862. 



MVRON P. SCULI.IX, CO. D, 
1905. 




JOSI.\H M. CARKV, CO. D, 
1863. 



JOSI-\U M. C.\RKY, CO. D, 
1906. 



Oil the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 233 

and held in check from sunrise to sundown the first day's fighting, Generals 
Ewell and A. P. Hill's corps outnumbering us on the field more than two to one. 

The First corps to which the Second Vermont Brigade belonged was 
made up as follows : Corps Commander, General John F. Reynolds ; First 
Division, General James S. Wadsworth, First Brigade, General Soloman 
Meredith, Second Brigade, General Lysander Cuttler ; Second Division, General 
John C. Robinson, First Brigade, General Gabriel R. Paul, Second Brigade, 
General Henry Baxter ; Third Division, General Abner Doubleday, First Brigade, 
General Thomas A. Rowley, Second Brigade, Colonel Roy Stone, Third Brigade, 
General George J. Stannard ; Artillery Brigade, Colonel Charles S. Wainwright; 
General Stannard's brigade was composed of the 12th, 13th, 14th, 15th and i6th 
Vermont Regiments and commanded by Colonels Asa P. Blunt, Francis Vol- 
taire Randall, \Vm. T. Nichols. Redfield Proctor and Wheelock G. Veazey 
respectively. After General Stannard was wounded on the last day of the 
battle, and after General Pickett's charge. Colonel Randall of the 13th \'ermont 
was placed in command of the brigade and so continued in charge until July 
loth. when his regiment, the 13th, was ordered to \'ermont to be mustered out 
on account of expiration of term of service. 

It will be observed that the battle was opened so far as infantry was con- 
cerned by the First division of the First corps commanded by General Wads- 
worth about ten o'clock in the forenoon of July ist and at this hour there was 
no infantry of General Mead's command on the field at Gettysburg only those 
that belonged to the First corps. The Eleventh corps did not arrive on the 
field until about one o'clock p. m. The Third and Twelfth corps arrived at 
the close of the day between sundown and dark. There can be no question 
but what the First corps was in a desperate situation many times during the 
first day's battle, even after the arrival of the Eleventh corps, and had it not 
been for the timely arrival of General Howard and his corps what would have 
become of the First corps and Buford's cavalry and their artillery support 
may be well conjectured. General A. P. Hill's corps was advancing against 
the First corps from west of Gettysburg and Ewell's corps from the north and 
east of Gettysburg with great persistency, and this was the situation when the 
Eleventh corps reached the battlefield of Gettysburg. General Howard exhibited 
most excellent military judgment when he occupied Cemetery Hill as a position 
of great strength. Notwithstanding the determined efiforts of Doubleday and 
Schurtz to hold in check the corps of Hill and Ewell, they were obliged to 
gradually give way and take position on Cemetery Hill and Ridge which as a 
defensive position was first occupied by the First and Eleventh corps about 
four o'clock in the afternoon. General Hancock reaching the field and Cemetery 
Hill at about the same hour with orders from General Mead then at Taney- 
town. Generals Howard and Hancock quickly placed batteries and infantry on 
Cemetery Hill and along the ridge in such a manner as to make their position 
quite secure against superior numbers. The First corps and the Eleventh with 
Buford's division of cavalry had been driven back inch by inch and finally com- 
pelled to seek a strategic and commanding position thereby hoping to hold in 
check the victorious legions of Hill and Ewell who had thus far been successful 
during the da\' and now flushed with victory and no doubt supposing they had 




WILLIAM CROSBY, CO. D, 
1862. 1906. 




LEOX II. DKAKi:. CO. D, 
1804. 



LEOX H. DR.XKE, CO. D, 
1906. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 235 

been driving the whole army of the Potomac from the battlefield and backwards 
towards Washington. Nothing had transpired during the many engagements 
of the day on any part of the field that furnished any indication of weakness, 
lack of numbers or willingness to accept every opportunity of the Federal 
forces to engage in battle. The Confederate forces had been so hotly engaged 
and resisted all day long that General Lee had a right to believe, as no doubt 
he did that General Mead's army was present in force, and it would not do to 
be too hasty. He knew very well the Federal army would now fight more 
desperately than ever before, that they were prepared and anxious to meet 
him and fully determined to vanquish his great army, and would if need be 
sacrifice every soldier rather than retreat or surrender. There was in fact 
only one thought that now animated every soldier of that valiant army that had 
been so often humiliated and defeated from General Mead down to the most 
humble private that carried a gun, namely. Victory or death. 

The time had come for a full and final settlement of the old scores of 
many battlefields, and the army of the Potomac was enthusiastic and determined 
and anxious to meet once more General Lee and his valiant and thus far 
victorious army in battle, believing that they now had a commander in General 
Mead, able to handle and place in battle lines to the best advantage every 
regiment if required to insure success. Arbitrament on any battlefield wherever 
it might please General Lee, he having boldly challenged the army of the Potomac 
by invasion, which challenge was willingly accepted, confidently believing that 
the God of battles would be with justice and the right, and that the time had 
come for the army of the Potomac to decide the supreme and all important 
questions, the preservation of the Union and the principal of government by 
the people. General Lee realized when he ascertained that the army of the 
Potomac had crossed into Maryland and was following in such haste that he 
could not reach Harrisburg and avoid General Mead, menacing his communica- 
tions and base of supply, and his only way back to the valleys of Shennandoah 
was to face about and prepare for battle, choose a desirable field and wait for 
an attack, which he knew was certain under the circumstances, to follow. He 
therefore ordered General Ewell on the 29th of June to leave the west banks 
of the Susquehanna and return to Cashtown in all haste for concentration near 
Gettysburg, for the great army of the Potomac had already crossed into Mary- 
land and were now marching north of Frederick City in the vicinity of Taney- 
town and Emmitsburg rapidly pushing up the valley of the Monocacy and a 
battle was imminent and peril great. 

On the 30th of June, Ewell and Hill were near Gettysburg and Long- 
street at Chambersburg and J. E. B. Stuart with cavalry at Hanover some ten 
miles east of Gettysburg, and the army of the Potomac was mostly concen- 
trated near Taneytown and Emmitsburg except General Reynolds with the 
First corps at Marsh Run ten miles south of Gettysburg, and Kilpatrick with 
cavalry at Hanover and General Buford with his division of cavalry rapidly 
approaching Gettysburg from the south on a line west of Gettysburg village. 




Ml"UR\\' W. TIKiMPSON. CO. D, 



MUKRAV \V. THOMPSOX, CO. D, 
1864. 



On the Battlefield of (iettyshKri/. 237 

Gcncral Mead mi the evening of the 30th of Jmie had arranged to advance 
his army and gave orders to General Reynolds to move on the morning of 
Jidy 1st to Gett}'sburg with his corps and General H<nvard's corps and 
assume the offensive, knowing that General Lee with his armv was in the 
vicinity of (k'ttyslnirg waiting mi a chosen field for an attack. 

Unexpectedly in the early gray of dawn of July ist, the picket lines de- 
ployed by Generals Archer and Davis of General Heth's division of A. P. 
Hill's corps opened fire on the videttes that had been placed out by General 
Buford and the battle of Gettysburg was thus opened on the Chambersbnrg 
pike on the east bank of W'illonghby Run and west of Gettysburg village about 
one mile. Neither General ;\Iead nor General Lee was ready, nor did either 
expect a general engagement at that hour, nor were either certain on what field 
the battle would take place. They were both certain that the most momentous 
hour since the firing on Sumter was at hand, and the result would be far 
reaching as to the future of the Union and Secession. 

General Heth advanced in force and General Kiiford dismounted his 
cavalry and deployed them as infantry, and held the brigades of Archer and 
Davis in check and sent an aid in all haste to General Reynolds disclosing the 
situation. General Reynolds on receiving the information from General 
Buford immediately ordered General Wadsworth's division and with it reached 
the battlefield not far from ten o'clock in the forenoon and at once took com- 
mand, and while successfully resisting Heth's division was shot by a sharp 
shooter and died on the field before noon about the hour of General Howard's 
arrival. General Reynolds' death was a great loss to the Union army. He 
had exhibited on this field his fitness to command and by his great skill fear- 
lessly and promptly engaged Hill's superior numbers to their utter dismay 
before he fell. General Doubleday succeeded General Reynolds in command 
and remained in charge until General Howard arrived. The battle was 
brilliantly opened as soon as Reynolds reached the field. There was no other 
infantry to meet General Hill's columns except those of the First corps until 
Howard of the Eleventh corps reached the field about one ri'dock p. m. The 
First corps had sustained heavy loss in killed and wounded before the timely 
arrival of the Eleventh corps. The acceptance of battle by General Reynolds 
out on the Chambersburg Road and bringing up his forces and ])lacing them in 
position and hastening General Howard of the Eleventh cnrp^ to his sujiiiort 
was such a vigorous resistance to General Hill's advancing columns and that 
the two niightv armies were face to face and so near together that it was 
evident that a battle must there and then he fought, ov one nr the other retreat. 
General Reynolds had liy his determination and by direction of General i\Icad 
(if circumstances favored it), decided to engage the enemy in I)attle at the first 
0|)])ortunit\' and was ad\-ancing towards (k'ttysburg for no i.ither pur])ose. 
General Reynolds was an experienced corps commander and had fought with 
consummate ability and bravery on many a desperately contested field, and 
knew Lee's manner of manoeuvring and fighting his valoro^is army, and at 
once Avheii he reached the field of action and held a Virief consultation with 
General Buford commanding the First division of General Pleasanton's corps 
courageouslv and conhdenth" assumed the otTensive, ordered his First division 




CHARLES L. LADIEUX, CO. D. 
1862. 





JOHN N. HAKMdN. CO. D, 
1862. 



loU.N N. ll.\KMON. CO. U, 



igo6. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 239 

commanded by General VVadsworth immediately to the front charging against 
the advancing columns of Archer and Davis' brigades of Heth's division and 
Hill's corps and thus brilliantly opened the momentous battle so pregnant with 
important consequences to the Nation and the world. General Reynolds fell 
by a hostile bullet during the first hour of the desperate contest a noble and 
willing sacrifice to the country he loved so well. 

The opportunity made by General Reynolds in opening the great battle of 
Gettysburg where he did, enabled Howard and Hancock to select Cemetery 
Hill and Ridge for the sanguinary and awful conflict of the second and third 
days' battle and made possible final success and glorious victory for General 
Mead, his officers, the valiant army of the Potomac and the death blow to the 
Rebellion. 

The Second Vermont Brigade (so called) was in the Third brigade, Third 
division (General Doubleday's) of General Reynold's First army corps com- 
manded by General Stannard of Vermont, but as before stated did not reach 
the battlefield till late in the afternoon of the first day's battle, notwithstanding 
its great anxiety and unparalleled marching from Occoquan, Va., to Gettysburg, 
Penn. And when they reached Cemetery Ridge and Hill it was occupied by the 
decimated ranks of the First and Eleventh corps and nearly surrounded by the 
victorious regiments of Ewell and Hill's corps outnumbering our forces on the 
field at that hour three to one. Though we occupied and held at the close of 
the first day's battle an almost impregnable natural bulwark, yet our situation 
was extremely critical and dangerous, and had not General Lee discovered 
the marching blue lines of the advancing columns of the Third and Twelfth 
corps moving along Cemetery Ridge northward leading him, (General Lee), 
to conclude that the army of the Potomac was present in position and ready 
to welcome any attack. Generals Ewell and Hill would have been ordered 
to assault Cemetery Hill about the same hour the Second Vermont Brigade 
arrived with more than an even chance of temporary success and compelling 
General Howard to relinquish Cemetery Hill and fall back on the Taneytown 
road and concentrate elsewhere for the final struggle. Circumstances of time 
and place of opening of the fight by the First Corps, the arrival of General 
Howard with the Eleventh corps and General Hancock with fresh orders from 
General Mead resulted in the selection of Cemetery Hill and Ridge as the place 
of battle and from a military view a good location to fight a battle, especially 
a defensive one. As matters stood in the afternoon of that eventful first day, 
we of the 13th regiment were wholly ignorant of the desperate situation when 
we arrived on the field and took position, and therefore we quickly and gladly 
laid down to rest and dream of bayonet charge, fearful struggle and awful 
carnage, and awoke in the early morning refreshed and ready for the renewal 
of the battle that we knew was at hand. 

All were thoroughly exhausted and an opportunity to lay down gun and 
knapsack even on a battlefield in sight of the dead and hearing of the wounded 
was thankfully appreciated. We spread our rubber blankets on the ground for 
a bed and our fly tents for a covering against the fast falling dew, and tried 
to sleep, but the majority realizing fully that a great battle had been opened 
and the results of the day were exceedingly discouraging could not sleep, but 



240 The Tliirlrriilli k'n/iiiu-iil W-nmnil Wihtnlccr.s. 

tlioiixlit iiilciisc-ly C()iKi.Tiiiii},' tlic C(>n.sc(|iiciiccs of the coming day. Two mighty 
armies equally daring and brave, heroes of many bloody battles and each army 
about 100,000 strong were face to face making every possible jjreparaticjn for 
renewing the battle in the morning. 

(jcneral Lee's army was cxnllant and Hushed with the successes of the l'"irst 
day. C.cncral .Mcad'> aini\ kiu-w and realized they had been overwhelmingly 
outnumbered and iiad not Iiad an e\cn chance and were an.xious to try again. 
General Mead and staff arrived insi |)a>t midnight, examined carefully the field, 
manoeuvred his corps, divisions and brigades which had arrived, to meet the 
situation. All reached the field before ten o'clock except the Sixth corps, which 
was reported on the way, and before sunrise, General Mead was ready to 
receive General Lee and to give him a warm reception. There was much com- 
motion and changing of jjositions. moving of artillery, cavalry and infantry, 
aids hurrying in every direction near our i)osition all uight long, and tliosc of us 
w^ho did not sleep heard and saw the strenuous preparation for the deadly 
struggle at hand, and as the long lines of blue arrived and took position and 
the artillery was arriving and being placed in ])Osition our hopes were buoyant 
anti our confidence restored. 

The night of July ist was perfect, a gentle breeze from the south, clear 
and warm, the moon and stars reflected their borrowed light advantageously 
for the locating of battle lines and placing cannon where they could the most 
effectively, use shrajmel and canister when attacked. Tiie arduous labor of 
the commanding officers during the night revealed, as the first rays of the morning 
sun shone on the field, an almost miraculous change from the jjrcvious evening. 
The whole army was astir as .soon as light. The ])osition of the 13th on the 
early morning of the second day of battle was in a wheal fielil about live 
hundred yards south of the present location of the Xational Monument and a 
few rods west of (jeneral Mead's head(|uarters on the west side of the Taney- 
town Road; an elevated position that commanded an almost tuiobstructed view 
of the battlefield from Big Round Top way to the south, then along Seminary 
Ridge to the west and north of Gettysburg village and as far to the northeast 
as Cul])'s Hill and the cultivated fields, woodlands, hills and valleys and moun- 
tains beNond as far as the eye could see. .V grand and picturesque panoramic 
view of nature's most attractive scenes among the hills and mountains of north- 
ern Maryland and southern rennsylvania. No more ideal s])ot could have been 
found for the consecration and sacrifice of the thousands of precious lives than 
that charming field Gettysburg. Tiie wliole regiment seemed to have taken a 
standing ])osition simultaneously as if by military orders, anxious to see and 
realize our immediate surroun<liiigs exjjecting to see the lines of gray with 
fluttering banners and glistening bayonets charging across the valley and up 
the hill, but instead of hostile foe to our glad surprise we saw legions dressed 
in blue on Cemetery Ridge and its slopes extending from the northern elevation 
of Cemetery II ill to Little Round To]) and a long line of cannon wheel to wheel 
from Cemetery 1 1 ill ami Zieglcr's (M'ove to Round Top, ])ointed westward and 
northwestward a solid line of cannon more than a mile in length alreadv for 
business, and in front and rear of our luinierous batleries along the cannon 
lines, could be .seen way out toward the {>".• the vigilant picket line-, and in the 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburi/. 241 

immediate front and rear of the artillery in position, the double battle lines of 
blue in support ready to resist any charge or at an opportune moment advance 
against the enemy. 

The arrival of General Alead and Chief of artillery, Henry J. Hunt, during 
the night of the iirst day's battle was prompt and timely, and before daylight of 
the second day General Mead carefully inspected the chosen field, visited every 
part of the field, conferred with his corps commanders, ascertained fully the 
results of the first day's battle and how his army had been manoeuvred and 
placed in position, making such changes as seemed advisable in order to be 
better prepared for the desperate contest that he knew full well was inevitable. 
General Lee's army had been successful as a result of the first day's battle and 
they, from General Lee to the humblest private were flushed with victory and 
anxious to renew the battle at the break of day, fully determined on, and ex- 
pecting (as often before) to vanquish the army of the Potomac and place on 
their flags and banners an unparalleled victory that would be the last, and secure 
to them (at least) division of states and a separate Government. But the con- 
summation of such high and ardently longed for hopes so long deferred were 
not to be realized on this field of supreme efi^ort between two brave and valerous 
armies about equal in numbers, each thoroughly equipped, and commanded with 
consummate skill and great military ability; the prowess and bravery of one, 
was like the other. The cause of the Union was right and that of the Con- 
federacy wrong, and other things being equal it is the verdict of history in all 
great emergencies the right prevails. We of the 13th were up in the gray of 
the early morning, no drum or bugle necessary to awaken and summon us to 
duty. We had lain down on our arms on an open field ready for action and 
now for the first time gazed around in order to see where we were and what 
was about us. 

Our position was elevated and on Cemetery Ridge just south of Ziegler's 
Grove commanding a view of country for miles in any direction. It was an at- 
tractive and charming picture of cultivated fields of ripening grain, of meadow 
and pasture lands, wooded hills and valleys, mountains to the west, and the 
rising of the sun developed one of nature's grandest and most enchanting views. 
No more lovely place to be found at this season of the year, July, on earth to 
die for principal and in defense of home and native land than Gettysburg. 
Yes, in any direction could be seen the deadly cannon pointed and ready for 
action, moving lines of blue where the brave had bivouacked on the field of 
battle, mounted officers and aids were hurrying to and fro completing the lines 
of battle, making all possible preparation to resist the expected advance of the 
enemy and to hold the position selected. We read in the faces of the com- 
manding officers the desperate situation of the army of the Potomac on this 
morning of July 2nd. Their hurried movements and anxious faces revealed to 
the rank and file their grave apprehension and great responsibility, for the 
mighty army under their command. Nearly all except the Sixth corps had 
reached the field during the night but there was confusion, and day light necessary 
to arrange the army to be in prime condition to fight a battle which was im- 
minent at sun rise as all believed. 




UEUT. FRANK KENFIIXL), CO. li, 
1862. 



LIEUT. IK.\NK KE.Nl'IELD. CO. E, 
1906. 




LIEUT. SIDNEY S. MOREV. CO. E, 
1863. 



LIEUT. SIl)Ni;\ >. MdKEY. CO. E, 
1888. 



On flic Battlefield of Gettysbiiry. 243 

The expected early morning advance of Generals Hill's and Ewell's corps did 
not occur and all were thankful. General Longstreet had not as yet reached the 
battlefield and therefore General Lee was not ready though two of his three army 
corps were present in full ranks and in position and anxiously waiting for orders 
to advance. The First and Eleventh corps were in position on Cemetery Ridge 
and Gulp's Hill before sundown. The Twelfth corps under General Slocum 
and most of the Third under General Sickles had reached the field and taken 
position south on the Taneytown Road east of Little Round Top, also Stan- 
nard's brigade of the First corps had reached the field and been placed in 
position on the west side of Taneytown Road on the crest of Cemetery Ridge 
just south of Ziegler's Grove in a wheat field before dark of July ist. 

General Stannard's brigade reached the battlefield by the way of Emmitsburg 
road just west of the Round Top about six o'clock in the afternoon. The fight- 
ing of the day was pretty much over and Generals Hancock and Howard were 
directing the placing of troops on and about Cemetery Hill and Ridge with all 
possible haste to be ready for General Lee's advance which was expected at 
any moment. Generals Ewell's and Hill's corps being in force in Gettysburg vil- 
lage, the northern slopes of Cemetery Hill and Gulp's Hill and the plains east 
and northwest where the fighting of the day had taken place. The Second 
Vermont Brigade moved deliberately from Emmitsburg Road across the field 
along the valley of Plum Run past the Peach Orchard through the copse up the 
western slope of Cemetery Ridge passing over the same ground that we occupied 
during the night of the second day of battle and all the day long of the third and 
last day's battle and from place to place till finally given a position near the crest 
of Cemetery Ridge. There was considerable confusion of orders among officers 
in charge as to where General Stannard's Brigade should be placed. General 
Stannard had sent Lieutenant Benedict of his staff forward on approaching the 
field to report his presence with his command and for orders, and had returned 
with orders from some subordinate officer belonging to the First corps and con- 
ducted our Brigade as best he could to the position indicated. 

There were many troops arriving about this time of day and there was 
much confusion. General Slocum with the Twelfth corps and General Sickles 
with the Third corps both making strenuous efiforts to bring their commands to 
Cemetery Hill as urged by General Howard when he, General Howard, was 
obliged to fall back and take position on Cemetery Hill. General Mead had 
sent out orders to concentrate the army at Gettysburg and the several corps 
were endeavoring to reach that locality at the earliest possible moment ; and 
because of so many arriving about the same hour, infantry, cavalry and artillery 
and all approaching from the south it was almost impossible to avoid confusion 
and delay, and this accounts for the different recollections and opinions as to 
the exact position on the battlefield occupied by the 13th the first night. The 
most of us recall that we were marched about considerably after reaching 
Cemetery Ridge which seemed to be without any particular purpose, and it was 
said that General Stannard swore like a piper and Colonel Randall filled the 
air with his accustomed and peculiar dialect because so much moving about 
when their boys were all tired out from the long day's hard march and wanted 
to rest. I am not able to say just where, how much and how many times we 




CORP. HENRY C. PARSONS, CO. E, 
1862. 



CORP. JOSEPH M. CllAl'LIN. CO. E, 
1906. 



On the Battlefield of Gcttysbnnj. 245 

halted after we reached the vicinity of Cemetery Hill that tirst evening before 
we were finally ordered to a position, but do recall to mind the fact that when 
we awoke in the morning there was a burying ground near by and north, and 
that we could see Gettysburg village less than a mile away in the valley below. 

As we watched the congested mass of soldiers near by, we saw others 
beside the 13th, 14th and i6th wearing the First corps badge and now were sure 
that we had finally after seven days of weary marching found and joined the 
First corps to which we had been assigned before leaving the banks of the 
Occoquan some twenty miles east of Bull Run battlefield, \'a., having traveled 
during the seven days about one hundred and fifty miles. I am sure there can 
be no question but what our position on the early morning of July 2nd was on 
the west side of Taneytown Road and a few yards westerly from General 
Mead's headquarters. Our position was changed early in the morning to the 
east of Cemetery Hill where we found for the first time the Third division to 
which we belonged then in charge of General Doubleday, and here we were 
given opportunity for breakfast. It was only an opportunity. Some of the 
boys did find a little ground ' cofi^ee in the bottom of their haversacks, procured 
some tnuddy water and made coffee. I do not recall that any distribution of 
pork, hard tack and cofYee was made that forenoon to our regiment, though it 
may be true. I am sure that none of my company made coffee or ate any 
breakfast that morning. My haversack was empty and stomach too, and had 
no opportunity to replenish either. 

The surroundings, the scenes, the battlefield, the expectancy of immediate 
engagement drove away any desire for food and generally so far as I observed, 
but little if any preparation for, or eating that morning by the 13th regiment 
was made. If any rations were given out, the boys of the 13th did not get any 
share of them. Such is the recollection of those who have spoken and written 
of our rations during the battle. I do not assert that rations were not brought 
out and distributed to our brigade, but that the 13th was not fortunate enough 
to share in them. 

Nearly every haversack was empty before we reached Gettysburg, and 
some of us were hungry and thirsty and looked for food and water at the first 
opportunity, and more the 13th regiment had a goodly number who from ex- 
perience could scent food far away and were neither timid or modest, and if 
there had been any rations of salt pork or hard tack and coffee any where 
within sight, scent or reach would have had a share, and such good luck would 
have been an incident under the circumstances that would have been indelibly 
impressed on the memory of some of us. 

Of course we had among us a little coffee, salt pork and hard tack and this 
was divided up among the boys from hand to mouth as long as it lasted, and 
if any of our regiment had any food during the last two days of the battle it was 
not Company K. No one needed more convincing evidence of long fasting than 
the appearance of the boys on the morning of July 4th when a wagon loaded 
with boxes of hard tack appeared among us. It has been said that the Second 
Vermont Brigade marched and counter marched for a couple of hours after 
reaching Cemetery Hill on the evening of July ist, and was finally placed on 
the right of General Birney's division of General Sickles" corps and there 




Musu'iAX, TiiAiinius w III I'i'ii , (II. i; 
1862. 



M I >n I \.\ , III Miiii;i > w II irri.i:. cn, i-;, 
i9o(). 




JONATHAN W . DAMKLS. CU. E, 



KINATIIAN W. DAMKLS. CO. E, 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 247 

remained during the niglit. This statement I believe is error for Birney's divi- 
sion of the Third corps during the night of the ist of July was south on the 
Taneytown Road nearly fifteen hundred yards from Cemetery Hill. The 
Third corps was situated between Cemetery Hill and Little Round Top from 
which it advanced westward to its slaughter-pen in the afternoon of the 
second day. The First corps bivouacked on the night of July ist on the western 
and southern slopes of Cemetery Hill, and at Gulp's Hill and General Doubleday 
with the Third division to which the Second Vermont Brigade belonged occupied 
a position immediately south of Cemetery Hill, and we marched only a short 
distance on the morning of the 2nd which brought us near by and east of 
Cemetery Hill. If we had been placed on the right of General Birney's division 
of General Sickles' corps as claimed then our early morning march to the east 
of Cemetery Hill would have been a mile or more. The Second Vermont 
Brigade did not belong with the Third corps and no occasion for our being 
placed with them. We did belong with, and had been, with all our might 
for seven long weary days marching to overtake and join the First corps to 
which we had been assigned, and that was in position on the evening of July ist 
nearby and south of the village burying ground which was located on top of 
Cemetery Hill, and this place we reached sometime before dark. 

General Stannard had made every possible effoirt during the day especially 
after being informed of the death of our Corps commander, General Reynolds, 
and informed by General Doubleday of his desperate situation, and urged to 
hurry forward as rapidly as possible to reach the battlefield and join the division 
and corps that he had been assigned to on the field. General Doubleday would 
not have sent General Stannard a rnile away into General Sickles' corps, nor 
would General Stannard have submitted to any such disposition of his brigade. 
It is a reflection and therefore should not stand as a part of our movement on 
that field, though perhaps quite unimportant. It is more likely the 15th regiment 
that was with General Birney during the night of July ist, for it came on to the 
field with General Sickles' corps and joined our brigade in the early morning of 
July 2nd. 

On the evening of June 23rd while still on the outer picket line along the 
lower Occoquan expecting to move any hour (some thought homeward) and 
others to follow in the wake of the army of the Potomac which had passed 
us mostly four days before, an important order pregnant with unlooked for 
glory and renown reached our brigade and regiment attaching General Stan- 
nard's Second \'ermont Brigade to the First army corps commanded by that 
high spirit and patriotic soldier General John F. Reynolds, urging General 
Stannard as soon as the army of the Potomac had passed through his picket 
line to hasten on and join the command then near Gum Springs a few miles 
south of Edwards Ferry. The determination and ambition of General Stan- 
nard was to fulfil to a letter the orders received and unite his command with 
the First corps before the first gun of the impending battle aroused the heroes 
of the blue and gray to deadly conflict. And nothing but death or unforseen 
contingency would swerve him from strict compliance of such an important 
military order, and therefore our brigade joined Doubleday's division on the 
evening of July ist and there remained during the night instead of being on the 




ikXIl.l.l': CIIOATH, CO. K 

1862. 



ou\n,[.K I'uo.vn-:, co. K 
I goo. 




B.aK.Mm .>. I L l.l.l.M.luN, 
1862. 



li.\KNKY S. FUIJJM'.TiiX, CO. E, 
1904. 



On the Battlefield of Cettysbiir;/. 249 

right of General Biniey's division of the Third corps. General Sickles claimed 
that he brought the Vermonters with his corps to the battlefield of Gettysburg, 
but this claim was not true only in part as will be noted and explained herein 
later. There was confusion everywhere and it could not have been avoided on 
that last daA-'s march. .\n army of 100,000 concentrating in all haste at a 
given point and from the same direction through a section of country where 
the highways were not adequate for the purpose and all under the direction of 
a commander only two days in charge of the great army of the Potomac ac- 
counts for delays and confusion. I agree it does not matter much just where 
we lay that first night on the battlefield or in whose command we were tem- 
porarily located. If lost in the darkness and moving masses on the evening of 
our arrival daylight of the second day and the morning salute of the enemy's 
cannon found us in the morning on Cemetery Hill surrounded by the several 
brigades of our division. When in position east of Cemetery Hill where we 
had moved with our division early in the morning it was evident that a demon- 
stration was soon to be made for the picket lines revealed vigilance and activity 
of the two armies thus early in the day, and an occasional shrapnel whizzed, 
screamed and exploded over and about us, all of which indicated preparation of 
the enemy for the delivery of battle somewhere or every where along their five 
miles of battle lines, but just when or where was unknown and difficult to judge. 

The proximity of Ewell's corps on the north and east of Cemetery Hill 
prompted General Mead to prepare for an advance of the enemy against our 
right. The First corps was now in command of General Newton and the 
Twelfth corps under General Slocum was placed on the extreme right to guard 
it, the right wing, against being turned and we driven from position by 
General Lee's second corps commanded by General Ewell. 

General Mead and his staff were seen rapidly moving from place to place 
to be ready for the charge that was expected at any moment. Every corps 
except the Sixth had reached the battlefield and were being placed in position, 
and before mid-day were quite ready. The defeat and forced retreat of the 
previous day determined Mead to prepare fully for a defensive battle. Let us call 
attention to our position to which we moved in the early morning just east of 
Cemetery Hill where we remained until about 2 o'clock in the afternoon. It 
was evident that there was urgent need of placing General Doubleday with his 
division here — an attack was expected from General Early and the rapid firing 
of the enemy said as much. General Mead was now confident that his position 
could be held and maintained against the bold and desperate efforts of General 
Lee and his valiant and victorious army, and therefore impatiently waited for 
General Lee's delivery of battle. The Second Vermont Brigade was sur- 
rounded by veteran troops and receiving its first instruction on a great battle- 
field in the art and science of war fully realizing ard comprehending the great 
and important consequences that must inevitably follow, victory or defeat to 
the cause of the Union or the Confederate states. The army of the Potomac 
was not a machine soldiery, for in the hilt of every sword and behind every 
gun was the best blood of the nation, and in equal numbers the most intelligent 
and best educated and knightly patriotic heroes of the Republic. Not a soldier 
boy in the ranks of Stannard's brigade but what was familiar with the record 




^UMNKK A. ANDREWS, CO- E, 
1865. 



SUMNER A. ANDREWS, CO- E, 
1905. 





RANSOM I!. COODKLL, CO. E, 
1862. 



RANSOM B. C.OODELL, CO. t, 
1896. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 251 

of valorous deeds on many a bloody field of the old Vermont brigade of the 
Sixth corps and now said to himself "I will do my utmost to keep good the 
enviable reputation of Vermonters on the field of battle." Actuated by noble 
impulses of duty, inspired by ancestral glory, pride of state and nation, love 
of home and country and solicitous for the preservation of the Union and 
perpetuation of the Republic, Stannard's brigade undaunted by fear boldly, 
courageously, and with determination in every look and act steadily moved reck- 
lessly, into battle. 

General Lee planned an attack for the morning to be delivered by General 
Longstreet and Ewell, supported by General Hill against our center and right, 
confidently expecting to capture Cemetery Hill and hurl us back in confusion 
toward Washington. The army of the Potomac was never better prepared for 
a fight, every branch of service well and amply equipped, the officers united 
and harmonious, the morale of the army better than ever before, and all, from 
General Mead to the humblest drummer boy anxious to try once more the 
supreme test of courage, prowess and endurance in battle, and these intensified 
conditions General Lee had failed properly to consider, relying more on his 
experience with the army of the Potomac and his own military genius, his 
veteran officers and soldiers that had never failed him or sutfered a humiliated 
defeat when he was present. 

The boys of the 13th regiment during that long forenoon of anxious sus- 
pense while east of Cemetery Hill supporting batteries remained there in battle 
line hardly speaking above a whisper and then to some comrade nearby, unless 
for permission to leave the ranks for water. 

The day was hot and water scarce and only obtainable at risk of being 
picked off by some sharp shooter, a nearby branch of Rock Creek containing 
only pools and holes of dead water and the pure cool spring water of Spangler" 
Spring was on the east side of Gulp's Hill in dangerous proximity to Ewell's 
battle lines and we therefore sparingly quenched our thirst with the warm, 
muddy dead water from the pools and holes nearby. We were cautioned 
against approaching Springs within range of sharp shooters, for now a single 
soldier was of the titmost value and life must not be lost by unnecessary ex- 
posure. The mighty struggle was near at hand and the life of a nation hanging 
in the balance and every precaution must be used that we might in the supreme 
hour of hand to hand struggle succeed. Not many of our regiment left the 
ranks even for water that long forenoon, and all who did quickly returned not- 
withstanding the temptation to skulk behind rocks and trees. 

There was but little firing in our immediate vicinity, only now and then a 
shell whizzed by or exploded in our midst. A few of the boys (who had it) 
made coffee and drank that for their breakfast and they were fortunate. It is 
said acting quartermaster Chas. Field of the 14th, came on to the field during 
the evening of July ist with hard tack and coflfee for our brigade. He must 
have omitted the 13th or we were asleep when he arrived or marching from 
place to place to find our division headquarters. Company K boys of the 13th 
say that no rations given out to them until the forenoon of the 4th of July and 
then only hard tack. If quartermaster Field had only four wagons of rations 
it is quite easy to see that that would hardly make very much of a supply for 





^^ 



AMBROSE C. COLLINS, CO. E, 
IS62. 




LEON'ARD PORTER IllTTS, CO. E, 
1906. 




AMBROSE C. COLLINS, CO. E, 
1905. 



On file BatUcficld of Gcttysbnry. 253 

three or four thousand hungry soldiers that had been on the march for seven 
days and short most of the time. I did not see any of the wagons or have any 
of the supplies. Must have been all given away before Company K was reached. 
Even Hi. Smith of Company K, champion forager of our regiment and brigade, 
did not hear or scent the rations brought by Quartermaster Field. 

Many of us know that we laid down that first night on the field tired and 
hungry, and that we woke up in the morning hungry and thirsty, and beside 
from what little we brought onto the field in the bottom of our haversacks we 
received not even hard tack until after the battle. 

We found Colonel Proctor and his boys of the 15th with us when we 
reached the east side of Cemetery Hill, having arrived the evening before un- 
expectedly and we were glad, for we realized that there was trouble prowing 
for our brigade and we were anxious to have all our brigade together. We 
soon learned how it happened that the 15th regiment had rejoined us and how 
glad they were to be present. The little tilt among certain officers because 
Colonel Proctor had succeeded in reaching the field of battle with General 
Sickles corps on the evening of July ist as it seemed to us when we learned 
of the particulars, uncalled for. General Sickles and Colonel Proctor were 
entirely right, under the desperate need of every regiment, especially a full 
regiment like the 15th, all good fighters and well officered. There was no press- 
ing necessity for two of our regiments, the 12th and 15th to be sent off to 
Rock Creek Church to guard wagon trains, and Colonel Proctor so informed 
General Sickles who as an experienced officer took the responsibility and said 
to Colonel Proctor "No occasion for only one regiment so large to remam to 
guard wagon trains, and you fall in with your regiment with my corps and go 
with me to the battlefield." The situation on the field demanded the presence 
of all available fighting regiments and thus it was that Colonel Proctor with his 
regiment reached the field and took his place in our brigade. General Sickles 
had interfered with a previous order and some officer was dissatisfied, and 
though in the face of the enemy when there was dire urgency for fighting 
soldiers, foolishly insisted on the return of the 15th back to Rock Creek church 
to guard wagon trains. We were sorry to part company with the 15th regiment 
that left us about noon of the second day to return to Rock Creek Church to 
guard wagon trains. 

Colonel Proctor when interviewed by General Sickles some four miles south 
of Gettysburg late in the afternoon of the first day of the battle convinced 
General Sickles that there was no occasion for two regiments to remain behind 
to guard wagon trains when one would answer just as well and succeeded in 
having his regiment ordered by General Sickles to fall in with his corps and 
march to Gettysburg. But General Sickles had interfered with somebody's 
orders and they did not propose to submit to it and therefore Colonel Proctor 
was ordered to take his regiment back to Rock Creek Church. This Colonel 
Proctor did not relish and sought the aid of General Stannard for the revoca- 
tion of the order to return him and permission to remain with the brigade on 
the field of battle, but without success, and at about noon the 15th with Colonel 
Proctor at its head took up the line of march by the way they came, back to 
Rock Creek Church. 





HENRY C. M. SHKRWIX, C(i. F.. 
1862. 



IIHNKV L. -M,. MIKKVMN. 1.(1. K, 

Father and son on the right — 1906. 




HENRY E. MUDGETT, CO. E^ 
1862. 



HENRY E. MLDi.inr. ld. E, 
1906. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 255 

Colonel Proctor was disappointed and his officers, rank and tile were all 
vexed and justly indignant because compelled to leave the battle lines in the 
midst of a fight which they evidently were anxious to take part in. General 
Stannard was very anxious to retain on the field the 15th regiment, especially 
his stalwart friend Proctor who had served as Quartermaster of the Third 
Vermont regiment and Major of the Fifth Vermont regiment and had partici- 
pated in the battles of the Peninsular campaign under General McClellan in the 
spring and summer of 1862 and had resigned late in July, 1862 to accept the 
Colonelcy of the 15th regiment. General Stannard knew of his soldierly con- 
duct and qualifications to handle his regiment and render important service in 
his brigade in the great battle then at hand and urged these views to his 
superior officers, but without avail, and he reluctantly parted with him more 
than vexed with the folly of strict compliance with orders which a change of 
;ircumstances made it folly to obey. 

The 13th, 14th and i6th learned of the manner of the 15th regiment's 
arrival and was thankful that four of the five regiments were to fight side by 
side in the pending battle, and when at about noon the 15th started to return, 
the three remaining regiments were disappointed and sorely vexed. The ex- 
planations made failed to satisfy Colonel Proctor or any one else connected with 
these Vermont regiments. There is reason for believing that there was foun- 
dation to the rumor that General Stannard said after he had failed to secure 
a change of the order returning Colonel Proctor with the 15th regiment to 
guard wagon trains, that he wished the battle would open at once on the right 
that he might take his brigade into action before the 15th was actually de- 
tached, knowing that would end the controversy till the battle was over and 
then it would not matter. It was noticeable that Colonel Proctor was very 
deliberate in lining up his regiment to leave the field and did not appear to be 
in any great hurry and moved slowly up the slope into the Taneytown Road, 
then south crossing the field passing near Little Round Top on his way to the 
Emmitsburg Road returning over the same path and road by which he had 
reached Gettysburg, but when nearing Devil's Den between Round Top and 
Emmitsburg Road a stafif officer sent by General Sickles warned him that Em- 
mitsburg Road in that direction was in possession of the enemy. This was I 
believe a welcome surprise to Colonel Proctor. He however halted his regiment 
and sent one of his staff back for orders which were slow in reaching him. 

While here waiting for orders as to what direction and course he should 
now take General Sickles was preparing to advance the Third corps against 
General Longstreet's picket line near the Emmitsburg Road and at the same 
time General Longstreet was making careful preparation for a general advance 
against our left flank hoping to capture Little Round Top and Cemetery 
Ridge and therefore Colonel Proctor and his regiment were silent and in- 
terested witnesses to the preliminaries of the desperate battle between General 
Sickles and General Longstreet in the afternoon of the second day, and it is said 
by Lieutenant Benedict in his history of Vermont in the Civil War that as 
Colonel Proctor and his regiment passed over the ridge between the Round 
Tops on his way to Rock Creek Church the cannonading which preluded the 
opening of the battle July 2nd was seen as well as heard by the 15th regiment. 




.inilX II. MUDC.KTT, CO. E, 
1862. 



EDWARD W. CLOL'C.Il, lii. K 
1890. 




-,5^ 





LVM.\N J. SI'ICLKV, CO. E, 
1861. 



LYM.\N J. SEELEV, CO. E, 
1905. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 257 

It is quite evident that Colonel Proctor in view of the reasons given for refusing 
his regiment permission to remain with the Second Vermont Brigade after he 
had been brought there by the orders of General Sickles without his fault that 
he would now wait for orders before proceeding further hoping some situation 
might arise (and there was immediate prospect of it at that hour) that would 
take his regiment back to Stannard's brigade, that was sure as he believed to 
have a conspicuous part in the struggle then at hand, or to take part with 
General Sickles' corps nearby and about to be engaged, with which he reached 
the field the evening before. He, Colonel Proctor, evidently was dissatisfied to 
return under the existing circumstances. 

No doubt Colonel Proctor used all honorable means to reach Gettysburg, 
for he knew a great battle was inevitable and the struggle would be terrible and 
unyielding, and that every soldier that carried a gun would be needed before 
the contest ended. Colonel Proctor reached the battlefield of Gettysburg on 
the night of July ist, remained with the Third corps until daylight of July 2nd, 
and then reported with his regiment to General Stannard, who with his brigade 
was then in the valley between Cemetery and Gulp's Hills expecting an attack 
from General Ewell's corps every moment. It may be proper to say here that 
General Lee's neglect to order Ewell to attack the right wing of the Federal 
army early on the morning of the 2nd of July was fortunate for the First corps 
and the Second Vermont Brigade, for General Wadsworth with the First divi- 
sion was on Gulp's Hill and General John C. Robinson of the Second division 
and General Doubleday with the Third division, in which was Stannard's brigade, 
occupied the valley between Cemetery and Gulp's Hill with their regiments, and 
all (except Stannard's brigade), badly and sadly decimated by the fearful 
slaughter of the previous day. In fact both wings of our army on the early 
morning of the second day afforded advantageous opportunities for General 
Lee's advance at any point except Cemetery Hill. Before noon, however, the 
situation had changed, and our forces had arrived and were so placed on 
right and left and cannon all along Cemetery Ridge from Ziegler's Grove to 
Little Round Top that put us in a condition to fight a successful defensive 
battle. I recall with pleasure the disappointment revealed by the faces and 
conduct of Colonel Proctor and his brave boys as they marched from our 
presence on their way back to guard wagon trains ; to be sure such duty must 
be done, but Vermonters never liked such a job and were seldom found doing it. 

General Sedgwick of the Sixth corps had reason to say (referring to the 
old Vermont brigade), "Put the Vermonters ahead and keep the ranks well 
closed up." Very soon after this episode relating to the 15th regiment, and 
while Colonel Proctor was still waiting for orders, the sharp cracking of 
musketry all along the picket lines and booming of cannon, too, were more 
frequent, indicating advancement of battle lines and preparations for the con- 
tinuation of the sanguinary struggle of the day. 

It was now past noon, as I recall the fact, but the 13th regiment made no 
arrangements for a noon day meal, but remained in battle line ready to promptly 
obey any orders given. It is said that the desperate and sanguinary battle 
between General Sickles and General Longstreet of the second day opened 
between two and four o'clock in the afternoon. It is difficult to keep track of 




KDl.Ak ll, WlMiL), Ll). E, 

1862. 



1.1)1. AK U. WOOD, CU. E, 
1904. 





GEORt.E I.. WiiniNG, CO. E, 
1862. 



.i:oK(.K 1'.. wnniNc, CO. e, 
1906. 



On the Battlefield of Getlyshni-,/. 259 

the passing hours in battle, and only from the rising to the setting of the sun is 
of consequence as a measure of time in the struggle for victory. Many of us, 
however, carried watches but few examined them to mark the exact moment and 
hour of the day. More serious and important business demanded and engaged 
attention. The cracking of carbines on the advancing picket line, the buzz and 
hissing noise of the sharp shooters' bullets and the ricochet of cannon balls 
bounding along all about us, and the bursting shrapnel overhead quite fully 
absorbed our attention. We only noted the passing occurrences in our immediate 
locality, watching the aides and orderlies on their foaming steeds galloping over 
the field bent on reaching some given point, paying no attention to shot or shell 
that filled the air. It must have been near two o'clock in the afternoon when we 
realized unusual activity along Seminary Ridge and Emmitsburg Road then 
occupied by General Longstreet's and Hill's corps. 

About this hour, while our brigade was still in rear of Cemetery Hill in 
support, one of the many shells that passed over the hill on its errand of death 
and dismay burst in the ranks of the 13th regiment mortally wounding Captain 
Merritt B. Williams, of Company G; others also were injured but not as serious- 
ly. The author of these pages calls to mind the vivid scenes of this occasion 
still fresh in memory. Captain Williams was a schoolmate at Rakersfield 
Academy in i860, '61, and '62, and was an intimate and abiding friend, and I 
hastened on observing some commotion in the ranks of Company G nearby to as- 
certain the cause and found Captain Williams lying on the ground in mortal pain 
apparently struggling in the throes of death surrounded by his comrades tenderly 
and anxiously rendering every possible attention to revive the fainting hero. 
Lieutenant Albert Clark of his company gave him brandy and he opened his 
eyes and feebly said, "I am shot and feel as if my last hour had come." 
This was indeed sad, but such scenes were common sights before the battle 
was over. Captain Williams was placed on a stretcher and carried to a nearby 
field hospital for surgical attention. I never expected to see him alive again, 
but he lived to return to his native state, town and home where he was affec- 
tionately nursed and cared for by loving wife and doting mother and sister dur- 
ing long weeks of pain and suiTering until death the 27th day of Sept.. 1863. His 
immortal spirit passed silently and peacefully to the Beyond where sound of 
cannon and carnage of battlefield is unknown, and there our brave dear comrade 
is watching our coming. I was again at Bakersfield Academy in the fall of 
1863 and a frequent visitor at the bedside of Captain Williams and watched 
and administered to his wants the last night of his life. His funeral was at- 
tended by Colonel Randall, many others of his regiment and we followed his 
remains to the city of the dead where we sorrowfully and lovingly paid the 
last tribute of respect to this dead hero of the Republic. While Captain Wil- 
liams was being carried from that part of the field where he fell, a whole regi- 
ment (what was left of it) came running down from the top of Cemetery Hil! 
to escape the deadly shower of shot and shell that hailed down among them. 
They were simply frightened and were seeking cover against danger, regardless 
of duty. Our brigade, just previous to this unusual occurrence in front of us, 
had been advanced nearer to the base of Cemetery Hill to avoid the numerous 
exploding shells that came over the hill and scattered their deadly missiles among 




GEOROK M. FARRINGTON, CO. E, 
1861-5. 



GEORGE M. FARRIXGTON, CO. E, 
1904. 




•;;p^ t«^ fly 



JAMES E. REYNOLDS, CO. E, 
1862. 



JULIUS D. SAl-ruKD, CO. E, 
1879- 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburii. 261 

us. Colonel Randall placed himself in front of these boys seeking shelter behind 
the Hill and checked their stampede and tried to shame them and restore con- 
fidence by referring to his boys of the 13th, saying to them loud enough so all 
not too far away could hear, pointing to his regiment, "See these boys, they 
don't run and they were never in a battle ; you ought to be ashamed to run 
because a few shells are being fired over this way, better hasten back to your 
position on Cemetery Hill." The officers of that regiment, with Colonel 
Randall's assistance, induced them to return to their position and back they 
went up the hill in good order no doubt feeling ashamed for their momentary 
undue weakness and folly. While this episode was pending, orders came from 
General Stannard, who was then in charge of infantry supports of the troops on 
the left brow of Cemetery Hill, to Colonel Randall to detach five companies of 
his regiment and hasten them under command of Lieutenant Colonel Munson to 
him on Cemetery Hill. The left wing was thereupon made up of Companies D, 
F, H, I and K, and the same were expeditiously detached and hastily sent to 
General Stannard, and by his direction placed in support of a battery on the 
west front of Cemetery Hill leaving the other five companies of the regiment, 
together with the 14th and i6th regiments, behind the hill where they remained 
until late in the afternoon. The author was with the left wing of the 13th on 
Cemetery Hill where it remained until later in the day and had no opportunity 
to observe what took place behind Cemetery Hill during the rest of the after- 
noon. The five companies detached moved directly up the south slope of 
Cemetery Hill into the Taneytown Road, marched up the road towards Gettys- 
burg village a short distance and filed to the right over a tumbled down stone 
wall and took position, at first, in rear of a battery on the very crest of Cemetery 
Hill where we were much exposed to enfilading cannonading of the Confederate 
batteries west, north and east. 

The batteries west and front of our then position occupying a commanding 
situation on the east slope of Seminary Ridge distant perhaps one-half mile 
and in good range, were evidently handling their guns with great skill, judging 
from the accurate and rapid landing of shot and shell about us. Although 
during the forenoon while in the rear of Cemetery Hill we had heard and seen 
plenty of shell as they whizzed and passed overhead, some exploding near the 
ground, but here in our new position there was nothing to protect us save the 
stone wall nearby. We of the left wing were on the very top of the hill where 
we could see and be seen. It seemed as if we were, when approaching to posi- 
tion, marching into the very jaws of death. We were glad when the order was 
given to lie down in line of two ranks and there remain without firing until 
ordered. This order was obeyed to the letter and no one hesitated. We soon 
discovered why there had been a break and scamper down the hill just before 
we started for this position. Those boys who came running down the hill, 
before we started up, were likely veterans and knew when to run for cover to 
escape being shot, without waiting for orders. 

It was really a hot place ; every shell evidently exploded where the gunners 
in charge of the battery calculated. They were good marksmen, horses were 
hit and taken to the rear disabled. The ground plowed up in furrows, the grave 
stones nearby tumbled and shattered to the ground, cannoneers killed or wounded 




#-« 



llENKV A. SPARKS, CO. K, 
1862. 




SIDNEY C. CADV, CO. U, 
1862. 



SIDNEY C. CAD\', CO. E, 
1894. 



On the Batth-ficIJ of Gcttyshiiy;/. .263 

in quick succession, the pieces of shell fell thick and fast among us, and so 
frequently and numerous that some were quite apprehensive of being killed and 
prudently hugged the ground and raised neither hand nor foot to unnecessary 
exposure. There must have been a large number of cannon concentrating their 
fire against the west slope and crest of Cemetery Hill. We of the Second 
battalion had not been long here before we observed Generals Doubleday and 
Stannard hastily approach and examine the surroundings, evidently expecting, 
because of the severity and persistent shelling against Cemetery Hill, that prep- 
arations were being made for a charge at that point. The nearby batteries just 
across the valley and directly in our front said in the language of a battlefield, 
"We will disable those batteries on Cemetery Hill, scatter and frighten the raw 
recruits supporting, and then charge and take the hill.'" And because of these 
indications Generals Doubleday and Stannard were on the alert. They did not 
seem to pay any attention to the bursting shells or bullets that whizzed about 
them, they sought the most elevated position, climbed up and stood on top of 
the wall with their field glasses, eagerly surveyed the field from right to left 
(the battle lines of both armies were in plain sight from this position) to dis- 
cover if any advance of the enemy toward the position in their charge 
(Cemetery Hill) was in progress. We watched them closely and noticed that 
they held their field glasses in one direction for some moments as if some 
movement of the enemy particularly attracted their attention. They dropped 
their glasses and pointed across the field and held what appeared to be a hasty 
conversation, and then came directly past where we lay in position stopping a 
movement to converse with Lieutenant Colonel Munson and then passed down 
towards General Stannard's headquarters. This was late in the afternoon and 
still the cannons on both sides were as spirited and determined as at first. Some 
changes were made. Lieutenant Colonel Munson moved his battalion forward 
and close up to and behind the stone fence of the Taneytown Road. We expected 
every moment to hear the Rebel yell and see the lines of gray coming up the hill, 
and we calculated just how and where we would stand to use bayonets if any 
should attempt to scale the wall ; our bayonets had been fixed to guns before 
we took position. We had been thoroughly instructed in bayonet drill during 
the winter and spring and were ready to take a hand at making or parrying a 
thrust if occasion required it. Our position here was of the best to see the 
manoeuvering of the troops and the fighting ranks for miles along the battle 
lines and on the field of both armies, especially to our left, west of Little Round 
Top. The fighting in that locality had been incessant and desperate for hours. 
It was in plain view and not over three-fourths of a mile away. We could dis- 
tinctly see, (except when too much smoke) as well as hear the continuous roar 
of cannon, the rattle of musketry and the yell and cheer as the lines swayed to 
and fro, as one side charged and then the other. While intensely watching the 
fighting in this direction, endeavoring to ascertain whether we were being driven 
back, our attention was called to the fact that a nearby battery had for some 
reason suspended firing; only two or three gunners stood beside their guns 
steadily gazing across the valley, apparently as fixed in position as the cannon 
beside them. 



264 I he ihirlcrnth h'ci/iiiiciit I'crininit I 'dliiutccrs. 

l-ieiileiiaiii Slcpheii F. llnnvii of Company K saw the forlorn situation and 
liastcneil to thcni to ascertain the trouble, (only a few yards, away), and after 
a brief interview, which we of Comi)any K watched with interest, came running 
back and reported lo Captain JJlake and suggested assistance and asked per- 
mission to take some of the boys and go up and help them fire the guns of that 
battery. 1 fenry Meigs, Smith Decker, Daniel Alanaban, James Hagan and 
probably others of Com])any K promptly \olunteered, and led by Lieutenant 
Brown ran to iheir assistance. Some carried shells from the Caisson situated 
just down the hill, part way up, and the others to the gunners and assisted them 
in firing their guns until the chest of that Caisson was empty. Our battalion 
heartily cheered as our hoys actively supported that battery, and enabled it to 
send its compliments to the cannoneers across the valley that had slain their 
comrades, and for a time silenced the guns of the battery in their charge. Lieu- 
tenant Brown and his boys returned to our position safe and sound with powder- 
smoked hands and faces. Some had holes and rents in the clothing they wore. 
They had a thrilling experience, and which with great animation and pride each 
enthusiastically related to his immediate comrades on their return. The author, 
as an eye witness to this incident, recalls it as one of the most daring, unusual 
and valiant incidents that he witnessed during the battle. I have many times 
wondered what those statue-like gunners thought when they first saw Lieu- 
tenant r.ruwn approaching them uniformed as an infantry officer with a com- 
;non camp hatchet in his right hand swinging it in the air as he leaped, Indian 
like, to their side. They must have thought him crazy, or that he belonged to a 
regiment of wild Indians from the plains west of the Mississippi. 

Lieutenant Brown, as before referred to. carried a hatchet because he had 
no sword at the time. He had been for a trivial reason placed under arrest 
and deprived of his sword, and therefore was now armed with his comrade's 
camp hatchet as a necessity. This incident is mentioned in Benedict's History 
of Vermont in the Civil War, also in Colonel Albert Clark's address at the 
dedication of the 13th Vermont regimental monument at Gettysburg, and by 
the historian in detail in his sketch of personal reminiscences of the battle of 
Gettysburg, and need not make further mention in this connection. 

It was about the hour that Lieutenant Brown aud his boys went to the 
assistance of that battery that a regiment or a part of one, came rushing up 
the road from towards Gettysburg village not in very good. order indicating 
that a charge was being made by the Rebs towards our position. 

We of the Second battalion were advanced to and filled the breach and 
held the position and line that they abandoned. General Ewell's corps was 
occupying Gettysburg village and the northwest slope of Cemetery Hill and the 
plains west, and had all that day, and made some demonstration to move against 
that part of the hill that we occupied about five o'clock in the afternoon. 

General Rhodes' division of Ewell's corps and General Fenders' division of 
Hill's corps moved out south of Gettysburg village quite near the foot of Ceme- 
tery Hill to take part in the general advance that was planned at that hour, 
being flushed with some show of success by General Longstreet against our left, 
and this situation was discovered by Generals Doubleday and Stannard when 
they were near us on top of the stone wall fence. 



On the Battlefield of Gellysbitr(/. 265 

\'ei"v soon after and about seven o'clock in tlie afternoon we could see 
that our lines way to our left were being slowly driven in though every inch 
of ground was desperately held until overwhelmed with Longstreet's solid 
columns and his 100 guns in battery. We on Cemetery Hill could plainly see 
the battlefield left and south of us and the desperate fighting being waged by 
Longstreet on the Rebel right. We saw regiments and brigades hastily moving 
from our right wing and double quick across the field to the support of our 
battle lines in front of General Longstreet, and the numbers and haste indicated 
a desperate need of immediate help to prevent Longstreet breaking through and 
possibly capturing Cemetery Ridge and Hill. Among those we noticed, that 
passed in our immediate rear into the Taneytown Road just south of our then 
position was the Second Vermont Brigade with Colonel Randall of the 13th in 
the lead, moving rapidly down the road, passing General Mead's headquarters 
into the field beyond, up over the ridge in the direction of our left center that 
appeared from our observation to be in great danger. 

U'c of the Second battalion recognized our Colonel by the familiar colored 
horse he rode. It was a pretty sight, flags fluttering in the breeze, bayonets 
glistening in the setting sun as they passed. We saw them disappear down the 
hill into the valley in the direction where only a few moments before we heard 
the Rebel yell which told us of a charge and hand to hand combat. We knew 
our brigade had been ordered in great haste because of the manner it crossed 
the fields, we also saw distinguished officers riding over the fields leading columns 
of soldiers in the same general direction, and in fact the most sanguinary fight- 
ing was evidently to our front and left in the vicinity of Emmitsburg Road 
west of Little Round Top near the Peach Orchard, and here the awful carnage 
continued until almost dark. 

The most of us, including rank and file, were well informed as to the army 
on both sides on that day, and where located, and also with the battles fought 
and the commanders on both sides. Generals Lee, Longstreet, Ewell, Hill, 
J. E. B. Stuart of the Confederate armies were quite as familiar to us as 
Generals Mead, Reynolds, Sedgwick, Sickles, Howard, Hancock, Doubleday, 
Pleasanton and were pretty well acquainted with the results of the battles thus 
far fought, and who the fighting officers were and the corps each commanded in 
the two great armies. We, in fact, were quite familiar as to what had been 
accomplished and by whom up to Gettysburg; that the army of Virginia had 
fought many battles with the army of the Potomac and victorious in all except 
Antietam, and that was about an even drawn battle. The battles of Chancel- 
lorsville were fresh in mind and our defeat there was humiliating. The death 
of Stonewall Jackson was a severe blow to the Confederate side, but likely 
was an incident that saved the Potomac army from greater loss in killed 
wounded and captured on that inglorious field. 

We were in the army as common soldiers but most were intelligent and 
read and thought and talked of but little else besides war, so the history of 
each of the commanding officers and the part they had taken were very familiar 
to the rank and file of the Second Vermont Brigade, and the boys of the 13th 
had a pretty good understanding of the manoeuvering and fighting of armies 
and why the advantage was first with one side and then with the other. Every 




CAPT. LUCirS II. IIOSTWICK, CO. F, 
TSC3. 



LIEUT. jfSTIX N.\R.\MORK, CO. F, 




LIEUT. .\RNOLD C. 1-AV. Ci 1. 1' 
1863. 



I.IKII. AHNULU L. I'.W, Co. F, 
1906. 



On the ButtlcfcUl of CcttysJviiuj. 267 

one knew that General Lee was one of the greatest of military leaders and that 
Generals Longstreet, Hill, Ewell and Stuart were his bold, daring, cool headed 
corps commanders. We knew that General Longstreet as a matter of course 
commanded the right wing of the Confederate army in this battle and Ewell 
the left and Hill the center, and therefore at Gettysburg we did not need to 
inquire who was making the attack against our left, right or center. The most 
able, experienced and successful genera! always took charge of the right wing 
in every battle, and so when the battle raged with such boldness and fury on 
our left in the afternoon of the second day, all knew who was in command of 
the Rebel columns in that part of the battlefield. It was equally true that 
General Ewell was in command of the left wing of Lee's army and that General 
Ambrose P. Hill the center, and our officers from General Mead down knew 
with whom they must contend in any part of the held. 

The Confederate army of Xortlierii \'irginia consisted of only three army 
corps of infantry and one of cavalry with artillery attached to each, but the 
army of the Potomac had marshalled on the field of Gettysbiu^g seven army 
corps of infantry and one of cavalry with artillery attached to each, but it must 
be remembered that General Lee had a less number of corps in his army but 
more brigades in each division, so that his three army corps of infantry were 
in numbers almost equal to General Mead's seven army corps at Gettysburg, 
but General Lee's artillery outnumbered General Mead on that field of battery 
at any time during the battle and because of the advantage of ground could 
place more guns in battery along his position on Seminary Ridge than was 
posible for General ]\Iead, whose battle lines were shorter and on the inside of 
the semi-circle and more cramped and on uneven ground, more difficult to 
secure proper range, and at the same time protection against unnecessary ex- 
posure or probable capture, and in this respect General Lee had the advantage; 
experience had taught him that an army of 100,000 could be handled at a better 
advantage and with greater celerity when divided up into three corps instead 
of more. He had only three corps commanders and General J. E. B. Stuart 
of the cavalry to give orders to while General Mead had seven besides one of 
cavalry and reserve-artillery. General Mead was fighting a defensive battle of 
necessity and fortunately had secured an almost impregnable natural position 
on which to fight it. As befere stated we saw our brigade pass over the field 
and down into the valley of Plum Run on the double quick and therefore 
knew a breach had occurred or our lines there, were in imminent danger ; and 
while we were intensely watching with the endeavor to learn the cause and 
what had become of our brigade an order came to Lieutenant Colonel Munson 
to follow with his command (Companies D, F, H, I and K) the brigade to the 
front battle line on the left of the center in the same direction taken by Colonel 
Randall with the First battalion of the 13th regiment. We obeyed this order 
very promptly, and I am sure not one desired to remain longer on Cemetery 
Hill in support of batteries where shot and shell filled the air momentarily ex- 
pecting to repulse or make a charge. It has been well said that it requires 
more courage and firmness to support a battery when hotly assailed by the 
enemy than to be more actively engaged on the firing line. This movement 
of our brigade was near the hour of seven o'clock in the afternoon and after 





SEKGT. l.UCrUS M. HOO'lll. CO. F, 
1862. 



>KU(.T. LUCIUS M. I;(ioriI, CO. F, 

1906. 





CORP. I,0.\"DUS 1- TKKRII.I.. CO. F, 
18(12. 



CORP. LONDUS F- TKRRILL, CO. F, 
1905. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 269 

General Hancock had taken charge of the Third corps and General Sickles had 
been wounded and as near as I can judge Companies D, F, H, I and K, followed 
over the same course that had been taken by our brigade only a few moments 
before. We of the Second battalion may have been thirty minutes behind the 
First battalion. I do recall the impressive fact that when we left the Taney- 
town Road and struck across the field, as we ascended up over the crest of 
Cemetery Ridge that the cannoneers of one of the batteries across the valley 
sent their shell plowing right through our marching columns, exploding among 
the ranks of Company K, knocking over and injuring quite a number, which 
inclined us to hasten down the hill toward the enemy into a more protected 
position and not so much exposed by a hundred or more cannon along the 
crest of Seminary Ridge. 

We knew other troops were with us on this charge from Cemetery Hill 
over to the left center where our line had been broken, and occupied by some of 
General Wright's brigade of General Hill's corps, but whether of Doubleday's 
division or some of General Hancock's brigades who were in that part of the 
field cannot now say. We reached the broken lines in season to welcome 
Colonel Raadall and the other five Companies, A, B, C, E and G, who had at 
the request of General Hancock charged down the slope and secured the cannon 
that General Wright had captured and was attempting to haul olif to a position 
within his lines. Colonel Randall was not satisfied with this bold and daring 
deed of the enemy, his horse had been shot and he injured by the fall, and he 
was mad and, looking ahead, could see the enemy in and near the Emmits- 
burg Road behind fences and buildings and being now down in the valley, 
though he had no direct orders to advance, did not like the way those up behind 
the fences and buildings were firing bullets into the ranks of his brave little 
band some distance in advance of the front battle lines, and without consider- 
ing consequences gave the order forward, double quick march, and on they 
went Colonel Randall and Captain Lonergan in the lead, side by side, and 
reached the Emmitsburg Road without losing a man. The Rebs retreated and 
in haste took refuge behind the fences and buildings along the Emmitsburg 
Road. 

We of the Second battalian, Companies D, F, H, I and K reached the 
broken lines about the same time that Colonel Randall returned with prisoners 
captured in the vicinity of the Rogers House, now between sundown and dark. 
Just how far out between the lines the Johnnies had hauled our captured 
cannon or how many re-taken or if Rebel guns captured and where and how 
far Colonel Randall and his brave boys of the First Battalion, Companies A, B, 
C, E and G, advanced after re-taking the cannon and just where they captured 
prisoners and how many were taken and who of the company or officers 
rendered most conspicuous and daring service your Historian is not able to 
say, for he was not present with these companies being in Company K of the 
Second battalion, and only knows from what was said after we of the Second 
battalion reached the broken lines and heard the boys tell the details of that 
most thrilling and valiant charge immediately after they returned and took 
position in the line that our brigade had been called to restore and occupy. 





CHARLES H. DUNTON, CO. F, 
1862. 



CHARI.KS 1[. DUNTOX. CO. F, 
1906. 





CAI.Ki; 1'. NASH, CO. F, 
1862. 



CALEB P. NASH, CO. F. 
1906. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 271 

The position out where they went and how far none seemed able to tell 
with any certainty, each one relating some individual part, in the advance, — 
who reached the cannon first, and hauled them back and what companies sur- 
rounded the building in which the Rebels fired on them as they approached, was in 
doubt, it was on a charge and excitement prevailed, some said they went across 
and beyond the Emmitsburg Road in pursuit of the retreating battle lines of 
General Wright and Perry's brigade or some other regiments of General 
Anderson's brigade and how many fell as they fired into their frightened lines 
could not be told. Some said Colonel Randall and Captain Lonergan were 
first at the guns, and others said that Sergeant Scott of Company G was the 
first to lay hands on the cannon. 

From all that was then and there said, and the rather conflicting stories 
told (for each vied with the other in giving a glowing account of all that 
happened in that brief twenty or thirty minutes while thus engaged), being 
well acquainted with Captain Lonergan's logy run and Sergeant Scott's fleet 
of foot so many times seen in camp and drill am inclined to think it highly prob- 
able that Sergeant Scott was the first man that reached and laid hold of our 
captured cannon.- One thing is certain there were only two in our regiment 
that could outrun Sergeant Scott, and neither of these belonged to the First 
battalion, and for one I need no further evidence than what was there told to 
convince me that Sergeant Scott of Company G was the dashing hero that 
led all the rest on this bold and daring run for the guns, and to him I cheerfully 
give the glory for reaching the goal first, and while there was enough glory 
for all in this incident and much to spare let Sergeant Scott head the list until 
better evidence shall change this claim. And what Sergeant Scott done on the 
following day as Sergeant in charge, in building a breastwork out of fence rails 
in the immediate front of our regiment in an open field exposed to sharp shooters 
and shell is further corroborative evidence of his prowess on that field when- 
ever and wherever opportunity opened the way. More, Sergeant Scott has 
always and still claims that he was first at the guns expecting every second 
that because in the lead to be instantly shot by the Johnnies who determinedly 
held on to the guns until our boys reached the moving wheels and with vengeance 
in their eyes released their hold and run for their comrades who were tumbling 
over the Emmitsburg Road fence and down behind it to escape the bullets 
our fellows were sending after them. Had I no other evidence would con- 
fidently accept Sergeant Scott's word, and record it. as a fact connected with 
this daring deed in the capture of guns in the face of a numerous and victorious 
foe. 

The author was with companies D, F, H, I and K on Cemetery Hill under 
Lieutenant Colonel Munson from about three p. m. until near sundown and 
did not see only at a distance the gallant charge of Companies A, B, C, E and G 
led by Colonel Randall and therefore cannot give the details as if with them, 
but from what I saw and was fully described to me then by Scott, 'Willett. and 
others the statements here made are correct. 

It will be remembered that as the Second battalion of our regiment in its 
charge from Cemetery Hill ascended the ridge our right flank was exposed to 
a raking fire and that cannon balls and shell fell thick and fast about and 





^11, AS J. Kvn\i;j.i., CO. F, 
1864. 



SI I. AS J. ROWIU.I.. i,ii. !•• 

1 (jqC^. 




Al.l'.l'.ur VVALSTOX, CO. F, 

1862. 



AI.r.KUr \V ALSTON. CO. F, 

1906. 



0)1 the Battlefield of Gettysbuiy. 273 

among us, plowing up the ground and moving down our ranks as if we were 
targets of the consentrated fire of all the belching cannon in the Rebel line. 
It was about this very spot where Colonel Randall's gray charger fell with its 
gallant rider leading on to recover captured cannon. It was on this charge poor 
John Mollo of Company K had a hot invitation from the scenes of strife and car- 
nage to the fields of peace and calm repose, and loudly called on Captain Blake as 
a solid shot came bounding along and struck a stone that Mollo had placed his 
foot upon and said "Captain Blake, I am killed sure, help." Captain Blake 
turned and saw all that had happened, took in the situation and discovered that 
poor Mollo was badly frightened but not dangerously and said "You are all 
right Mollo, come on, hurry up." Mollo thought he was hurt, threw down 
his gun and up his hands and cried for help. He no doubt was much frightened 
and sank to the ground not like a wounded soldier but like one who was afraid. 
We did not stop to investigate, for we were on a charge. His tentmate Jerry 
Vincelette, did go to his relief and as I thought on the following day was glad 
of an opportunity to help his comrade Mollo to some retired place where there 
vvas less danger. I saw the spent shell as it came bounding along over the 
ridge throwing the dirt high in the air as it hit the ground expecting it would 
explode before it reached our line. 

The next day after the battle was over and General Lee said to be on the 
retreat, Mollo returned safe and sound and could not show a mark where in- 
jured. Mollo was half and half Indian and French and was anxious (too much 
so) to return to his hunting and fishing grounds on the banks of the Missisquoi 
where he had left his wife and numerous children. His first inquiry on re- 
turning was "Where can I find some pork and hard tack, and when do we 
discharge for home", and when assured the battle was over he was happy. 
Just after the occurrance of the above incident I noticed that Captain Blake 
had been hit on the leg below the knee and called his attention, and he looked 
and quickly placed his hand on the spot and as quickly withdrew it saying "No 
stains of blood", looked up and smiled and said "That was a close call, I did not 
feel it, when did it happen?" We knew it occurred on that charge between 
Cemetery Hill and the place where we discovered it. It is true a part of his left 
leg had been carried away by a shell or a piece of one on that charge, but 
fortunately it was a part of his trousers leg and nothing more. A strip just 
below the knee three inches by five cut out as clean and regular as by a tailor's 
shears. The captain speculated somewhat on his fortunate escape and realized 
too how close the mortal call. 

Captain Blake, as Surgeon Nichols appeared, reported and exposed his 
wounded leg (trouser's leg) and asked for an examination. Surgeon Nichols 
saw and heartily laughed at the joke. Captain Blake did not try to hide or 
repair the rent that exposed considerable leg, and he was a very modest man, 
but wore it as it was cheerfully replying to all inquiries made as to how it 
happened. Evidently the Captain was proud of the exposure. He wore the 
leg as it was, back home and for many years the trousers with sword and scarf 
were hung on the wall and zealously guarded as mementoes of his military 
career. The sword and scarf still adorn the Captain's modest home and are 





ALFRED W. ISIIAM, CO. F, 
1862. 



ALFRKD W. ISHAM, CO. F, 
1893- 




H' ■ 


^ 


. 


m 


£ 


I 


j^'^f^. 


1 




•- — r*^^^^ _■" ■'-^••^*-. .^^^^tl 



EZRA M. ISHAM, CO. 1', 
1862. 



..KOKl.K A.NUi:i<.--ll.N IMNK, CU. F, 



1863. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysbnvg. 275 

the pride and joy of numerous children and grandchildren to whom he tells 
the story of the battle of Gettysburg. 

On the last day of battle Captain Blake and the author came very near 
losing their legs as I will relate elsewhere in the incidents of that day. 

We reached the breach in our left center line, that some of the regiments 
of General Anderson's division had made, about sundown and were soon joined 
by Colonel Randall with the First battalion from which we had been separated 
about four hours while on Cemetery Hill supporting batteries. We welcomed 
them back from their charge across the valley and to the Emmitsburg Road 
with hearty cheers, as they returned with the prisoners they had captured. It 
was now growing dark, the struggles of the day were over except on our right 
near Gulp's Hill, and all was quiet save now and then the crack of a gun on the 
picket line, and the moaning of the wounded and dying that lay scattered over 
the field around us. 

While the 13th regiment of Stannard's Brigade had been called to im- 
portant and responsible positions during the day and had filled them with 
conspicuous bravery and success, charging General Longstreet's Confederate 
columns that broke through our lines at the close of the day recovering our 
captured cannon and many prisoners and driving the foe from our front back 
across the valley and beyond Emmitsburg Road to Seminary Ridge, and yet 
though the honors of battle during this day were more equal than the first day, 
the advantage as a whole was greatly with General Lee. 

We had not lost a single position of any importance and had in just the 
nick of time planted our cannon on Little Round Top and held it against the 
desperate and repeated assault of Generals McLaws and Hood's divisions of 
General Longstreet's corps composed of the legions from Georgia, Alabama, 
Mississippi and South Carolina who came very near turning our left flank. 
The fact must not be overlooked here, however, that General Lee had been 
all day long pressing forward his battle lines with great skill and persistent 
effort. Fortunate indeed for the army of the Potomac that we occupied a 
strong natural position, otherwise our Generals would have found it difficult 
to have held their positions. Though the fighting for the day was over, except 
on our extreme right where the roar and rattle of musketry and boom of cannon 
told us that another attempt was being made to storm and carry Gulp's Hill 
under the cover of darkness in order to escape the deadly cannonading that 
had during the late afternoon swept the charging columns of Generals Jubal A. 
Early and Johnson's division of Ewell's corps from the field hurling them back 
within their protected lines and supports with awful slaughter when they sought 
to occupy Cemetery Hill and Gulp's Hill and the valley between. We had only 
a brief hour before left that locality and for hours had seen and experienced 
the infilading fire of Ewell's artillery. We saw many troops passing from our 
rear while on Cemetery Hill crossing the Taneytown Road over to the left 
center where General Longstreet was pressing hard against our battle lines of 
infantry and artillery in the locality now known as the Peach Orchard, and we 
knew our right had been weakened to protect the left and center, for our 
brigade and others of Doubleday's division left Cemetery Hill and its slopes 
about seven in the afternoon to fill a breach and check the enemy's progress. 




Fll-IiK 1-KJiDliKlCK A. SLATER, CO. K, 
1864. 



Fll-ICR I'KEDICRICK A. SLATKR, CO. F, 
1904. 




UVKO.V U. .MAI'I lli:\\ S, CD. F, 



1863. 



i;\ i;i ix 1). .^iA r rni:v, s. cn. F. 
1904. 



Oil the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 277 

So we were apprehensive at the continuous rattle of musketrj- long after sun- 
down over on our right. Our regiment expected orders every moment to return 
back to our right which was in charge of General Newton, that is, our brigade 
and division and corps was in charge of General Newton. 

After the fighting was over along the line we came over to restore, and 
our regiment was again all together, an inquiry was sent out by Colonel Randall 
to the several Captains of his regiment to ascertain the casualties of the day. 
Quite a number had been seriously injured but none reported killed. Corporal 
Skinner of Company K who was one of the color guard, and therefore with 
Company C was reported shot and left on the field near the Emmitsburg Road 
not far from the Rogers House, so called. Captain Blake called for volunteers 
to go out in search of corporal Skinner, and Sergeant James Halloway and 
private R. O. Sturtevant at once went across the valley to the Emmitsburg 
Road governed in their course by Captain Coburn's directions, and searched 
as best we could the battle ground in and behind buildings and wherever we 
thought a wounded soldier might be. We, Halloway and myself (for it was 
fast growing dark), and though our search was vigilant, did not find our 
missing Corporal. We found numerous dead and wounded of both armies on 
our journey. The buildings at the Rogers House were crowded with the 
wounded, some dead and others in the last struggle of life side by side and most 
of them were of the Rebel army. Our examination here was brief for we 
wore the blue and were a little timid and apprehensive that some wounded Rebel 
might in desperation satisfy his vengeance by shooting us. We had heard how 
a wounded Rebel while lying on the ground fired at Major Boynton just after 
he passed him on the charge, and we hastened out of the building and con- 
tinued into the fields west of Emmitsburg Road for some distance until halted 
by a sharp shooter who inquired where we were going, and on being told said, 
"Better go no further in that direction, for the Johnny Rebs are only a few 
rods away, it is not safe to be roaming about here, none of our boys charged 
out so far." We hastily retraced our steps back to the road, but we were not 
now able to see the position from which we had started because dark. It was 
soon evident that we were too far south. The field here was thickly covered 
with the dead and wounded of both the gray and the blue and that we must 
be on the ground where we saw from our position on Cemetery Hill the desperate 
fighting near this locality about six o'clock. The moanings and imprecations 
of the wounded and dying, their pleadings for water and assistance were hard 
to endure, impossible to but faintly describe the horrid scenes of a battlefield 
just after a battle is over, only those who have seen and heard can realize the 
awful condition where thousands are slain and wounded and the living mangled 
and torn, suffering with pain and crying for help demanding your attention as 
you pass over the field. Because of the many entreaties so pathetically made 
our progress back to position was slow. All were strangers, and yet humanity 
led us to succor as far as possible. I stop here to mention only one of the 
incidents to illustrate our experience on the battlefield that night. It was a 
young man not more than twenty-two and as I recall belonged to a Georgia 
regiment. He had been shot through both legs above the knees in the charge 
during the afternoon and had laid there on the field for hours as the battle 





WILLIAM F. WrilTNEV, CO. F, 
1862. 



JAMES PATTKX, CO. F, 
1862. 




F.LI N. I'ECK, CO. F, 
1905. 



CORXELUS S. r\L.MEK. CO. I", 

I goo. 



0)1 the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 279 

raged and the solid lines moved forward and backward to the advantage of 
Dne side and then the other tramping over him as they passed. He wore the 
uniform of a southern soldier and declared his home was in Georgia, that he 
had father and mother and brothers and sisters and a happy home, that he had 
been in battle before but none so terrible. His agony and pleadings removed 
every thought of a foe and appealed to our humanity. We gave him water 
and tried to carry him from the field. He showed us the butt of his gun that 
he had placed at his head to guard against further injury, however, a bullet hit 
and broke it into pieces but protected his head, and for the time saved his life. 
His pressing request was to be taken from the field, for said he "The battle is 
not over, there will be awful fighting here to-morrow and I do not want to be 
run over and crushed to death by horses feet and cannon wheels. We made 
a stretcher out of our shelter tent and tried to carry him, but he could not 
endure the pain in that position. Then, we, one on each side attempted to 
carry him in an upright position, but his wounds were serious and he could 
not stand the pain, and at his request we moved him a little ways where the 
dead were not so near and thick, made him as comfortable as possible and 
cheered him with the hope that an ambulance would find and take him to our 
hospital for surgical care before morning. This brave young hero appeared to 
be well born and quite intelligent and inquired if we were Masons. He evident- 
ally belonged to that order, and when he learned that I was a member he more 
freely told me of his home life, and soldier life, the part he had taken on that 
field and the regiment, brigade and division to which he belonged, claimed his 
corps commander was General Longstreet. We stretched forth our hands to 
help this unfortunate soldier as freely and anxiously as if a comrade of our 
own regiment, forgetting that he was at the time a misguided enemy of our 
country. 

Sergeant Halloway and myself finally reached our regiment tired and de- 
jected and sorrowful. We had passed over a battlefield in the night thickly 
strewn with the dead and wounded, an awful experience that can never be 
effaced from memory. On our return Captain Blake said Corporal Skinner 
was all right, and not dangerously wounded, that he had walked in from the 
field where he was shot and passed to the rear for surgical attention. 

The far spent minnie ball that felled him struck the center of the buckle 
of his waist belt making a deep depression in it, and the buckle saved his life, 
but left discolored flesh on his person beneath the buckle which he showed his 
comrades after the battle was over. 

Corporal Skinner was the son of a Methodist Minster and therefore 
believed in Providential intervention, and that for some good reason his life 
was thus spared. In this belief he was sincere. He cherished the buckle as 
the armor of defense that saved him from death on the battlefield, and this 
thrilling incident in the life of Corporal Skinner has ever been cherished and 
by him feelingly told around the home fireside and at camp fires since the war. 
These incidents are here mentioned because they make up a part of our reg- 
imental history, not for the purpose of illustrating any unusual prowess or 
bravery. 





WILLI. \1M M. XAKAMOKH. CO. F, 
1863. 

Lieut. Searlcs of Co. I, on the right. 



WILLI. \M il. .N.\H.\.MUKK. CO. 1', 

1905. 




On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 281 

The second day of the battle was over and the 13th Vermont had had an 
unusual experience considering that they had never before taken active part 
and mingled in the deadly struggle of securing victory by killing their fellow- 
men. We fully comprehended the savagery of war and realized what General 
Sherman said of it in his letter to the Mayor of Atlanta, Ga., that it was "hell." 

This day was occupied with desperate fighting all along the battle lines of 
both armies, but not until afternoon did the fury of the storm reach its climax. 
General Longstreet against our left, General Hill, our center and General Ewell 
the extreme right and language is too tame to describe the sanguinary struggle 
in many places during that long afternoon. 

The 13th Vermont displayed in a high degree the characteristics of good 
soldiers, and fully performed their part in the several important and trying 
positions called to fill during the day. \'ermonters had gained a reputation as 
hard fighters with staying qualities and General Stannard who commanded them 
was known to the corps commanders as of the bravest and best in battle which 
facts doubtless accounted for our being called to Cemetery Hill by General 
Stannard to fill a breach and support a battery, and by General Hancock to 
charge and take our guns- that had been captured by General Wright's brigade. 

Those quite prominent positions that we were called to fill during the day 
when the great battle was in its most critical position and desperate struggle 
(we being raw troops) was a great compliment to the Green Mountain boys 
that fought on that field and that it gave us an unusual opportunity of making 
a conspicuous reputation and winning imperishable honor as soldiers. 

The exigency of the field of battle brought us under two corps commanders 
Generals Newton and Hancock, and in one instance the unusual happened, 
namely, when General Hancock then being in command of two corps, his own 
(the Second) and General Sickles', (the Third), and personally gave orders to 
Colonel Randall of the 13th regiment and sent him down into the valley after 
cannon that were being drawn by the enemy towards their battle lines. 

The 13th regiment was ever proud of such conspicuous attention and for 
being called upon to charge into an open field between the battle lines of the 
two armies to perform a desperate and what appeared to be a forlorn hope. 
The cannons were captured and restored and Colonel Randall personally 
thanked then and there by General Hancock for his brave and valorous deeds. 
Being sent to occupy the breach in General Hancock's line on the left center 
brought our brigade into that part of the field and under General Hancock, 
where we remained until the battle was over. Our position was now on the 
left center in the Second corps under General Gibbon. The Third corps was 
now in command of General Birney, General Sykes the Fifth corps and General 
Sedgwick of the Sixth corps on our left, and in support General Howard of the 
Eleventh corps. General Newton with a part of the First corps_and General 
Slocum of the Twelfth corps on our right in the order here mentioned. 

The several engagements of the day had been sanguinary and the struggle 
fierce, and we of the 13th was so absorbed with the scenes about us and so 
apprehensive as to consequences that none thought of food or water until night 
fall. The continuous fighting at different sections of our battle lines and the 
changes and activity of our regiment and brigade during this second day of the 




AUIXZO II. SllEKMAX, CO. F, 
1862. 



ALOXZl) H. SHERMAN, CO. F, 
1905. 





BERTRAM E. BROWN, CO. F, 
1862. 



BERTRAM F. I'.ROWX, CO. F, 
I9OI. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 283 

battle did not create much of an appetite for hard tack and coffee, (and it was 
well for we had none). On our immediate left and only a few rods away was 
a large flowing spring and from its cooling waters we quenched our thirst dur- 
ing the night and filled our canteens before day light for the coming day, and 
here on the front battle line we laid down to rest on our arms and slept for the 
second night on the field of awful carnage and great slaughter surrounded by 
thousands of the dead and wounded. We realized that the coming of another 
day would open a renewal of the contest for victory. We were nearly ex- 
hausted and gladly obeyed the order to lie down and rest for the night. Our 
thoughts were of home and friends and whether we should ever return, and 
our dreams were of the hand to hand struggle in battle, and yet we slept the 
sleep of the tired and weary soldier and our last conscious thoughts and prayers 
were victory on the morrow and that we should not be left among the numerous 
dead on that gory field of strife. 

The reveille that awoke us on the early worning of the third and last day 
of battle was the martial music of General Longstreet's booming cannon now 
pointed along the low ridge that he gained the afternoon before. We could 
plainly see the flash of powder and pufif of smoke and then hear the horrid 
crash and crack of exploding shell as they passed over or fell among us, and 
very soon it seemed as if everyone of the 250 guns in battery from right to 
left were firing a morning salute as if warning us to be up and ready for they 
were eager to renew the combat and would not brook any delay. 

The cannonading from General Longstreet's artillery continued for an hour 
or more with deadly affect, for our battle lines in front of General Longstreet's 
numerous cannons were on the west slopes of Cemetery Ridge mostly in plain 
view of the enemy, but flat on the ground to avoid so far as possible the explod- 
ing shell of the foe. Their nearest batteries were less than nine hundred yards 
away. Our batteries along Cemetery Ridge from Ziegler's Grove and up to and 
upon Little Round Top vigorously replied with telling effect, and those on 
Little Round Top had an admirable and commanding position and opened with 
a raking fire on General Longstreet's long line of cannon in plain view, which 
must have convinced the enemy that we too were up and on the alert and pre- 
pared for any thing they had to offer, and accepted their early morning challenge 
with ardent hope of victory. Our brigade was partially concealed by the copse 
to our left and the tumbled down stone wall in our front. 

The 13th regiment which was on the right of our brigade hugged the ground 
close up to the stone wall, and the most tidy of the boys gave no heed to the 
soft muddy ground that now soiled their hitherto trim looking uniforms. We 
were not now out on dress parade for show, but on a field of battle where life 
was our vigilant care and death and wounds to be avoided by every reasonable 
care and protection, and such were our orders and we were told not to move 
about until called upon to do so. It was fool hardy to stand erect and expose 
ones self to sharp shooters; commanding officers and their staffs, aides and 
orderlies as a matter of duty moved about and over the field everywhere at all 
times, wherever and whenever duty called regardless of danger, not in reckless 
display of courage, but to fulfil to the uttermost the duty of the hour. We 
watched with wonder and pride the cool and deliberate conduct of officers during 





1 ri.ll s i:i.l>S. I o. F, 

iS(>3. 



JUl^lL^ ULISS. C(i. I- 
1906. 





DRl.M.Ml.K. II \l.l, U. UmmUWORTH, CO. F, 
1862. 



FRANIIS VIII.TAIKK KANDAI.I. JR. 
1863. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 285 

the hours of cannonading, and we of the rank and file did not care to change posi- 
tions with them. General Stannard apparently paid no attention to exploding 
shell or whizz of bullet, and moved about in the direction of duty, carefully 
watching the enemy and giving directions that his brigade might be ready to 
promptly respond to any call. His eagle eye saw every movement within his 
range, and his intelligence and intuitive military knowledge and experience quick- 
ly comprehended the stragetic point of contact and advantage. 

After a while General Longstreet's guns on our left and front ceased firing, 
but those on our extreme right near Gulp's Hill, Rock Creek and the Baltimore 
pike continued with such persistent energy as to indicate an advantage ol 
General Ewell's veteran columns against our right. 

General Mead had comprehended the purpose of the enemy the evening 
before when they took advantage of our withdrawing troops from our right to 
protect our left and center against General Longstreet's persistent and desperate 
assaults to break through and reach Cemetery Ridge, and General Mead had 
during the night made due preparations to hold his position on the eastern slopes 
of Cemetery Hill along the valley to Gulp's Hill and on the north and east 
slopes of Gulp's Hill and the banks of Rock Creek to Baltimore pike and was 
ready for business at daylight, and as soon as Longstreet's artillery announced 
to General Ewell that all was ready, and to commence the pre-arranged attack. 
General Williams then in command of the 12th corps opened the day and battle 
with his artillery against General Johnson's division who was about to move 
against our right flank It was a great surprise to Generals Johnson and Early 
who were fully prepared and confidently expected to capture Gulp's Hill, turn 
our flank and by the Baltimore pike to reach our rear. General Mead was on 
the alert and fully alive to every part of the field and failed not to understand 
General Lee's plan of battle and points of probable attack, and strengthened his 
lines and positions accordingly and as will be seen was fully prepared at every 
point for the supreme effort of the day. 

The Sixth corps had arrived and had taken position on our extreme left 
in rear of Big Round Top to protect our left flank and support any part of the 
field that occasion might require. 

General Mead's army of the Potomac was now all up on the battlefield in 
position and ready to cross swords with General Lee and his veteran army of 
Northern Virginia. The morale of both armies was never better and the rank 
and file of each were full of hope and confident of victory. General Mead had 
been in command only four days and yet the boldness of decision and consummate 
skill and ability with which he mastered the essential details and manoeuvering 
of his forces inspired his associate officers with great confidence which gave 
promise of complete vanquishment of the Rebel host. General Mead had fought 
in the army of the Potomac under General McClellan in the Peninsular campaign, 
at Bull Run, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Maryes Heights, Chancellorsville and 
hence was quite familiar with General Lee's ways of fighting battles, whereas 
General Mead was a new Commander of the great army of the Potomac and 
of his ability to manoeuvre and fight General Lee had no knowledge and could not 
anticipate General Mead's probable course further than certainty of fighting 
whenever opportunity offered. 



.,*3Pr? 




HORACE L. ELSWORTH, CO. F, 
1862. 





JULIUS J. MORSE, CO. F, 
1862. 



MONTRAVILLE ROSS, CO. F, 
1862. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 287 

General Lee was doubtless disappointed when he learned of General 
Hooker's removal and General Mead taking his place at Frederick City, Mary- 
land on the evening of June 28th, and thereupon issued orders to Generals Hill 
and Ewell to face about and move hastily back and consentrate in the vicinity of 
Gettysburg. 

A new commander was now in charge and directing the army of the 
Potomac and he, General Lee, must be more careful until better acquainted with 
his ability to successfully handle and fight a great army. As before stated the 
cannonading opened before sunrise on our immediate left and front by Long- 
street's batteries directed against our cannon on Cemetery Ridge from Little 
Round Top to Cemetery Hill, also against our battle lines of infantry in front 
and support of our batteries. 

The 13th was more exposed to Longstreet's early morning salute because 
further up the slope and in plainer view than the 14th and i6th regiments who 
were further down the slope to our left protected by bushes, small trees and 
rocks. 

The shell from the enemy and from our own guns passing over our heads 
screeching as they passed and the occasional meeting of shell in mid air bringing 
both to the ground to explode made our position, though somewhat protected by 
the old tumbled down stone wall in front, a very interesting place to observe, 
hear, and feel the effect of battle. The pieces of exploded shell that fell and 
struck the damp ground all around inclining the boys to move a few inches this 
way or that way and flatten out and hug the ground was rather skittish sur- 
roundings, but we were becoming use to 't and remained pretty quiet and carried 
on conversation without lifting heads or hands above the tumbled down stone- 
wall that partially protected us. 

The experience of the previous day warned all that such cannonading 
presaged preparation for advancement as soon as the shelling ceased, and thus 
we waited for about two hours and witnessed a hot and lively duel between the 
miles of cannon stretched in almost parallel lines along Seminary Ridge and 
Cemetery Ridge perhaps a half a mile apart. The cannon on our left and front 
stopped as suddenly as they commenced, and then we eagerly watched for the 
expected advance and charge, but no solid lines of gray appeared and only the 
increased firing on the picket line indicated that General Longstreet was endeavor- 
ing to secure an advantageous position for his infantry to make a dash across 
the valley and with that awful yell and glistening bayonets send consternation 
among our serried battle lines. We watched, waited and listened to the more 
distant thunder of cannon and roar of musketry over on our right near Gulp's 
Hill and watched the curling clouds of smoke constantly ascending from the 
hills and valleys between the eastern slopes of Cemetery Hill, Gulp's Hill and 
along Rock Creek to Baltimore pike and we knew full well that for the time 
the objective point and principal delivery of battle was in that locality where 
General Ewell had advanced his lines under the cover of darkness the evening 
before and our officers said that Generals Early and Johnson's division were 
endeavoring to carry Cemetery and Gulp's Hill, but that Generals Churtz, Carrol, 
Robinson, Wadsworth, Greene, Geary, Colgrove and others of Generals Howard's 
and Newton's and Slocum's corps would be able to hold that part of the field 



288 Tin- Tliiitccntlt Rcijuiicnt I'cinuDit I'olunteers. 

and satisfy Early and Johnson that there was something more tlian Pennsylva- 
nia militia of raw troops on that field, and our fears of attack from the rear 
therefore were dispelled and we turned our attention to our immediate sur- 
roundings where all at the time was comparatively quiet. We listened with 
gratification to the music of the battle on our right for hours and the sound 
seemed gradually moving further away, and we knew by this the enemy had 
been driven back and our lines re-occupied and fully restored and likewise 
Generals Early and Johnson had paid the penalty of thousands of their veteran 
heroes in slain and wounded in their desperate and vain attempt to carry Cemetery 
Hill, capture Gulp's Hill, turn our right flank and secure position in our rear 
And for the success of this bold and desperate move which was the beginning 
of General Lee's great plan of battle for the day we can imagine General 
Longstreet like a caged lion riding his battle lines for hours of the forenoon of 
the last day, stojjping now and then as he passed along, steadfastly gazing in the 
direction of Gulp's Hill and intently listening to the conflict there raging to 
catch the sound that would tell him that General Ewell's lines were aproaching. 

General Longstreet in his published description of the battle of the last day 
said that he impatiently waited the opportune moment for firing the signal gun 
that opened the last mighty effort of General Lee on that bloody field already 
covered with more than ten thousand of the dead and mortally wounded thus far 
sacrificed because of the wicked and barbarous purpose of perpetuating the 
great national crime of American slavery. 

General Lee saw through the smoke of battle, and knew better than any 
other what was involved in the contest on that field, that defeat would be the 
doom of the cause of the Confederacy, blast the hopes of his armies and people, 
and humiliate and disappoint all. This day was his great opportunity and 
succeed he must, or all was lost, and with such thouglits he had planned foi 
the last day of battle. 

Returning to the position of 13th, 14th and i6th regiments -of Stannard's 
brigade while the noise of battle continued on our right, we were deeply interested 
and impressed with the manner of fighting a great battle. The gigantic task 
of the commanding Generals, the discipline required, the manoeuvering on the 
field, harmonious action, necessary celerity of massing at. any given point and 
all this only partially explained by the signal stations on the hills, and the 
numerous staff officers, aides and orderlies swiftly and continuously moving 
over the field in every direction bent on reaching a given point in the shortest 
space of time regardless of bullets or shells. To witness a great battle is a grand 
and imposing sight, sublime in its awful carnage never to be forgotten nor can it 
be adequately described, and thus we lay all the forenoon of the last day of the 
battle, silent and intensely interested witnesses of the scenes about us. We gave 
but little heed to the many dead scattered over the field in every direction as far 
as we could see, only those near by, and those we temporarily and tenderly 
covered over with their blankets to hide from view the horrid bloated, mangled 
corpses with open eyes constantly crossing our vision and distracting our atten- 
tion from the important duties at hand. Our lines were continuously menaced 
by sharp shooters and we moved but little in an upright position unless re- 
quired. The burning heat demanded water to quench our thirst and one at a 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 289 

time would volunteer to go a few rods to the left of our then position to a Spring 
for water taking as many canteens as he could carry and then crawl along on 
the ground dragging the canteens after him to the spring, wait his turn and flat 
on the ground fill his canteens and in like manner return, all the while exposed 
to the shell and bullets that filled the air. Moving along the ground in this 
manner could not be seen by sharp shooters, but at the spring the increased com- 
motion attracted the attention of sharp shooters and hence a hazardous under- 
taking to procure water. The most of us suffered the pangs of thirst rather 
than be targets for those fellows behind stones and fences and buildings and in 
tree tops with their telescope rifles watching an opportunity to shoot any thing 
within range. Many fell by the hand of sharp shooters, especially cannoneers 
and officers, and those whose duty constantly exposed them to this unavoidable 
danger during the progress of battle. The sharp shooters on each side vigilently 
watched for each other and many a poor fellow came tumbling down from tree 
top because his hiding place, revealed by flash and puft' of powder was dis- 
covered and located. 

Lieutenant Brown of Company K deliberately walked to the spring loaded 
with empty canteens, filled them and returned in safety, but only once, and then 
advised the others not to try it and they did not, for quite a number had been 
killed procuring water at that spring. There was but little firing of cannon 
between eight in the morning and one in the afternoon along our left flank and 
center. The unusual activity of the picket lines indicated that Longstreet was 
pressing forward with some purpose in view. 

Save the constant firing of sharp shooters all was comparatively quiet and 
no particular danger after the morning salute up to about one in the afternoon 
in the position we occupied, at which hour the great duel of cannon opened. 
The boys of the 13th moved about but little and patiently waited for the ex- 
pected charge against our immediate front. While waiting and soon after the 
noise of battle ceased on our extreme right. Lieutenant Albert Clark in command 
of Company G saw that a nearby rail fence might be readily converted into a 
low breastwork and placed considerably in advance of the stone wall that then 
protected us, and be of great advantage in repelling any charge against us and 
called Colonel Randall's attention to it, and obtaining his consent called for 
volunteers to go out and do the work of building a breastwork with the fence 
rails. 

Sergeant George H. Scott was first to volunteer and then others followed 
until some twenty or more of our regiment largely of Company G as I recall, 
led by Sergeant Scott charged the rail fence, carried the rails about one hundred 
yards in advance and further down the slope and laid up a temporary bulwark 
of rails perhaps two feet high parallel to the battle line then occupied by the 
13th regiment. Sergeant Scott and his assistants were cast in a like mould and 
of similar clay and animated by the same high and noble purpose as Ethan 
Allen and his Green Mountain Boys, or they would not have so promptly sallied 
out into the open field midst the leaden rain of rifle bullets that hissed through 
the air from house and tree tops across the valley among them. 

The work was quickly and well done and timely, and the protection it gave 
us later was complimentary to the rare foresight and cool calculation of Lieu- 




CAPT. MERRITT B. WILLIAMS, CO. G, 
1862. 



Oh the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 291 

tenant Albert Clark of Company G. General Stannard saw the boys at this 
work and approved it with a nod and smile, while Colonel Randall and the 
regiment encouraged the enterprise with cheers and congratulated the boys on 
their safe return. 

For this brave deed medals of honor should have been awarded by our 
government and no doubt would have been long ago had applications been made. 

The author regrets that he is not now able to give the names of all those 
that participated in this incident. I saw them and knew most if not all at the 
time. Private Willett, Corporal Hitchcock of Company G, and Smith M. Decker 
and Henry Meigs of Company K were among the number. Two or more from 
each company. Just after the above incident Corporal Wesley C. Sturtevant 
of Company E, 14th Vermont Regiment, my cousin and playmate from birth 
to early manhood came from his regiment only a few rods to the left to see me 
and this is a part of what he said, "I shall never see home and dear friends again, 
something tells me I shall be slain in this battle, and I cannot drive away the 
awful thought. I have come to tell you and request that you tell father and 
mother, brothers and sisters and dear friends for me and say good-by. That I 
would like to be buried in Weybridge, my native town, that I have done my 
duty thus far and have not flinched or been much frightened so far in this 
battle; that when awakened this morning by the roar of cannon and the noise 
of bursting shell that passed over me, I was dreaming of the consummation of 
long anticipated joys, and in it I read 'death' and it so impressed me that it is 
impossible to think of any thing else. I have not felt so until to-day though 
under fire all day yesterday and many fell dead and wounded about me. I have 
asked of my Father in Heaven forgiveness for all, and am at peace and all is 
well, but how I long to live and return home to walk in the path that my desire, 
hope and ambition had marked out. I am so sure that my life will end on this 
field that I have come to ask that you explain all to father and mother, take 
these letters and return them and tell her not to weep for me, that my heart almost 
breaks to think I must give up all my cherisTied plans of life. I could not tell 
these matters or speak of them to my company comrades, so come to you." And 
more he said of like import. In every way I endeavored to dispel the awful 
thoughts that held and controlled him, but to no purpose. All his life he had 
listened to the interpretations of his mother's dreams who was a firm believer 
in such impressions. The author having often heard this sainted mother ex- 
plain her dreams and knowing of their fulfilment do not wonder that her oldest 
child and most beloved son, though educated and intelligent was impressed with 
the idea that there was some mysterious connection unexplainable between 
natural and immortal life that revealed to the living premonitions of the future. 
I cannot forget how anxiously he listened hoping (as I now believe) that some 
explanation might break the spell that engulfed him. My efforts were all in 
vain. With deep emotion he extended his hand and said "Good-by" and hastily 
and deliberately walked back to his regiment nearby paying no heed to the 
deadly missies that filled the air. The author was not a believer in dreams and 
gave the incident but little thought during the remainder of the day. Before 
my cousin reached his regiment, which was in sight and not two hundred yards 
away, two signal guns in quick succession from General Longstreet's artillery 





LIEUT. ALBERT CLARK, CO. G, 
1863. 



LIEUT. ALBERT CLAKK, Ct). G, 
1907. • 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 293 

broke the awful silence that had for an hour or more hovered over the entire 
field. 

General E. Porter Alexander who was in command of General Longstreet's 
artillery says "That by his watch the signal guns from the Washington artillery 
were fired at one o'clock and Colonel William Mullen Owen of the Washington 
artillery who gave Longstreet's orders to the gunners to fire, claims that it was 
half past one o'clock. The consensus of opinion as to the time the signal guns 
were fired and the battle opened in the afternoon of the last day is between 
one and two o'clock. 

\Mthin a minute after the firing of the signal guns 150 cannon in battery 
along Seminary Ridge as far as we could see were belching forth their deadly 
storm of solid shot and shrapnel shell consentrated against our left center battle 
lines and in another moment almost simultaneously from Round Top to Ceme- 
tery Hill one hundred cannon or more of the Union side replied, and a blazing 
stream of fire from hill top to hill top and along the valley, accompanied with 
1 deafening roar, signaled back to the foe that we also were ready for the final 
struggle. 

The grandeur and sublimity of this artillery duel impossible to even 
faintly describe. Those who were present and saw and heard have some concep- 
tion of the mighty and determined contest between the miles of cannon that 
faced each other continuously vomiting forth the deadly missiles that went 
screeching across the valley on errands of death and destruction. 

We of the front battle lines lay flat on the ground between the long lines 
of cannon on the right, in front and rear, and were intensely interested not 
only in the artillery combat but in the prospect of the coming hand to hand 
struggle that we knew would surely follow. 

The blowing up of Caissons first on one side and then on the other were 
frequent and greeted with cheers from the side that caused them. The missiles 
of hurtling shell struck thick and fast among our prostrate ranks with deadly 
effort and the dead and wounded remained on the field until the battle was over. 
For two long awful hours (and more I judge) this unparalleled artillery 
fight raged without apparent advantage to either side. Both armies were well 
matched in cannon and skill. General Longstreet to whom General Lee had 
given in charge the culminating act of this great tragic drama on this field 
incessantly consentrated his fire at a given point which was notice to General 
Mead and his officers where the final charge would be made, and anticipating 
the enemy's plan due preparation had been made and on the center of this 
objective point where lay the stalwart forms behind the recently built bulwark of 
rails, stone wall, rocks, bushes and trees, General Stannard's Green Mountain 
Boys, and like the lion in its lair ready to spring forward when called and 
grapple in the deadly struggle for victory. This was the first real battle of 
these Vermont regiments, and their conduct in the baptism of fire on the 
previous day under the direction and eye of General Hancock gave promise 
and assurance to him, that they were the boys' to occupy and hold the front 
battle lines in the impending charge and final struggle. 

This was indeed a flattering compliment from so distinguished and able 
a fighter as General Hancock to General Stannard and his command. It is 




LIEUT. CHARLES RANDALL. CI'. 





SERGT. GEORGE H. SCOTT, CO. G, 
1864. 



REV. SERGT. GEORGE H. SCOTT, CO. G, 
1906. 



On flic Battlefield of Gettysburg. 295 

said that this artillery duel continued for two hours without any signs of weak- 
ness or yeilding. While the cannon roared and the bursting shell filled the 
air. the boys of the 13th crawled carefully along the ground to the rail fence 
westward that was built in the forenoon, in order to change our front battle 
line that had evidently been located by the cannoneers and to be ready when 
the cannonading ceased. This forward movement of the 13th regiment was 
not according to strict military rule, but a helter skelter zig zag croutching, 
crawl and run each taking his own way to reach the rail breastwork as best 
he could and as quick as possible and take position in companies on reaching 
there. The stone and bushes and rails and smoke on the way obscured our 
move and no one was killed in making this change. This new position was 
important. We were further down the slope and in less danger from the 
enemy's shell, and there was a clear open field in front right and left, and 
an admirable chance to fire on approaching columns. Some of the boys 
were a little frightened and others slightly wounded in this advance and all as 
soon as they reached the rail breastworks flattened out behind them to await the 
end of the artillery battle. 

General Stannard's brigade was still in General Hancock's corps on the 
very front battle line, full one hundred yards in advance of the battle lines in 
support. While waiting for the next move of the enemy we saw about us on 
Cemetery Ridge and its slopes a grand and imposing sight, magnificent in military 
array, mighty in numbers and equipment of destruction, skilfully arranged and 
masked in long rows of battle lines from valley to crest and from Cemetery 
Hill to Round Top, every available elevation covered with batteries, wheel to 
wheel and their caissons to the rear and handy by, protected as much as possible 
from the enemy's view and range of fire. 

Artillery officers moved rapidly over the fields followed by a retinue of aides, 
horses and riders, mounted and dressed for the occasion dotted all along wth 
cavalcades all ready to gallop to the rescue or charge of gun or battery on the 
bugle call of limber up. Orderlies on their foaming steeds swiftly moving i'l 
every direction over the field in discharge of their duty, delivering orders from 
officers in command, the stars and stripes and standard colors of regiment and 
battery, ensigns denoting the official rank of corps, divisions, brigade, regiment 
and battery amidst thundering roar of 250 cannon that echoed and re-echoed 
over the hills and through the valleys, the carnage of battle, the strenuous efforts 
to destroy and overcome presented a battle scene, the like of which has never 
been witnessed on this continent or any other in the history of ancient or 
modern warfare, and likely never will be. 

Two mighty armies 100,000 each, composed of the best, most intelligent 
and the flower of the grandest and most progressive civilized nation of the 
world equipped with every known appliance of destruction spread out over an 
open country of cultivated fields as far as the eye could see. The whole battle- 
field could be plainly viewed from Round Top to Cemetery Hill, and much of 
the preparation for the final and desperate struggle on the last day was in 
plain view of the 13th regiment of Stannard's brigade. General Stannard's 
brigade saw and heard and were in the midst of the very center of the fiercest 
struggle, and witnessed and realized that which no pen can possibly describe 




SERCT. JOHN H-.DWYF.R, CO. G, 
1906. 



.CORP. CHARL.ES F. OVII'M', CO. (', 
■ / ' 1863.' 




CORP. JOSEPH W. HITCHCOCK, CO. G, 
1862. 



REV. CORP. J.(.)SKrH W. linCHCOCK, CO. G, 
IQO('). 



On till- Battlefield of Gettysburg. 297 

so as to paint and convey the awful scenes of the closing I-.ours of that great 
battle. 

Let us briefly note in passing, our location and what troops surrounded us 
on the afternoon of the last day of battle. Our location in the afternoon was 
about one-third of a mile south of Cemetery Hill between Taneytown and 
Emmetsbuig Roads, almost at the foot of the west slope of Cemetery Ridge 
some two hundred yards from its crest, just at the left and in advance of the 
place now called the High Water mark of the Rebellion, and the charge against 
General Pickett's columns must have taken the 13th and i6th regiments full 
half-way down into and across Plum Run valley and further out than any other 
regiments went in this charge. On our immediate right and in the same front 
line were Generals Alexander S. Webb, Norman J. Hall's brigades of General 
John Gibbon's division Hancock's corps and Colonel Thomas A. Smith's 
brigade of General Alexander Haye's division, Hancock's corps, and in rear 
supporting were Graham Ward and DeTrobriand's brigades of the Third corps, 
and at the immediate left and front of our brigade was an open field for con- 
siderable distance. Our nearest supports on the left was McGilvery's reserve 
artillery which was well up the slope to our left and rear, advantageously 
situated to send death and distraction into the ranks of any charging columns 
that might cross the open field before them from any direction with a raking 
fire of shell, grape and canister. 

The left flank of General Stannard's brigade was well down on the low 
flat ground of Plum Run behind thick copse that lined its banks and mostly 
out of sight of the enemy, and therefore sufifered but little from Longstreet's 
artillery. The troops of the First, Second and Third corps were closely massed 
on and about this central position with the Eleventh and Twelfth corps on the 
right and the Fifth and Sixth corps with Kilpatrick's cavalry on the left and 
artillery planted over the whole field where it would be best in hand for most 
effective use. And all arranged and placed to make our position impregnable 
and secure, against the Rebel host. And such was the situation and the sur- 
roundings of General Stannard's brigade when General Longstreet's signal guns 
announced all was ready for the beginning of the culminating and desperate 
struggle on that field for victory. It was summer, the day was perfect and all 
nature about seemed dressed in its richest color, for the slaughter of precious 
lives and passage of thousands of immortal souls from that field of glory to 
realms beyond. Everything had been determined and nothing could prevent the 
carnage soon to follow. The artillery opened concentrating its fire against the 
left center the salient point of which, was occupied and held by the Vermonters 
of General Stannard's brigade. The tremendous roar of cannon, the crack 
and crash of shell, the exploding caissons here and there, the horrid whizz of 
shrapnel, the consternation and anxiety, all this held us prostrate and fast to 
the ground anxiously watching and waiting for the guns to cease firing. 

The two long hours of cannonading was so appalling and fraught with 
constant apprehension, that the passing of each minute seemed a life time. We 
of the 13th now realized the value of the low breastwork of rails that protected 
us during the deadly storm and were grateful to Lieutenant Albert Clark and 





CORP. OKVILLK SMITH. Co. C. 
1862. 



CORP. OKVILLE SMITH. CO. G, 





CORP. Joll.N J. 11 ILL, CO. C. 
1862. 



CORP. JOHN J. HILL, CO. G, 
1904. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 299 

Sergeant George H. Scott and their associates for their foresight and timely 
efforts. Suddenly the cannon ceased on Cemetery Hill and from battery to 
, battery all along our lines until every Federal gun was silent, followed in a few 
moments with complete suspension of Confederate cannonading. We knew 
the time had come for the final charge, and eagerly gazed and watched the crest 
of Seminary Ridge across the valley, expecting each moment to see the long 
lines of gray with tilted bayonets glistening in the sunshine rapidly approaching. 
Every eye was scanning the open fields directly in front of Stannard's brigade 
beyond the Emmetsburg Road as if momentarily expecting to see moving 
columns pressing forward in the final charge. 

Commanding officers with their staffs and aides on elevated positions with 
field glasses to their eyes were intently looking westward along the crest of 
Seminary Ridge to catch the first glimpse of the expected foe. Not one in 
General Mead's great army knew who had been chosen by General Lee to lead 
his brave heroes on to victory or defeat, or how many thousands had been 
selected to make the charge. Our commanders knew that General Lee had 
selected the bravest of the brave, the veteran heroes of Bull Run, Fredericks- 
burg, Chancellorsville, the tried and true, the very flower from his mighty army 
for this charge. He, General Lee must have realized that the hour of the supreme 
effort of his matchless career was at hand and all depended on the result. For 
three long days he had fought many desperate battles on that field and yet the 
Union army held fast to its positions. He, General Lee must now win, or the 
cause of the Confederacy would be lost, and therefore his careful preparation 
for the final struggle. 

His hopes and fears hanging in the balance, weighted with questions of 
more moment and greater consequence, than on any other occasion of his event- 
ful life. General Lee at the head of a hitherto unconquerable army, had boldly 
entered the enemy's country for an expressed purpose, and to return without 
its consummation would be more disastrous to the success of the Rebellion and 
morale of his armies than the slaughter of thousands and defeat in battle. A 
battle was the only alternative, and hence his untiring and indefatigable 
attention, demanding his best efforts in the preparation for the mighty 
struggle. Likely no man of modern times could under similar circum- 
stances have done better. It was now about 3:30 o'clock in the afternoon, 
comparative silence prevailed over the field, and the Union army was intently 
watching and waiting the expected charge. The dread spell of silence suddenly 
gave way to excitement and activity, from Cemetery Hill to Round Top and 
like the rush of a mighty wind the word came down our lines, "See they are 
coming." Involuntarily every eye was quickly turned to the undulating crest 
of the low ridge across the valley that extended from west of Gettysburg village 
around to Big Round Top nearly parrallel to Cemetery Ridge and between the two 
ridges, the low valley of Plum Run, distant from ridge to ridge three-fourths of a 
mile. Where all was still and motionless before was now animated, with excite- 
ment and hurrying to and fro on every part of the field. Hurried orders came from 
commanders, and almost at the same moment the officers and the rank and 
file were told of the approaching charge, before it could be seen only by those 
on Cemetery Hill and Round Top. Not one of the many thousands that wore 





CORP. THOMAS T. SN'KLL, CO. C"., 
1862. 

loliii S. liavcs or. the left. 



CORP. THOMAS T. SNELL. CO. C, 



1906. 





CORP. iii'..Mn' 11. wici.i.s, CO. o 
1 861. 



CORP. HENRV II. WELLS, CO. C. 
1905. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 301 

the blue but what were ready and anxious for the mortal combat (knowing 
it must come) to commence that it might be settled then and there, who should 
be crowned with victory. 

The long day of suspense was terrible and all longed to see the charging 
columns attempt to cross the open field which we believed to be an impassable 
gulf in the face of one hundred cannon belching forth solid shot, exploding 
shells and grape and canister, and the solid lines of infantry thickly massed on 
the slopes from crest to valley prepared to mow down General Lee's approach- 
ing battle lines when in range of musket ball. 

We saw them first as they reached the crest of Seminary Ridge a full half 
mile away, at first horse and rider, then glistening bayonets and then flags and 
banners waving and fluttering in the sultry air could be seen. 

Suddenly a battery opened on Cemetery Hill with deafening roar, and 
sent hurling across the valley into the approaching columns the first compli- 
mentary salute that warned them that all of our guns had not been silenced 
by their hundred and fifty guns during the early hours of the afternoon, but 
on they come regardless of exploding shells hurled against them, turning not 
to the right or left climbing the fences and walls, quickly reached the Emmits- 
burg Road, passed on both sides of the Cadora House and other buildings in 
that locality making momentary openings in their lines as they passed. They 
crossed the road, reached the open field before them, moved rapidly forward 
in solid columns the first and second divisions in advance, and then the third in 
support in short echelon as they moved down the slope into the valley from the 
Emmitsburg Road. The charging columns were now in plain sight and range 
of our guns from Round Top to Ziegler's Grove which with an infilading fire 
made numerous gaps in their lines which were quickly closed, but on they 
came as if impelled by some unresistless force, paying no attention to the grape 
and canister that made gory swaths through their battle lines. This was the ani- 
mated opportunity for our artillery and with a flash and roar they improved it. We 
of Stannard's brigade against whom the right wing of General Pickett's charg- 
ers seemed to be pointed for, wondered if it would be possible for any to 
pass through the iron storm that assailed them. They were now in plain view, 
but we only knew that they were the selected veteran heroes of General Lee's 
great army. We soon learned that these serried columns coming down the 
slope into the valley of slaughter and death were the gallant warriors that on 
many a sanguinary field had made the charge that secured victory, now being 
led by General George E. Pickett, the one of all the veteran ofiicers of the great 
army of Northern Virginia personally selected by General Lee to command 
and lead the flower of his army in whom was centered all his hopes 
on this field, — they were to him like Napoleon's body guard at Water- 
loo. The right wing was General Pickett's old division of Longstreet's corps 
4,900 strong, composed of the three brigades commanded by Generals Garnet, 
Armistead and Kemper. The left wing was General Heth's division. General 
A. P. Hill's corps then being led by General J. Johnston Pettigrew and com- 
posed of three brigades estimated at 5,000 with General Trimble in command 
of General Pender's division with Generals Lane and Scale's brigades of 
Hill's corps 2,500 strong forming a close second battle line in support, making 
in numbers fully 12,000 bayonets. General Pickett's division had thus far 





GEORGE C. CUKSE, CO. G, 
1862. 



JOIIX S. HAVES, CO. G, 
1862. 

Corp. Tliomas T. Snell (ni the ri_i;lit. 





FERNANDO CORTEZ WILLETT, CO. G, 
1862. 



FER.N".\Nni) CORTEZ WIULETT, CO. G, 



Oh the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 303 

taken no active part on this field, being held in reserve for special service, and 
therefore were fresh and anxious to make the dash for victory. 

Pettigrevv and Trimble's brigades had been severely punished by the First 
corps under General Doubleday in the first day's battle and were not quite so 
hopeful though flushed with victory and flattered with being selected to take 
part in the final charge, with steady step and undaunted courage boldly pushed 
forward down the slope across the valley into the very mouths of belching 
cannon, leaped the wall among the cannoneers and mingled with gunners and 
infantry men of the blue with sword, pistol, musket and bayonet in a life and 
death struggle for vantage ground. And such was the composition of the 
column rapidly aproaching. What a grand, magnificent and sublime array 
12,000 strong making a dash across an open field in the face of one hundred 
cannon into the very jaws of death to save the day and secure victory. No 
such sight in all the history of battles had ever been seen. On they came re- 
gardless of the carnage among them, nearer and nearer until horse and rider, 
officer and private, standards and banners waving in the lead were plainly seen, 
and almost within musket range, the right wing now face to face with the 
right wing of Stannard's brigade. Down the line of the 13th regiment comes 
the order from company to company "Steady boys, hold your position, don't 
fire until the word is given, keep cool, lie low till order is given to fire, make 
ready, take good aim, fire low." Then like an electric flash came down the 
line the order from Colonel Randall quickly repeated by every officer in the 
line "Fire", up rose the Green Mountain Boys, 3,000 strong as if by magic 
with forms erect took deliberate aim and with a simultaneous flash and roar 
fired into the compact ranks of the desperate foe and again and again in quick 
succession until a dozen or more volleys had been discharged with deadly 
effect. We saw at every volley the grey uniforms fall quick and fast and the 
front line hesitated, moved slowly and melted away, could not advance against 
such a furious and steady storm of bullets in their faces and the raking fire 
of McGilvery's batteries against their flank and midst this, unexpected fusillade 
of bullets, grape and canister they halted and quickly in good order massed 
in columns to our right uncovering the immediate front of Stannard's brigade 
and with an awful menacing yell dashed forward with the evident purpose of 
carrying the crest of Cemetery Ridge at our right and rear. 

Pickett's massing of columns and verging to his left and our right opened 
a clear field in front of Stannard's brigade, furnishing a golden opportunity for a 
flank advance attack against General Pickett's advancing battle lines. 

General Stannard ordered the 13th and i6th regiments. of his brigade to 
move forward (the 14th to remain in position in support) toward the enemy, 
and these two regiments the 13th and i6th, advanced about one hundred yards 
in quick time, the 13th on the double-quick and moved first, the i6th being at 
the left of the brigade did not receive the order as soon by some minutes as the 
13th, and this advance movement while the 13th was still in motion was quickly 
followed by a more important order which was given first to the 13th regiment. 
As General Stannard looked over the field his quick eye discovered the salient 
angle, and like a flash of lightning came the inspired thought that evolved the 




m n^ 




SUIIXER WARNER, CO. G, 
1862. 



SUMNER WARNER, CO. G, 
1905. 




It 



^ 



\ 




Mu\RTIN II. DODGE, CO. G, 
1862. 



J()Si:i'll KinUKK. CO. G, 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 305 

famous and now historic order (unique in manoeuvring in the midst of 
battle) "Change front, forward on first company." 

Colonel Randall repeated this order to Captain Lonergan of Company 
A and sent it along the line. Captain Lonergan on receiving the order 
halted his company which was the right of the line, placed First Ser- 
geant James B. Scully in position and quickly swung his company around 
into position, and thus each company was brought into line facing the right 
flank of General Pickett's advancing heroes and each company as it faced into 
line saw in their immediate front not sixty yards away General Pickett's com- 
mand, charging forward up the slope and at once opened a deadly fire on their 
flank which surprised and disconcerted officers and rank and file alike, some 
turned about and returned our fire, but knowing their objective point moved 
on. This was at short range and the concentrated fire of the 13th into the 
moving flank before them thickly covered the ground with the dead and 
wounded until General Pickett's command had lost most of its distinguished 
ofiicers and a large per cent, of its rank and file. It was while our regiment 
was firing into Pickett's flank that brave General Garnet fell from his horse 
pierced with a minnie ball, and General Armistead too as he scaled the wall fell 
into the ranks of the blue with cap on his sword urging his men to follow. 

Not until the dead and wounded covered the ground so as to make progress 
almost impossible, did they seem to realize their awful situation, and then they 
waved handkerchiefs, and threw up their hands as evidence of surrender. It was 
at this juncture that Colonel Randall at risk of his own life from the muskets of 
his own regiment passed rapidly down the line and shouted "Stop firing." 
Then we advanced and captured nearly all that still survived of Pickett's old divi- 
sion. It is claimed that of all the field officers in Pickett's division, only one, 
(a Major) came out without injury. It is said by Colonel Longstreet in his 
article found in the publication of the "Battles and Leaders of the Rebellion" 
that more than 2,000 of General Pickett's command were killed and wounded 
in less than thirty minutes, and that two-thirds of General Pickett's division lay 
dead and mortally wounded on the field being almost literally annihilated. The 
numbers we here captured were so large that Colonel Randall detailed Com- 
panies G and I to take the prisoners to the rear. 

From the moment General Pickett's command crossed the Emmitsburg 
Road and started on its perilous charge, to the time we of the 13th returned 
to our position just in the rear of the breastwork of rails, full two hours must 
have passed. Every moment was so appalling and the horrid scenes all about 
us so dreadful we took no thought of swift passing time. The carnage was ter- 
rible but wonderful and glorious the results. 

As the 13th charged forward from its last position where it had been 
pouring in volley after volley at short range from musket and pistol, (the 
officers of the line now had an opportunity to use their pistols with deadly 
effect and right well they improved it and many of them were skilled and ac- 
curate marksmen) realizing (though many had indicated their willingness and 
anxiety to surrender), that some of the more revengeful and desperate con- 
tinued to fire in our faces as we advanced. We opened fire again and then 
rushed up against them with bayonets pushed forward revengefully determined 





CUV \V(I(IL)V\ AKD. CO. C, 



,l;v WdiiinvAKii, 
1906. 





HAKTl-ORn p. WOODWARD, CO. G, 
1862. 



LE\[ LAFLEUR, CO. G, 
1905. 



0)1 the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 307 

to slay the very last man unless they would heed their proffered offer of sur- 
render. Bayonets were crossed and the desperate thrusts exchanged, and the 
hand to hand struggle followed. Many fell wounded and bleeding pierced 
with bayonet, sword and pistol and musket balls. This was the final struggle 
and was soon over. We were now in their front and rear and escape was im- 
possible. The croutching rose up and all the living including the slightly 
wounded hurriedly and anxiously passed through our ranks to the rear turning 
over their guns, pistols and sabres as they passed on. The author was there 
and fully alive to duty and self preservation and saw for himself the dreadful 
havoc before him. If there was any spot on that great field of battle that 
approximated more nearly than any other the malstrom of destruction, this 
was the place. They lay one upon the other clutched in death, side by side. 
The dead, dying and horribly wounded, some had on the blue, but nearly all 
wore the gray, for on a few square rods one could hardly step so thickly lay 
the dead. A thousand could have been counted on less than two acres of 
ground. This was indeed the great slaughter pen on the field of Gettysburg, and 
in it lay hundreds of the brave heroes who an hour before buoyed up with 
hope and ambition were being led by the brave and intrepid General Pickett 
against solid phalanxes of infantry, an hundred belching cannon and the strong 
bulwarks of their foe, as they fully believed, to victory. 

General Pickett's divisions seemingly melted away as if swallowed up by 
opening ground under the steady gaze of General Longstreet who silently and 
sorrowfully watched as he believed the forelorn hope and needless sacrifice, 
among them were many of the veteran heroes of his old brigade that he had 
drilled on the plains of Manassas before the first battle of Bull Run, but as a 
true soldier when he saw the battle line of blue push out into the field and open 
fire upon General Pickett's flank, he directed his artillery in that direction 
knowing that friend as well as foe must suffer alike from his raking fire, and 
we who were at the salient point saw the direction from whence came the 
spiteful shells and wondered at the desperate act. Much history was made on 
this charge that can never be known, and much, though seen and realized that 
can never be adequately described. The author being in the ranks in this 
charge situated so as to see and know what occurred and how, and because 
none of my regimental comrades have written of it, and because as Historian 
and commissioned to tell something of the thrilling scenes connected with this 
unparalleled and world renown charge are my reasons for recounting some of 
the incidents seen and realized in the last act of that bloody drama on the 
fields of Gettysburg, July 3rd, 1863. 

Brave General Garnet who was shot from his horse while leading his 
brigade fell only a few paces in the rear of the stone wall where General 
Armistead was shot and no doubt from bullets fired from the 13th Vermont 
Regiment who at that moment was on Pickett's flank firing at short range in 
that direction. First Corporal Londas S. Terrill of Company F claims the 
honor (if it be an honor to shoot so brave a soldier) of firing the bullet that 
so suddenly ended the brilliant career of this young Rebel officer. Corporal 
Terrill says he took deliberate aim fired and Garnet fell. It was as likely 
Terrill's gun as any, but no man could possibly tell whether the gun he fired 





ALr.KRT \\i;LLS. CO. (', 

1862. 



ALBERT WELLS, CO. C, 
1903. 





WAKD IMPEK, CO. I',, 
1862. 



WARD PIPER, CO. C, 
1905- 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 309 

fell the person aimed at or not. Seven hundred rifles in the skilful hands of 
the 13th regiment were sending a contmuous rain of bullets in the same direc- 
tion. Private Oliver Pariso of Company K (and there was no better shot in 
the regiment) claimed that he too about the same time took aim at a mounted 
ofificer and saw him fall while looking along the sight of his gun barrel, 
Fariso's honesty and veracity was never questioned, and it may be true that 
his deadly aim reached the very mark, but the surroundings and flying bullets 
that filled the air removes every probalility of certainty. 

Private Cadmus S. Gates of Company K also was confident because of 
peculiar situation that one officer fell as the result of his careful aim. Indeed 
many of the boys claimed just after the battle they had felled their man and 
some a half a dozen or more. The author also took good aim and saw many 
a poor fellow fall, and the bullets he fired into the solid ranks of General 
Pickett's brave boys may have killed one or more, but he has ever since been 
happy in the thought that he could not tell the result of his firing; Eternity 
alone can reveal the fact. It is enough to know that hundreds fell by the 
hands of boys that fought in the ranks of the gallant 13th on that memorable 
charge. Quite a number of the boys brought from the field pistols, sabres and 
guns and other mementoes recovered in the charge or scattered over the field, 
but all to no particular purpose excepting in the case of Lieutenant Stephen F. 
Brown of Company K who was armed up to the end of this charge with only 
a common camp hatchet (having been relieved of his sword while on the 
march some days before, the particulars of which are mentioned elsewhere in 
this book) and he wanted a sword, and as one of General Pickett's Lieutenants 
approached and was about to pass as a prisoner within our lines, Lieutenant 
Brown demanded his sword. The officer in gray hesitated, saw the upraised 
hatchet as it glistened in the sun and then quickly unbuckled his belt and 
passed belt, sword and scabbard and pistol to Lieutenant Brown, said not a 
word and passed on. Lieutenant Brown buckled on the belt, dropped the 
hatchet and took the sword and thereafter carried it until mustered out. The 
author was near and saw this singular and timely capture of sword and pistol, 
and exchange of an aboriginal implement of warfare (a hatchet) for the more- 
modern and less savage, a sword. 

Marvelous and unusual incidents occurred in connection with General 
Pickett's charge, one of which was General Stannard's original and famous 
order "Change front forward on first company" has already been mentioned, 
and I call attention to a more unique and strange occurance while out on 
General Pickett's flank. The 13th regiment being on the right of the brigade 
General Stannard gave his order to Colonel Randall first, who promptly ad- 
vanced and swung his regiment into line on the double-quick, and was on 
Pickett's moving right flank rapidly firing into his charging columns for some 
minutes before the i6th regiment could execute the same order and take its 
position in line on the left of the 13th. Colonel Veazey had to move his regi- 
ment backward and pass around in the rear of the 14th regiment, left in posi- 
tion as support, and then charged down the slope into the valley passed into the 
rear of the 13th and then into position, on the left of the 13th, extending the line 
well up the slope toward the Cadora House on the Emmitsburg Road or pike, 







^wt-a-- 




w . ,^r^^m 


' J^ 



xi:lsox s. DAVIS. c'( 
1862. 



NELSON S. D.W'IS. Ij 
1905- 





iK.\ A. s^r^r^. ^( 
1904. 



iir.xr!\ McN \i.L. to. G, 
1901. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 311 

where it at once opened fire on General Pickett's demoralized and broken 
battle lines and on those who broke and run to escape capture. Very soon 
after the i6th passed in the immediate rear of the 13th into position, there 
appeared some four hundred yards to the rear having just crossed the Emmits- 
burg Road and moving rapidly down into the valley charging forward in the 
direction of Cemetery Ridge a large body of soldiers who we at once recognized 
by the uniforms they wore and the flags and banners they carried and the yell 
they made, as the enemy, exposing their left flank to our view in passing. At 
this juncture the unheard of happened, namely, those standing in the rear rank 
of the 13th and i6th regiments who had been firing into General Pickett's 
flanks as they turned half way around to load their guns discovered the pass- 
ing Rebel column in the rear and without orders faced square to the rear and 
opened fire causing dismay and confusion and hesitancy, and thus it was while 
the front ranks of the 13th and i6th were sending bullets thick and fast into 
General Pickett's right flank causing fearful slaughter, because of good aim 
and short range, the rear ranks of the 13th and i6th regiments at the same time 
were facing in an opposite direction and with steady aim firing as rapidly into 
the charging left flank of the belated columns that had come in support of 
General Pickett's right flank with equal effect. For a time the 13th and i6th 
stood in line in double ranks across Plum Run valley extending from near the 
base of Cemetery Ridge to within a few rods of the Emmitsburg Road, the 
front rank facing northerly towards Gettysburg village and firing into Pickett's 
huddled struggling ranks and the rear rank facing southerly towards Peach 
Orchard, Devil's Den, Big Round Top deliberately and steadily firing into the 
left flank of what proved to be General Wilcox's brigade and command. This 
was an accidental situation, but who unless inborn fighters would have so 
suddenly taken advantage of so good an opportunity and made use of it as 
an expected duty. Yes, as once before said, the boys of the Second Vermont 
Brigade who carried guns in that memorable charge inherited the same in- 
tuitive ability and prowess as shown on that field by their beloved and highly 
respected commander General George J. Stannard. He created orders to meet 
an unlooked for situation, the boys in the ranks without orders fired into the 
ranks of the coming foe, whether in front or rear it mattered not to them if 
only they wore the gray. General Stannard saw the situation and sent an order 
to Colonel Veazey to face his regiment about and charge against the approach- 
ing columns as he gallantly did with great credit to himself and the boys he 
led. Likely Lieutenant Brown had no thought of such an exchange of weapons 
until the opportunity came. He made no inquiry thereafter for his sword nor 
never knew or cared what become of it, nor was anything ever said or done 
about Lieutenant Brown forcing a safeguard at a spring on the march to obtain 
water for his famishing boys which was the cause of his being relieved of his 
sword. 

Lieutenant Brown was prompted and impelled to go for water on grounds 
of humanity alone, and the order that followed relieving him of his sword 
was simply for an example of discipline and nothing further was thought of 
it. The author from what is above said does not want it understood that 
Colonel \'eazev of the i6th did not receive the order to "Change front forward 





WILLIAM OAKLIiY BKK^IIAM, CO. G, 
1862. 



WILLIAM U.\KLI-;\ I;KI(,II\.\I. to. <; 

1904. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 313 

on first company", but that he did not receive it until after it was given to 
Colonel Randall of the 13th, and considerable time elapsed before the i6th 
took position in line on the left of the 13th, for after Colonel Veazey had 
gathered his regiment on the left of the 14th for the formal movement, General 
Stannard ordered him to join the 13th in its flank attack, moving around in 
the rear of the 14th, and then by the flank to the left of the 13th which took the 
1 6th down the slope across the valley, its extreme left near the Emmitsburg 
Road. This required a march after passing the right of the 14th of some 
fifty rods directly to the front. While Colonel Veazey was making this move- 
ment the 13th having received the order first to "Change front forward on 
first company" had promptly executed it and was in line on Pickett's flank 
pouring into his crowded columns volley after volley as fast as possible when 
Colonel Veazey and his brave boys were charging down the slope to the rear 
of the 13th to position which it reached some minutes after the 13th was in 
position. It was in season to take part in firing into the retreating ranks of 
General Pettigrew and Trimble and also gathered in some stragglers that had 
reached the Cadora House on their return that belonged to General Pickett's 
division. Hence, it will be noted that General Pickett's division had suffered 
much in dead and wounded before the i6th took position on the left of the 
13th. The 13th covered General Pickett's flank, the center and right, were 
nearly opposite the point where Garnet and Armistead fell, and as advance was 
made the boys of the 13th reached the huddled lines of the gray first and then 
and there captured many prisoners, a majority of those taken on this charge. 

A considerable time was spent in gathering up prisoners and sending them 
under escort to the rear. And while thus engaged we saw quite a large body 
of soldiers some distance to our left well out in the field from Emmitsburg 
Road advancing directly towards the position that we of the 13th had just 
left. We saw the i6th regiment face about and take position in line and then 
with an exhulting yell charge acrose the field on the run right up to and against 
the left flank of the approaching columns many being killed by bullets, grape 
and canister fired into their compact ranks massed in column and many of 
them taken prisoners by the i6th but most of them hastily retreated and escaped. 

This body of the enemy were General Wilcox and Perry's brigades of 
General Richard's and Anderson's divisions, A. P. Hill's corps, who were General 
Pickett's support of his right flank but was slow in following up Pickett's 
command and therefore were too late to render any assistance as has been 
seen. No occasion to now speculate what would have been the result if 
General Pickett had been promptly supported as planned, by Generals Wilcox 
and Perry's brigades. We of the 13th watched with deep interest the gallant 
charge of the i6th and heartily cheered them as Wilcox and Perry were driven 
back across the Emmitsburg Road behind Longstreet's artillery. As soon as 
Wilcox and Perry's brigades had opened the field, Longstreet's guns opened 
fire again on the 13th who had gathered in the captured and were waiting for 
further orders, and while here after Companies I and G had ben sent to the 
rear with prisoners, we took a hasty account of casualties and found only a 
comparative few had thus far been seriously wounded. Sergeant Halloway 
of Company K had been hit on the leg and Pariso and Richardson of Company 



314 '//'"' 1 hirtccnih Rcgiiiiciit I'l-riiunil I'diintccrs. 

K had IjLcii slightly wounded with pieces of shell on breast and shoulder and 
Lieutenant Albert Clark of Company G on the ankle, not dangerous, Lieu- 
tenant Kentield of Company E quite dangerously wounded though not mortal. 
Soon after Companys I and G left the field in charge of prisoners. Colonel 
Randall received an order from General Stannard to move his regiment back to 
position, and as we were ascending the (ipeii licld U> reach our f( inner ])osition, 
a shell exploded in the ranks of Company K killing Corporal William Church 
and wounding privates James Monroe ITogaboom, and Clark H. r'utterfield 
and others slightly. Quite a number were stunned and thrown to the ground 
by the concussion of the exploding shell. Lieutenant Stephen F. Brown 
stopped to see what could be done for Corporal Church who he found dying 
on the ground. His body scattered about and others killed and injured in that 
immediate vicinity among which were Sergeant Major Henry H. Smith, killed 
and Lieutenant Colonel Wm. D. Munson. injured, and while Lieutenant Brown 
was on his knees endeavoring to assist his fallen comrade another shell likely 
from the same gun exploded directly over his head and pretty close and the 
concussion prostrated and stunned him but Brown was soon able to reach his 
company and take his position, but not able to stand, and yet he remained on the 
field until the battle was over and the regiment relieved and ordered to the rear. 
The shelling that the 13th received when returning to position was accurate and 
destructive, and it was miraculous almost that more were not killed and wounded. 
We reached the position from which we started on the charge about six o'clock 
some little time before the sun disappeared behind the distant mountains. The 
battle of the day was evidently over, nothing to indicate its renewal. Gneral 
Longstreet's batteries on our left still held their position and continued firing 
principally in the direction of the position ocupied by General Stannard's bri- 
gade as if seking revenge for their discomfiture and destruction of General Pick- 
ett's command that had proceeded from that locality. We were now again flat 
on the ground and having become quite familiar with the crack of giin and screech 
of exploding shell carefully watched the enemy and the direction of his firing 
to guard against needless exposure. We knew the battle was o\er and looked 
for no further assaults from across the valley. That apprehension of death 
and feeling of fear seemed to have left us while mingling with General Pickett's 
boys in the last desperate struggle for victory. 

We had been under fire for two days in the front lines and in the thickest 
of the fight of the culminating effort of General Lee to win the day. But few 
of our regiment had been killed or seriously wounded, and we were thankful 
and much elated by reason of the important positions we had been placed in. 
The courage evinced by our comrades and for the crucial opportunity of render- 
ing valuable service to our country at a time when most needed. The hopes 
deferred had returned, and we now began to think of home and friends and 
build again the castles of the future. Our hearts were sad because of the 
thousands slain strewn over the fields before us, and at the loss of dead com- 
rades that had fallen, but the struggle was over and there would be no more 
carnage and death on that field. 

We heard the roar of musketry and the booming of cannon in front of Little 
Round Top, and the charge and crash of arms when General Elon J. Farns- 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 315 

worth led his brigade in which was the ist Vermont Cavalry over rocks and 
ditches and stonewalls all about them, against the solid battle lines of General 
Iver McLaw's brigade of infantry to death, knowing full well it was a forlorn 
hope and to no purpose, a mere demonstration against brigades of infantry 
protected behind stone walls and supported by General Longstreet's batteries. 

The battle was all over and General Lee had been vanquished and this 
charge was a useless sacrifice. It did not even divert attention from the main 
purpose of General Lee to capture Cemetery Hill and divide General Mead's 
army. This occurred at about seven p. m. It is said by Captain Parsons of 
the 1st Vermont Cavalry in his published article on this charge, (see Battle and 
Leaders of the Civil War, page 393) that before the charge was even ordered 
an orderly dashed by and in the presence of General Kilpatrick shouted, "We 
turned the charge, nine acres of prisoners." This in view of what was 
known at that hour, was ample notice of victory, and the charge by General 
Farnsworth ought not to have been made, is the criticism of well informed 
writers on this battle. As we lay on the groimd watching the moveemnts of 
receding battle lines of General Longstreet's divisions on his extreme right, 
their bayonets glistening in the last, rays of the setting sun, a battery to our 
front and left in plain sight re-opened fire against our then position as if they 
had discovered a line of blue behind stones just in front of a clump of bushes 
in the line of our rail fence breastwork now pretty much shot away. 

The author saw the first puff of smoke (all had been quiet in that direc- 
tion for some time) and then a shell whizzing and screeching passed directly 
over close to the ground where Captain George G. Blake of Company K, and 
the author lay with heads behind a good sized boulder as we thought secure 
against the random shots that now and then came smoking and screeching across 
ihe valley. From what I now know am of the opinion that the shells that came 
in our direction were from the same Washington battery that fired the signal 
guns that opened the artillery duel in the afternoon commanded by Major 
B. F. Eshleman and attached to General Longstreet's corps. 

My attention was with cor.:<iderable personal interest given to this battery 
so plainly seen just across \.Y i valley a little to our left. Soon another puff 
of smoke and flash of fire a. id then a shell struck the ground only a few feet 
to our rear passing between two large boulders and there exploding, killing and 
wounding quite a number who had what appeared to be a well protected posi- 
tion. The gunners were directing their fire at the heap of rocks and bushes at 
our rear, for that was the second shot from that battery that had come in the 
same direction and exploded near the same place ; our heads were safe, but our 
legs were in danger if any more shells came from that battery. I was on the 
side where the shells had passed so near and was becoming nervous and sug- 
gested to Captain Blake to swing his legs around to the right that I might do 
the same, calling his attention to what had already been done by that battery 
over to the left and front. We both moved and placed our bodies on an angle 
with the firing direction of the guns and before we were fairly straightened 
out on the ground in our changed position, we saw (for we were now giving 
our attention to this battery) a puff of smoke and flash of powder then a crash 
against the ground and a shell plowed along on the ground which only a minute 





CAPT. WIM.JAM V. PKCK, CO. H, 
1862. 



CAPT. (iRi.dFi' \\•IIIT^•I•;^•, co. n, 
1863. 





CAPT. ARO P. SLAYTON, CO. H, 
1863. 



CAPT. .\R(i I>. SLAVTOX, CO. II, 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 317 

before was occupied by our legs. It covered us with dirt as it passed exploding 
a few feet to our rear. Captain Blake exclaimed "Gosh, that was a close 
call." I thought so too and hugged the ground raising neither hand nor foot 
until that battery went out of business for the night. We examined the ground 
when it was prudent to do so and concluded had we not moved, our legs would 
have been cut off, and we numbered among the dead. This incident before 
referred to shows how near Captain Blake and the author came to losing their 
legs and lives at Gettysburg. 

Swanton, Vt., August, 1907. 

The above mentioned incident as to probable loss of legs and lives by 
Private Sturtevant and myself is still fresh in memory, and the time and cir- 
cumstances were as above described. It has been a frequent topic spoken of 
when referring to close calls and hairbreadth escapes at Gettysburg. 

GEORGE G. BLAKE, 

Captain of Co. K. 
13th Regiment, \'t. Vols. 

As soon as it was dark enough so there was no danger from sharp shooters 
we begun to look up the casualties in our regiment during the battle. I presume 
the number mentioned in Benedict's History of Vermont in the Civil War, 
Vol. 2, page 487 is correct as to persons, and yet believe that quite a number 
who were wounded were deemed at the time so slight that no mention was made 
of it in the reported list that was procured that evening on the battlefield. 

A full and complete list of the dead and so far as known the wounded, will 
appear in the Roster in this book, which I have no doubt will be more complete 
than any heretofore published. 

As soon as the battle was over and darkness fell on the field and the count- 
ing up the dead, wounded and missing and talking over some of the more 
thrilling incidents and exciting scenes, suddenly the thought flashed on my mind 
what of my cousin Corporal Wesley C. Sturtevant of Company E, 14th Ver- 
mont with whom I had the interview just before the cannonading in the after- 
noon. I wondered now if his premonitions of death had proven a reality. I 
could not wait and hastened to the 14th to ascertain if dead or alive. Just 
before reaching his company I met some of his tentmates that were then on 
their way to find me. They took me only a few steps further and there on the 
ground as he fell was the mangled body of my cousin W. C. Sturtevant having 
been shot through the breast by a solid shot or a shell. His comrades told me 
that he fell just as the regiment rose to take part in the advance against General 
Pickett's charge, being instantly killed. Only about three hours after his most 
remarkable conversation and lamentable expressions of premonitions of death 
on that field. Whatever may be thought concerning warnings of future events, 
in this case at least there was a perfect fulfilment of what Corporal Sturtevant 
told me about one o'clock that afternoon. His comrades, Lieut. Andrew J. 
Childs and others, said that up to the very moment of his death he had showed 
as much courage and bravery as any one among them, and therefore it was not 
fear that had awakened and firmly impressed him with death on that field. All 





I.IKCT. HIRAM Pl-.UKI.X^, Cu. 11, 
1863. 



LIEUT. VVALTKR A. PHILI,I1'^. CO. H, 





SERGT. CHARLES R. WHITE, CO. II, 
1862. 



SERt.T. CH.\KLES R. WHITE. CO. H, 
1903- 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 319 

had reason to apprehend sudden death at any moment, and many thousands 
were there slain, and on General Pickett's charge more than 2,000 fell in thirty 
minutes. 

One of the inspiring and encouraging sights on that field was the dash of 
General Hancock coming down the line near us followed by a single aide or 
orderly — the front line where General Stannard stood which was at that moment 
immediately in the rear of the battle line of the 13th regiment. We saw him 
coming and we knew who he was for we had seen him many times during the 
battle. He was shot while conversing with General Stannard by a sharp shooter 
as was said. General Stannard and his aides Benedict and Hooker and Lieu- 
tenant S. S. Morey of Company K and E, 13th regiment, and perhaps others 
nearby assisted General Hancock from his foaming charger to the ground and 
there he lay during Pickett's charge watching and giving orders to General 
Stannard and other Generals in the Second and Third corps then under his 
command. General Stannard had given the order to move out on General 
Pickett's flank only a moment before the arrival of General Hancock. No 
braver man or better fighter or more perfect speciman of manly beauty and 
soldierly appearance took part on that field than General Wilfield S. Hancock. 
This sight and scene was so indelibly impressed that it is as vivid now as then. 

While Colonel Veazey with the i6th was charging against the left flank 
of Wilcox and Perry's brigades General Stannard was wounded in the leg, but 
did not leave the field until the battle was over and his brigade relieved from 
the front line. General Stannard was continuously with his brigade and much 
of the time near the 13th regiment which was on the right of his brigade, and 
we of the 13th therefore saw him often as he moved from place to place as 
duty prompted apparently without fear, as cool and deliberate as if on dress 
parade or brigade drill. He, General Stannard, showed like prowess and in- 
tuitive genius to command as his prototype Ethan Allen of Ticonderoga fame. 

We of the 2nd Vermont Brigade were proud of him as a commander and 
because of his quick foresight and prompt action on Pickett's flank that secured 
to him great credit and honor to the Green Mountain State, and military renown, 
and the Green Mountain Boys that he led unstinted praise for their valiant con- 
duct displayed, and services rendered in meeting and vanquishing the flower of 
General Lee's magnificent army in his last and final effort in which was centered 
all his hopes and ambition, (commanded too by Generals Pickett, Pettigrew and 
Trimble) confident they would scale the ramparts of Cemetery Ridge and close 
the day with a great victory. 

Distinguished officers of both armies who witnessed Pickett's famous 
charge, give the credit to General Stannard and the Vermonters in saving the 
day and putting to flight the hitherto unconquered army of Northern Virginia. 

The 13th Vermont was first and last on General Pickett's right flank and 
received the surrender of the heroic survivors of Pickett's division, that day 
commanded by the brave General Garnet. This decisive battle secured to the 
army of the Potomac world-wide renown and much glory, and Historians have 
with high praise awarded to General Stannard's 2nd Vermont Brigade the 
immortal glory of victory in the decisive and turning battle of the Civil War. 
It was long after dark when orders came to move back to the reserve lines for 




SKRGT. ClI.\KLi:s M. MCNU'.UT, C(J. II, 
1862. 



CORP. DORXIAX COXXER, CO. H, 
1862. 




SKRCT. THOMAS J. SLAYTON, CO. H, SERGT. KDWIX CIDWORTII, CO. H, 

1862. I861. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 321 

refreshment and sleep. We were given a position directly back and over the 
crest near the Taneytown pike in an apple orchard and near a large barn and 
told we could lie down and sleep. Rations did not come, but sleep did, and 
though now we were very hungry and thirsty every one laid down where he 
was and soon were sleeping the sleep of the victorious. The lightening flashed, 
the thunder roared and the rain poured down and drenched us, and still we 
slept on until morning. All were exhausted, sleep was a necessity, the flash 
of lightning and roar and rattle of thunder and drenching rain disturbed us not. 
It was the first night's sound sleep we had had since we broke camp on the 
banks of the Occoquan nine days before. 

The morning of the 4th of July was dark and the rain fell .is if the clouds 
had burst and though there was running water on the ground and sheets of rain 
falling fast upon us, many still slept on till awakened by the occasional shell 
that came over screeching and cracking in the air just above us. While but 
little attention was now paid to bursting shell or the sharp shooters' deadly 
bullets that hissed as they passed, all were soon up and astir to learn the news 
and look for the promised hard tack and coffee. There was plenty of water in 
every little hole, rivulet and brook with which we quenched our thirst and filled 
our canteens, though every body from rank and file to commander had been 
without regular rations for days, and there was much suffering about us, and 
thousands of our brave had fallen, not a murmur or any grumbling was heard, 
stoically and patiently waited for the commissariat to appear. Aides were flying 
over the field from headquarters to headquarters, officers attended with their quite 
numerous staff were passing to and fro, the musical notes of the calls of artillery 
and cavalry from Round Top to Gulp's Hill resounded on the morning air. 
Ambulances rapidly moving out on the field and slowly and carefully returning 
laden with precious anguishing lives on their way to the many field hospitals, that 
the dangerously and mortally wounded might have immediate attention. Squads 
of soldiers armed with mattock and spade slowly and silently marched out on the 
field where strewn with the dead, to cover over, in shallow trenches all that 
remained of the immortal heroes that had fallen in battle. 

The great struggle was over and the news of victory had already filled the 
land, and every loyal heart was animated with new courage and devotion and 
pulsated with pride and exhultation that the rebellious enemy of the Govern- 
ment and the Union, had been defeated at Gettysburg, and General Lee and 
what was left of his great army were on the retreat down the valley of the 
Cumberland to the fords of the Potomac at Williamsport and Falling Waters 
to escape up the valley by the Shennandoah and avoid capture and destruction. 

Deep sorrow filled our hearts because our dear comrades, relatives and 
friends had been slain, and yet mortal man cannon tell how thankful were the 
survivors that the awful struggle was over and victory secured. We could 
now see in the near future, prospect of peace, and every face beamed with joy, 
every tongue sounded the praises of his comrades that had been brave and strong 
during the long days of continuous fighting. Officers praised their commands 
and the rank and file heartily cheered in response. 

The stars and stripes waived from every regiment and battery on hill and 
in valley, everywhere on the field occupied by the soldiers of the Union army. 
All were now more than thankful for what had been acomplished. 




^ JX 





SERGT. THEODORE STOW^ CO. II, 
1862. 



^KKiVI'. TIIKoDiiKJ-: STOW, C'l. H. 
1905. 





f ^ '. 




SERCT. FREDERICK CORLISS, CO. H, 
1862. 



CORP. .\\DRi:\V J. SL.WTO.V, CO. H, 
1905- 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 323 

The army of the Potomac were having a new experience, celebrating on 
this anniversary' of National existence its first and only signal victory, and we 
of the Green Mountain State were happy because we had been transferred from 
the defences of Washington and assigned to the army of the Potomac and thus 
fortunately participating in the campaign and battle of Gettysburg, and were 
thankful that we had been so placed on the field of battle as to contribute 
conspicuous service in securing the great victory. 

General Stannard's brigade fully justified and demonstrated the propriety 
and fitness of raw volunteers for the most arduous and exacting duties of a 
soldier in active warfare, especially when manor born, on the hills and in the 
valleys of the old Green Mountain State. It was about nine o'clock in the fore- 
noon of July 4th when we saw loaded wagons approaching on the Taneytown 
Road, and they brought us rations which were quickly distributed and all now 
had a royal feast of hard tack and rain water. It was good and we were 
thankful and heartily cheered the assistant quartermaster as he halted his wagons 
in front of our brigade. 

The fighting was over and an unusual craving for food seemed to prevail 
among all. I doubt if any of the 13th had much of anything to eat for more 
than two days. I recall the fact of extreme hunger on this morning after the 
battle, and have no recollection of any distribution of rations until then, after 
reaching Gettysburg. It is true many of us had bought and otherwise obtained 
Maryland bread and milk and pies and cakes all the way from Frederick City to 
Gettysburg. The rush for hard tack on the arrival of commissary wagons in- 
dicated the pressing desire for food. During the forenoon details from the 
several companies were made up to go in search for and bring in and bury 
those of our brigade that had fallen in battle. This was a sad and solemn 
duty, but none hesitated to respond. The dead lay scattered over the field 
where they fell and the black and bloated condition of the corpses made it diffi- 
cult to recognize in all cases unless an intimate comrade, and no one was re- 
moved until fully identified. 

Those of the 13th were buried near the position now occupied by us on 
a slight elevation, near a stone wall at the south end of an apple orchard near 
us. We buried them as they were, without removing their clothing, covering 
them over with their blankets, for shrouds and cofiins, and then sacredly and 
carefully filling the shallow graves with mother earth. The solemn rites of 
the battlefield were observed, though we expected all would be removed soon to 
their homes, and so far as I know, all of the 13th regiment among the slain 
were found and taken home for final burial. Each grave of our comrades 
buried at Gettysburg was rudely marked with inscription of name of com- 
pany and regiment and date of death carved on a cartridge box cover or pieces 
of boards from hard tack boxes that their remains might be found, should 
occasion require it. The author was with the squad that brought from the 
field and buried. Corporal Wesley C. Sturtevant of Company E, 14th regiment. 
The temporary monument that marked his grave was a cartridge box cover 
on which I carefully cut with my jack knife, name, company, regiment and 
date of death, which marker was taken with his remains to his home in Wey- 
bridge, Vt., and by his mother affectionately cherished during a long life and 





CORP. wii.i.iA.M II. uiirn:, en. n. 
1 86 1. 



CORP. WILLIAM (I. WIIITL, CO. II, 
1900. 





CORP. WILLI.SM II. IT.KTCHKR, CO. H, 
1866. 



CORP. \VILLI.\M II. I-LKTCHER, CO. II, 
1902. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 325 

by her delivered to me the last time I saw her, which marker is now sacredly 
cared for as one of the precious mementoes of my army life. 

The rest of the day was spent in writing letters home to relatives and 
anxious friends and talking over the incidents of the battle, the horrid sights 
where the most desperate fighting took place, the probable conduct and loca- 
tion of the enemy, the prospect of immediate pursuit, the number killed and 
wounded and whether General Lee would reach Virginia with his army. Com- 
pany comrades and tentmates were listening to thrilling stories of brave and 
desperate deeds performed during the battle. Each was sure he had killed 
an officer, and a dozen or more of the enemy. All had been heroic and had 
seen numerous officers and those of the rank and file fall thick and fast as 
volley after volley was poured into General Pickett's approaching battle lines. It 
was impossible for any one to know the precise result of his aim and firing. The 
general result of the firing of the 13th regiment being mostly at short range 
was fatal and many fell, during our rapid and indiscriminate firing. We 
aimed low and the compact front before us in dead and wounded was fearful. 
Most of the boys abandoned the idea of certain knowledge of killing any one. 
Our regiment was pretty quiet all day of the 4th of July. The excitement of 
battle was over and a relapse followed, and we now began to realize how ex- 
hausted and worn out all were. 

The army of the Potomac had been on the march for some eighteen days 
before reaching Gettysburg, and while still on the march a battle was pre- 
cipitated and commenced at day light July ist by General Ambrose P. Hill's 
corps atacking General Buford's cavalry, and under such circumstances, it 
could not be otherwise that all had been urged to the limit of physical endur- 
ance. Not a regiment on the morning of July ,4th in a condition to move out 
across the field to an attack, much less to pursue a wail'.ng and slow retreating 
and now revengful army. 

General Lee's batteries still in position on the crest of Seminary Ridge 
were a significant warning that though defeated, the army was not demoralized 
and routed and were waiting and expecting to be attacked, and did not in 
fact as stated by General Longstreet take up the line of march homeward until 
late in the night of July 4th. The tremendous storm of lightening, thunder 
and rain during the late afternoon and evening of July 4th likely delayed them. 
General Lee's army was in better condition for fighting on the morning of 
July 4th than General Mead's, for it had been resting among the mountains 
before the battle, and the whole Cumberland valley had been requisitioned and 
both man and beast had plenty to eat. 

If all the regiments were as thoroughly worn out and faint with hunger 
as the 13th Vermont (and there is no reason why) then it is certain it would 
have been madness to have assumed the aggressive on the morning of July 4tn 
charged up the slopes of Seminary Ridge into the face of 150 cannon in posi- 
tion ready to fire grape and canister into the ranks of any that might attack 
them. 

General Mead had won a great, important and significant victory, and the 
judgment that resisted the temptation to pursue, placed him among the first 





CORP. SII.AS JolIXSdX, l(). 11, 
1863. 



i'ki;]:ma.\ wilshn. co. h, 
iqo6. 





JOHN TROWNII.I.K, CO. H, 
1900. 



ALFKKD \V. Wl'.r.r., CO. II, 

1904. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 327 

Generals of modern times and at the head of the commanders of the army of the 
Potomac. 

We fixed up our cotton tents as best we could, but the wind and rain 
during the afternoon and night of July 4th was so severe they furnished us 
but little protection, and in the morning we were drenched to the skin. 

A cool breeze came from the west, and the morning sun soon dried our 
clothes and all were now very much refreshed and quite well prepared for any 
duty. Rumors were rife that the whole army would soon be on the move to 
intercept General Lee before he could cross the Potomac. While there was 
much about us to justify the rumors afloat, the army remained in position dur- 
ing the 5th of July except cavalry that was pressing forward, and the 6th 
corps under General Sedgwick moved out on the Hagerstown Road during the 
day of the 5th to find Fairfield Pass strongly fortified and a large force of 
Lee's army present. 

A general move of the army commenced on the morning of the 6th of 
July in hot pursuit, and our brigade now commanded by Colonel Randall took 
up the line of march across the field where we had our most desperate fighting 
with Generals Pickett, Pettigrew, Tremble, Wilcox and Perry's division during 
the last hours of the day of July 3rd, passing the Peach Orchard near where 
we struck the Emmitsburg Pike followed the crest along which Longstreet's artil- 
lery had been located, passing on our left the places since named, the Slaughter 
Pen and Devil's Den, little and big Round Tops and over the field where 
General Lafayette McLaws and John B. Hood's division of Longstreet's corps 
had the desperate fighting on the afternoon of July 2nd to capture Little Round 
Top and against General Sickle's flank and then westerly through fields and 
over Willoughby and Marsh Run to the same road that had brought us to 
Gettysburg on the ist of July, reaching Emmitsburg about mid-day and halted 
for dinner and rest where we bivouacked for the night. We had not been 
urged on this day's march as when marching to Gettysburg, and we had marched 
only some twelve miles and were in very good condition for we were rested 
and now had plenty of hard tack and coffee and all were in high spirits, for 
we the victors were in pursuit of the vanquished which made quite a difference 
in our feelings and more, we knew our time would be out on the loth, and we 
should soon be on our way to Vermont and home. 

Those of our regiment that were counted after the battle as missing (most 
of them) came straggling in after the fighting was over, and before we left 
Gettysburg. Quite a number of these fell out on the last day's march to Gettys- 
burg overcome with heat and fatigue and faint because of thirst and hunger, 
and some when we first heard the roar of cannon were suddenly stricken with 
symptoms of cannon fever, and could not march any further in the direction of 
the battlefield, and some even after arriving at Gettysburg when looking for 
water wandered too far away and lost themselves behind trees, fences and walls 
and the banks of the brooks and forgot to find themselves and return until 
after the fighting was all over. 

John Mollo and Jerry Vincelette of Company K were prostrated with heat 
and fear on the charge at sundown of the second day, and Silas Mozier, of Com- 
pany K during the severest of the cannonading of the last day became so 





MARCUS AlNSWiiIMII. Cn. II. 
1862. 





I.FANDER KIRBY, CO. H 
1904. 



lAKS. CU. U, 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 329 

excited and bewildered that he charged to the rear (instead of to the front) 
in good time, throwing his gun as he ran and returned on the morning we 
started on the march in pursuit of the retreating enemy without a scratch or 
even a bullet hole through his cap, but he had on a new uniform which had 
evidently been exchanged with a dead soldier. Similar examples of dastardly 
conduct were rumored from other companies, perhaps without foundation, and 
only two or three of Company K lacked sufficient courage to face mortal danger 
until the end. Those of Company K thus afHicted were born in Canada and of 
French descent, and yet nearly all of French descent in Co. K, were good fellows 
and as brave and loyal as any in the regiment. The only desertions from Co. 
K were Yankee born, two; one at Brattleboro the next day after muster in, 
and the other after a long sickness when weak in body and mind. There were, so 
far as I know or ever heard of, no native born cowards in the 13th Vermont 
Regiment. Likely it is true that now and then a person found it physically 
impossible to face impending danger like a charge against belching cannon, and for 
such the common soldier who has experienced the desperate charge has much sym- 
pathy. We had one soldier (who had disgraced the uniform he wore) and 
in extenuation of his conduct said that "I had rather be a live coward than a 
dead hero." Few of this kind were found in the ranks of Vermont soldiers. We 
left Emmitsburg early on the morning of the 7th in good marching condition, 
buoyant with hope that we might intercept General Lee's army before it crossed 
the Potomac, for it was said that the heavy rain had so flooded the Potomac that 
it was imposible to cross at the fords. Our line of march this day 
was south down the jMonocacy valley over the same roads that we hurried 
north on the week before and then west over the Catoctin mountain on our 
way to Middletown, Maryland. The roads were muddy and part of the way 
blocked with moving troops of infantry, cavalry and artillery, making progress 
very slow and tiresome a part of the way. 

The march over the mountain of six miles was a hard one, and part of 
the time in the rain. We must have marched more than thirty miles this day 
before stopping for the night, and some were not able to keep up and did not 
reach camp until morning. It was the longest day's march by us made on this 
campaign. We bivouacked on the west slope of the mountain and near its 
base, in an open and very uneven field of pasture land near the highway. It 
was long after dark when our regiment received orders to halt for the night. 
The boys tried to build fires to make coiTee, but the rain had left everything so 
wet a quick fire was impossible, and hard tack with hot coffee was a little late, 
but it was good and now we had plenty. All were tired and as soon as we 
could arrange our shelter tents, laid down on the wet ground with a rubber 
blanket beneath and a cotton shelter tent over head and soon were sound in 
sleep regardless of the storm that burst against the mountain side during the night. 
The night was hot and the rain warm, and some who lay in shallow hollows 
were awakened by a flood of water that came down the mountain dashing and 
tumbling and running over and about us, even into the ears, and mouths of 
some, compelling a change to more elevated ground. 

It was Egyptian darkness and only by the rapid flash of lightning could 
we see in what direction it was safe to move. It so happened that Captain 




1^ 




KDVVARl) K. AISTIN, I'D. 11, 
1868. 



f'DU AUD 1;. Al SIIX. ID. H, 
1907. 





EzivKiEL i'ii:uti:. c(j. ri. 
1862. 



I-'KKGIS CANNON. CO. II. 
1880. 



On the Battlefield of Gettysburg. 331 

Blake and myself slept this night beneath the same shelter tent, and before we 
were aware of it water was running over our feet but this was nothing com- 
pared to what we had endured, and the danger if any was to those down in 
the valley. All were drenched with water, our boots and shoes were full. We 
paid but little attention to this inconvenience and made hasty preparation for 
breakfast which for a change consisted of rain water, coffee, hard tack and 
raw pork, Some, however, with a sharp pointed stick broiled their salt [lork 
in the slow blazing spitting fire and smoke. It was better this way, though 
black with smoke and begrimed with ashes. Notwithstanding our clothes were 
soaked with the rain of the night and previous day, the boys were happy, full 
of fun and cracking jokes, telling funny stories and relating some of the ex- 
periences recently passed through at Gettysburg. The missing during the 
battle who were now back in the ranks listened in silence wlien any reference 
made to Pickett's charge, and I am sure regretted sincerely their absence in 
this important crisis of our seryice and the war. 

The weather cleared and the sun appeared, though late, for we were on 
the west side of the mountain and near its base, but it was unusually welcome 
on this morning for in its warm rays our belongings could be dried, and our 
knapsacks packed for the march of that day. Rumor said the waters of the 
Potomac were high and that General Lee's army could not cross, and there was 
expectation of fighting, and we were to start for Boonsboro over south Moun- 
tain, through Turner's Gap with the rest of the infantry now in the vicinity of 
Middletown. 

This rumor of following up Lee's army did not meet with very hearty ap- 
proval by the 13th regiment, for we knew our time would be out on the loth 
and that there was no pressing need for our regiment to remain in pursuit 
longer. The 12th regiment whose time expired on the 4th uf July had been 
detached and sent home and there seemed no good reason why the 13th should 
not follow, and all expected an order to that effect would be received before 
the loth of July. It was true, however, that the regiment would, to a man 
volunteered to remain as long as there was urgent demand or any danger from 
General Lee's army. It was generally believed that General Lee having reached 
the Potomac with his whole army which was not demoralized and had fortified, 
he would be able to cross on pontoon bridges if the water remained too high 
for fording, and that there was no probability of another general battle north 
of the Potomac. General Lee would fight no more battles away from home 
unless attacked. He had had a new experience and learned an important 
lesson. It was nine o'clock before we started on the march down the steep 
mountain road and as we hastened were as happy, gay and musical as boys 
could be who had proven themselves heroic and victorious in battle, and now 
were on their way home conscious of performing the full measure of duty 
during the time of their service. We soon reached the beautiful little village 
of Middletown, Maryland, nestled beneath the slopes of the Catoctin mountain 
in the lovely and fertile valley between the Catoctin and South Mountain 
and as we had ample reason to believe the homes of brave men and women 
loyal to the stars and stripes, for from many a window and house top waved 
the stars and stripes we had volunteered to defend. The porches and front 




rilOMAS MUUWAV, Cii. u 
KP4- 



CHARLES O. ESTK?, Cn. 11, 





TIIKODDKI'. M. Sl.AVinN. CD. 11, 
1863. 



THEODOKK M. SLAVTDN. i-i). II, 
1908. 



In Pursuit of General Lee and His I 'anguished Army. 333 

yards of tlie 'houses and streets were crowded with lovely girls and beauti- 
ful women who greeted us on every hand with waving handkerchiefs and 
banners, enticing smiles, patriotic songs and hearty cheers. These gaily dressed 
girls reminded us of those over the mountain in Adamstown that captivated 
our hearts when we were on our way up the valley of the Monocacy to Fred- 
erick City in search of the army of Northern Virginia only a few days before. 

We marched through the village and a mile or two beyond into an open 
meadow field commanding a beautiful and extensive view of the country for 
miles around. The Catoctin and South Mountains loomed up to the east and 
west and to the north and south, and as far as the eye could see were cultivated 
fields and farm buildings indicating thrift and contentment. We reached this posi- 
tion during the forenoon and were ordered to rest and prepare for dinner. 

No one found fault with this order for the march of the previous day 
down the valley and over the mountain in rain and mud thirty miles had told 
on our endurance almost to the limit, and we were thankful for the much needed 
rest. The valley seemed filled with troops on the move and we were informed 
the Sixth corps was near by to the north and west, having just arrived. In 
this corps was the first or old Verrhont brigade, and many of our relatives and 
friends were there, and many hastened for permission to go and see them, and 
many did, and quite a large number from the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th regi- 
ments visited our camp while here during the afternoon of July 8th. The old 
veterans and yet many were boys under twenty, had fought under Little Mac 
as they called him in the Peninsular Campaign and at Antietam, and at Fredericks- 
burg and Chancellorsville under Burnside and Hooker, and we welcomed them 
as the heroes of many battles and were right glad to see them again, for we 
too now, could boast of duty done in battle. They heartily congratulated us 
on the record we had made at Gettysburg. The author was one of quite a 
large delegation that visited the camp of the old brigade, especially to see his 
brother of Company C, 5th Vermont Regiment. 

Rumor said that this was our last camp and that orders had been received 
to detach the 13th regiment from the brigade and send it to Vermont to be 
mustered out. 

Hucksters from Middletown village passed through our camp with well 
filled baskets of lucious berries and cherries, pies and cakes, which were tempt- 
ing to all, but few only, could buy because our green backs and scrip were 
pretty much spent on the march to Gettysburg. We could not borrow of our 
comrades, for they too were short, and it would not now do "to adopt the 
requisition plan without pay, and besides the inhabitants here were loyal and 
their rights must not be infringed upon. Even Hi Smith, Jim Burns, Dick, 
Hatch or Ed. Curry of Company K did not attempt to appropriate from the 
women and children that peddled in our camp. We were furnished by the 
commissariat hard tack and other rations in abundance of good quality, and 
there was no occasion now to even buy and no possible excuse for stealing, 
and none did steal. 

The rumor of being detached was soon verified by Colonel Randall who 
came riding in among his regiment, having turned over the command of the 
brigade to Colonel Veazey of the i6th regiment. There was no longer doubt as 





ADO.NIKAM U'DSDX STOXK, CO. II, 



1863. 



ADOXIKAM jfDSON STON.E, CO. H, 

i8q8. 





SETH A. MOOKi;. CO. H, 
1862. 



w Ai. 11:1; i;l KKi;, CO. II, 

1862. 



In Pursuit of General Lee and His Vanquished Army. 335 

to the direction of our next day's march. Late in the afternoon came orders to 
be ready -to march early the next morning over the mountain to Frederick City 
and to Monocacy Junction to take cars for Baltimore. Every face now beamed 
with hope and every tongue spoke words of joy because of the welcome news 
that the next day's march would find us on our way home where we knew 
an affectionate welcome awaited our coming. 

Our camp was soon a lively scene, for the boys of the 14th, 15th and i6th 
came to bid us good by, and good luck, and expressed the hope they would soon 
follow. We now speedily closed the hastily written letters with the news that 
we were on the way home. Our knapsacks were now packed with care, our 
haversacks supplied with rations for the long anticipated journey. The 
veteran boys of the old brigade having learned of our home going came in 
squads to congratulate us on our record made at Gettysburg and to send 
messages home and bid us farewell, and at the same time expressing encourag- 
ing prospects that the war would soon be over. 

General Lee had met his first. Waterloo, and was disappointed and humili- 
ated, and his valiant army had experienced its first real and substantial defeat, 
and were now endeavoring to escape across the Potomac up the Shennandoah 
Valley through the Blue Ridge Gaps across the Rappahannock into the valley 
of Northern Virginia back home to rest, reflect and plan for the future. 

The boys of the old brigade ardently expressed high hopes that they too 
would soon be marching home. That last afternoon and evening of camp life 
was full of hope, joy and recurring anticipations of plans made before we 
volunteered. The uncertainties of war during the previous nine months had 
firmly held in obeyance all hope of realization of laudable and ambitious plans 
so ardently cherished before we decided to serve our country as soldiers. Now 
as we were about to leave the army and return to civil life new questions came 
rushing in for consideration ; ought we to re-enlist and continue in the service 
until peace was declared, or having served our full term of enlistment and 
rendered faithful and valuable service could we say that we had experienced 
the hardships and dangers of strenuous warfare and performed our duty to 
country and justify returning to the fulfilment of individual preparation for 
the responsibilities of civil life. The subject of future action had often been a 
topic of conversation and some had said they should re-enlist but nearly all 
preferred to return home and then decide. All must remember how happy we 
were that last evening in camp, how the army songs rang out with unusual 
spirit and emotion, with what zeal and feeling the whole regiment sang "John 
Brown's body is marching on." We were for a moment lost to every thought 
and care of the gory fields of Gettysburg, and the struggles for victory and 
restoration of the Union, thinking now only of home and its associations. The 
song, jest, and merry laugh and animated conversation awakened the sentiment 
of anticipations so long dormant, and renewed the hope of all, officers and 
rank and file alike. This night in camp was unlike any we had experienced, 
unusual buoyancy and gladness pervaded every heart and we laid down for 
rest and sleep anxious for the coming day. There was much moving of 
troops and commotion about during the night indicating a general advance of 
the armv, but we knew our next march would be toward the Green Hills and 




MAKiTs i)i:.Mi:Kn'. cci. u, 

IIJOJ. 



Rcturnimj Home from the li'ar. 337 

fertile valleys of our native state, and we slept on, dreaming of loved ones 
left behind inlpatiently waiting our return. It was not expected at this time 
that General Lee and his army could be captured or hindered from crossing 
the Potomac, and nothing further of any importance in this campaign was 
likely to be accomplished, and therefore we of the 13th had no particular desire 
to follow in the wake of t'-'e retreating army of General Lee. 

Before the morning sun began to light up the eastern sky the boys were 
up making preparations for breakfast and for the march over Catoctin Moun- 
tain to Frederick City and then to Monocacy Junction to take the cars for 
Baltimore homeward bound. The hour for breaking camp was fixed at seven 
o'clock in the morning and all planned accordingly. Knapsacks were carefully 
looked over, arranged and packed for the homeward march, haversacks were 
filled with rations, our uniforms, straps and guns cleaned and brushed up as 
best we could under the circumstances. We were at this time a pretty seedy, 
dirty, hard looking set of soldiers, and our pride was aroused now that we were 
to journey through Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, New Haven and then 
up the Connecticut valley, through Springfield where we saw so many pretty 
girls when on our way to Washington in October before, and we did our best 
to improve our appearance. 

We had been on the march and in battle for fifteen days in sunshine and 
storm, mud and dust, camping down on the ground wherever overtaken by 
night, no oportunity or time to wash up or change underwear, sleeping all dressed 
ready to respond at a moment's warning to the long roll or the roll call, and 
it is no wonder that some of the boy's fouid grey backs, (body lice) on their 
persons at the end of the march, but we were soon rid of these busy crawling, 
biting grey backs, and then we could sleep in peace. Some of us left our 
underwear behind for it was too much alive for use or comfort. It was 
quite a common thing to find grey backs and woodticks on our person, and it 
was no disgrace, but to keep them was. 

The, morning meal was finished, knapsacks packed ready to be thrown 
across the shoulders and strapped and buckled on, haversacks and canteens 
well supplied and all were ready long before the hour more anxious than ever 
to take up the line of march. It was a lovely morning, and the hills and moun- 
tains that held the valley and the thousands of soldiers moving westward over 
the mountain towards Sharpsburgh and Boomsboro and where the army of 
Northern Virginia were held at bay by the high waters of the Potomac in 
front and General Mead's menacing army in the rear. All made an inspiring 
and attractive sight and the boys expressed the wish to follow the old Ver- 
mont brigade as it passed us on its way in pursuit, thinking there was some 
probability of capture of General Lee and his army, and were desirous of being 
present at the surrender that some believed at hand. 

We had to retrace our steps back near Middletown in order to reach the 
national road leading easterly over the Catoctin Mountain to Frederick City 
and by so doing we met the old \'ermont Brigade now commanded by General 
Louis A. Grant who had been dubbed by the boys who loved and admired him 
and his heroic courage as "Aunt Lydia." They were on their way over South 




uK\ l^ I'. K' l^ i,i,>, ro. u, 
1862. 






Rri-TS II. SI.ANTiiN. to. II 
1864. 



AIRA lA I'liKI). CO. II, 
lX()_'. 



Returning Home from the War. 339 

Mountain through Turner's Gap to Boonsboro and the valley of Antietam 
then filled with General Lee's army waiting to cross the Potomac. 

Our friends in the old brigade congratulated us because so soon again 
to see the green hills of Vermont and home and friends and by us they sent 
mesages to their friends. We waited for them to pass and then marched 
in the opposite direction through Middletown village ascending the mountain 
some miles east of Middletown. And this march was over and not through 
any natural gap in the mountain. The road over had been made at great expense 
and with care, and in the ascent run along the mountain side quite a number 
of miles gradually ascending before reaching the top in order to make a pass- 
able highway. As we ascended from the valley a grand panoramic view con- 
tinuously passed before us changing and expanding as we climbed the mountain 
side. The valley that we had just left in addition to being dressed in Nature's 
best was now covered with a great army in camp and moving cavalry, infantry 
and artillery and white cotton covered wagons loaded with supplies, parked 
here and there in the valley below moving across and up and down towards 
Harper's Ferry. We reached the top about noon and there we were halted 
for rest and refreshment. It had been a long hard climb, the weather was hot 
and our progress was slow meeting troops hurrying forward in pursuit of 
General Lee's army. We rested for about an hour and though on our way 
home were slow to leave the attractive scenes of the valley, streams and moun- 
tains behind. As we looked southwest down and across the valley not more 
than twenty miles as the crow flies was Harper's Ferry, Va.. situated on the 
Peninsula made by the Potomac and the Shennandoah rivers in and among the 
mountains of Blue Ridge. We could see and tell its location by Maryland, 
Louden and Boliver Heights which loomed up to view and then and there in- 
voluntarily the book of memory opened and we began to read some of its more 
important history. And first, and the most far reaching in its consequences in 
relation to humanity and national crime was American Slavery, the doom of 
which was hastened by the thrilling episode connected with John Brown, who 
on the 17th of October, 1859, with his sons, five negroes and others entered 
Harper's Ferry, seized the LTnited States Armory and Arsenal with the devowed 
purpose of freedom to the colored race held in bondage. The overt and foolish 
act inspired by John Brown, a brave, heroic- and courageous man because of 
his solicitude for his fellowmen in bondage aroused suddenly the nation and in 
fact was the first gun fired that precipitated and hastened the war of the Rebellion 
and accomplished what John Brown sought to do, the freedom of the slaves 
and destruction of American Slavery. 

A strange coincidence occurred here on this momentous occasion. Colonel 
Robert E. Lee, Lieutenant J. E. B. Stuart then ofiicers in the regular army of 
the United States were hastened from Washington to Harper's Ferry to sup- 
press a reported insurrection and protect government property. Colonel R. E. 
Lee and Lieutenant J. E. B. Stuart became later the most distinguished and 
able Generals of the Confederate army. They led the attack that resulted in 
the death of two of John Brown's sons and others, and the hanging of John 
Brown on December 2nd, 1859'. To the everlasting credit of Lieutenant J. E. B. 
Stuart it can be said he endeavored to convince John Brown of the utter folly 




CIIARI.K? ADAMS. 1,'u. H 
1895. 



Returning Home from the War. 341 

of his mission and urged him to surrender and avoid capture by force and the 
shedding of blood. While the fire still burned among the ruins of Fort 
Sumter a plan was consummated at Richmond to capture the Arsenal and its 
contents and shops at Harper's Ferry on the i8th of April, 1861. General 
Harper in command of the state militia by the direction of Governor Letcher 
marched in and took possession of the Arsenal, work shops and their contents. 
And it was here in the first week of Alay, 1861, that Thomas J. Jackson after- 
wards called Stonewall Jackson first appeared on the theatre of actual warfare 
and took charge of his first command which was Virginia militia, and here too 
Lieutenant J. E. B. Stuart, the greatest of cavalry leaders of the army of 
Virginia and Confederate forces, received his first command as Lieutenant Col- 
onel, and was here assigned to his first duty by General Jackson (Stonewall Jack- 
son) in May, 1861. 

It was at the battle of First Bull Run that General Jackson was given the 
sobriquet of Stonewall Jackson by General Lee because his brigade stood as 
solid as a stonewall when General Lee's troops were fleeing in fear to the 
rear of a stone bridge. This name passed from the brigade to its commander 
and he was ever after called Stonewall Jackson. 

Harper's Ferry was the scene of early active operations of both Federal 
and Rebel forces being on the Potomac that was the natural as well as the 
political boundry lines between the loyal and the so called Rebel States. 

General Joseph P. Johnston came to Harper's Ferry in May, 1861, and took 
command, and here Johnston and Jackson remained organizing an army until 
the battle of First Bull Run, July 21, 1861, and it was from this vicinity that 
they hastened to General Beauregard's assistance to save the day and win the 
battle of First Bull Run, or battle of Manassas, as called by Confederate His- 
torians. 

Harper's Ferry again loomed up into much controversal importance because 
of the surrender by Colonel Dixon S. Miles soon after General Pope's defeat 
at Second Bull Run battle August 29th, 30th and 31st, curiously enough by 
circumstances the 9th Vermont having been hastily enrolled, organized and sent 
to Washington were within thirty days from muster into the L^nited States 
service placed on the front line near Winchester, Virginia midst the scenes of 
most strenuous ofTensive, manoeuvering and operations on the part of Colonel 
Lee following his victory over General McClellan on the Peninsula before 
Richmond. 

General White in whose command was the 9th \'ermont on the approach 
of General Lee's army on orders retreated from Winchester to Harper's Ferry 
and here because of neglect of General McClellan again in command of the 
army of the Potomac were General White and Colonel Miles with their com- 
mands left until surrounded by the advance of General Lee's army, and were 
rather disgracefully surrendered by Colonel Dixon S. Miles to the great disgust of 
Colonel Stannard and his regiment. Some of the ist Vermont Cavalry fought 
their way out and Colonel Stannard would have done the same if given per- 
mission. 

The battle of Antietam, fought immediately after this surrender ofifered no 
consolation to the \'ermonters of the 9th then on their way across Maryland 
to a parole camp at Annapolis. Maryland. 





ISAM KI.MI;AI.L, (.11. II. 

1862. 



CORP. DORM.W LONNKKS. CO. 11. 
1861. 





Returning Home from the War. 343 

Colonel Stannard was mad because Colonel Miles surrendered and would 
not allow him an opportunity to attempt to fight his way out of Harper's Ferry. 

The boys of the 13th were quite familiar with all that had occurred in and 
about Harper's Ferry from John Brown's invasion to free the slaves held in 
bondage down to the time we were on the top of the Cotoctin Mountain watch- 
ing the moving troops in the direction of Harper's Ferry to intercept General 
Lee's army from crossing the Potomac and reaching Virginia, hoping at least 
that this campaign would be so disastrous as to end the war. We had heard 
how Colonel Miles surrendered and what General Stannard then Colonel of the 
9th said to him on the occasion, and we were sorry that our brave commander 
had been wounded at Gettysburg and was not present with his brigade march- 
ing now towards Harper's Ferry. All these incidents passed rapidly through 
our minds as we sat on the mountain top on that noon day, July 9th, 1863, 
lunching from our haversacks on our way to Fredericks City and Monocacy 
Junction. It was no wonder that when the order came to fall in the boys all 
along the line involuntarily commenced to sing the familiar lines "John Brown's 
body lies moulding in the grave," as it seemed to me with more fervor and 
great emotion than ever before. 

Harper's Ferry was less than twenty miles away and the gentle wind from 
the southwest that floated over among us seemed to be still laden with an inspira- 
tion of dauntless courage and solicitude for those in bondage of this grand old 
man who suffered martyrdom on an ignominous scaffold at Charlestown, Va., 
December 2nd, 1859. John Brown was indicted and tried for murder and 
treason, but in the broader sense he was not guilty of either. Men of like 
mould who were not afraid to die and were willing to lay down life on the 
altar of right saved the Union in its mighty struggle for existence. 

The author has no desire to burden the reader with opinions that are remote 
from the subject at hand. We continued our march across the mountain and 
down its eastern slopes in a zig zag course to the valley below arriving at Fred- 
ericks City, Maryland late in the afternoon. We marched into the city by the 
same road that we had marched out ten days before on our way north. Just 
before we reached the city, perhaps a mile outside, a rumor run through the 
regiment that the same sweet singer that sang patriotic songs in our camp while 
at East Capitol Hill, Washington, D. C, and who sang as you must remember 
a piece which ended in the chorus "From many a spire in Richmond" had been 
convicted as a spy and was now hanging by the neck to a tree nearby. It was 
intimated at the time that he was in our camp he might be a spy, and some of 
us who remembered him well and what was said and who listened to him, bought 
his songs and sent them home, were curious enough to fall out and go into the 
open fields some sixty rods back from the road where stood a large apple tree 
where it was said he was still hanging, to investigate and see if the fellow who 
had been caught and found guilty as a spy the day before was really the same 
fellow. Quite a number went out to see, the author with the rest. We found 
a man dressed in citizen's clothes on the ground, a rope around his neck, but 
some one had cut the rope by shooting and the man lay as he fell. His size 
and general looks justified the claim that he was the same man that we saw in 
our camp on East Capitol Hill in October. 1862. There was no doubt but what 





THOMAS 1. SLAVTDN', ic i. H. 



C.UKC.OKV I-LOOD, CO. H, 
1880. 





HENRY FASSETT, CO. 11, 
1863. 



HKNRV FASSETT, CO. H, 
1C)06. 



Rctitvniny Home from the War. 345 

he was a Rebel spy and therefore had justly earned the punishment inflicted. 
We hastened awav from the gruesome sight, overtook our regiment before it 
reached the city. 

Troops had been passing through the city for many days, night and day, 
and yet windows and piazzas, front yards and walks were covered with the 
curious to see us pass, and many anxiously inquired who we were, where we 
had been and where bound. If we had been in the fight at Gettysburg, and 
some, yes many, seemed equally interested to converse with us because we 
were first from the field of battle and victory to pass through their city. We 
recognized again and passed by Barbara Frietchie's old home and all now 
seemed to understand that in the dwelling so long her home was the vacant 
chair. The whole regiment respectfully and silently passed by with uncovered 
heads at the sound of muffled drums. It was evident from expression and 
appearance that many there, were disappointed because of the defeat of General 
Lee and his army. Others were making demonstrations of joy and gratification 
by clapping of hands, patriotic songs, waving of flags and handkerchiefs and 
hearty cheers, and not a few pressed forward and took us by the hand and 
feelingly expressed their appreciation for what had been accomplished at 
Gettysburg and seemed happy over the privilege of grasping the hand of the 
boys that had taken part in that great battle. The whole city was out to see 
and greet us, and it seemed to me there were more loyal citizens now than 
when we passed through on our way to Gettysburg ten days before. The girls 
in short dresses gave us posies, the maidens roses and their sweet smiles, the 
boys gave us fruit, and the matrons cake and coiTee and all vied with each 
other in expressions of good will. 

Quite a number of the boys stopped to make love to the girls they could 
not pass by, and were left behind, for as you know we were on our way to 
Monocacy Junction and must reach there before dark to take passage for Balti- 
more. Though I believe Colonel Randall did halt the regiment for thirty 
minutes just after we passed through the city to give his boys (as he always 
called us) a chance to see the sights — the girls, and buy knicknacks, etc., before 
leaving the city. Yes, the boys wanted to buy, but most of us had spent our 
last shin plaster on our march up the valley and we could not buy and it would 
not now do to practice army tricks and habits in what now appeared to be a 
loyal city. We spent a very pleasant hour on this our second visit in their city. 

We finaly reached Frederick or Monocacy Junction just before sundown 
jaded out from the long hard march over the mountain of twenty miles or 
more, but with few stragglers, though some were lame because of slight wounds 
received in battle and the exhausted march to Gettysburg, none complained. 
Lieutenant Albert Clark of Company G and Sergeant James Halloway of Com- 
pany K limped all the way from Gettysburg and Emmitsburg to Monocacy 
Junction, but nothing less than the shooting away of a foot would deter such 
men from remaining with the regiment in the performance of duty to the end. 
I could not avoid observing some of Company K (likely not so in other com- 
panies) that lagged behind and fell out before we reached the battlefield, they 
were now the best on the march of any, and really showed the best endurance 
and anxiety to reach the goal (home). They uttered not a word of complaint 




Home of Mrs. W'ilcoxson near Camp Wolf Run Shoals, \'a., where Lieut. 
Carmi L. Marsh was sick January and February, 1863. 



Returning Home from the War. 347 

or faltered in the march from Gettysburg to Monocacy Junction. It does 
make a difference now and then in soldiers whether marching to or from battle. 
All are not born courageous, and I sincerely believe it to be impossible 
for such to face belching cannon or make the desperate charge. Such should 
never volunteer as soldiers. 

As a complete illustration of this view, one of the best officers in our 
regiment, likely the best educated and polished gentleman of any and well liked 
by all who knew him fitted for the position he held with the single and most 
important exception, namely, courage ; the sound of cannon and prospect of 
battle involuntarily prostrated him so he could not go into action. He had 
my pity, and in some degree my sympathy, for I knew full well one must bring 
to his aid the very best element of manly courage, fortitude and devotion or 
else he could not deliberately march into battle, facing grape and canister and 
hand to hand struggle. 

The boys for the present had finished their marching and all were now in 
the best of temper and seemed happy and jovial though ragged and tired. We 
had arrived at the railroad station, and the last day's march was at an end, we 
were thankful and were soon to take the cars for Baltimore. We had a right 
to manifest happiness for we were soon to see home and friends and as a regi- 
ment had performed manfully every duty, and accomplished as much in a 
single hour at Gettysburg as some regiments that followed the flag wherever 
duty called during their term of enlistment. We had maintained the well 
earned reputation of Vermont soldiers and were justly proud of our conduct 
in General Pickett's great charge and there fully vindicated the right to be 
called after our ancestral heroes as the Green Mountain Boys of 1861, 1865. 
At Monocacy Junction we indififerently lunched from the contents of our haver- 
sacks, realizing that likely it was the last supper on army rations, with ground 
for tables and chairs, and haversacks, canteens, tin plates and cups, iron knives, 
forks and spoons for dishes. We had become used to this manner of eating 
and were somewhat attached to its simplicity and rude and careless etiquette, 
and truly a sentiment of peculiar feeling had developed around our camp fires 
during our term of service that now as we sat around eating our last meal in 
true army style all grew sad and reflective to think though on our way home 
the ties that had bound us together stronger and stronger each day must now 
be severed, and that the chain of comradeship each link of which had been 
cemented around the camp fires, on the weary march, the lonely vigils of the 
picket line and on the battlefield must for the present be broken and dear 
comrades parted with, perhaps forever, and we deeply regretted the parting 
and almost wished it might continue a little longer till the war was over, which 
we then believed, some of us, would soon be declared. 

The back bone of the Rebellion had been broken at Gettysburg, and even 
the common soldiers could now plainly see the end of the war and the restora- 
tion of the Union. 

General Lee and his mighty and valiant army, the flower of the veterans 
of the Confederate soldiers had met with an overwhelming defeat and likely 
now for the first time began to realize they were not invincible, and might yet 
be compelled to abandon their high hopes of a new and independent govern- 





CAl'T. JOHN M. THATCHER, CO. I, 
1862. 



LIiaiT. CHARI.KS U. I'.ANCROFT, CO. I, 
1862. 



..4«v?vi-^i;*S*'v. 




LIEUT. SAMUEL F. PRENTISS, CO. I, 
1862. 



LIEUT. JAMES S. PECK, CO. I, 
1862. 



Returning Huiuc fvoni the IVar. 349 

ment with the wicked, cruel and disgracefid institution of human slavery, as 
the chief corner stone of its foundation. 

Humiliation and disgrace, as they looked upon it, had come like a clap of 
thunder from a cloudless sky, at Gettysburg, and the rank and file no longer 
relied on the assurances given, and promises made, that the Yankee army, 
the mud sills of the north, were hirelings and not their equal in battle, and would 
surely be concjuered and surrender and the Confederate government would 
establish a new order of things and distribute munificently to those engaged 
in the war of the Rebellion the wealth of the northern states. All such ground- 
less and foolish inducements held out which had long been used to maintain 
the morale among their ariTiies, Gettysburg had convinced them were not good 
and reliable, and all from Jeff Davis down, that could read the lessons of the 
last campaign saw the handwriting on the wall that foretold the doom of the 
Confederate cause and government in the near future. No profit or seer 
needed to be summoned to interpret their hopes and dreams of conquest and 
glory, wealth and ease, and the enthraldom of a race of people in slavery for- 
ever. All such high hopes in a single hour vanished in the valley of Plum Run, 
Gettysburg, July 3rd, 1863, forever. 

It was not long after reaching Monocacy Junction that it was announced 
"No transportation cars ready to convej' us to Baltimore", not a passenger 
car anywhere to be seen. Only a few old dirty cattle cars here and there 
about the station could any where be found. Colonel Randall was indignant 
and wrought up to a condition bordering on the verge of wrath and profanity 
because no preparation for passage to Baltimore. He had urged his regiment 
from Middletown over the mountain, through the mud, tropical sun in order 
to reach there at a given time, being assured transportation would be in waiting. 
When the Colonel was aroused he was not slow to express his disappointment 
in strong terms, never lacked adjectives to give vent to his feelings of disgust 
and disappointment, and when he was told that the old nasty cattle cars nearby 
were provided and to be used for taking his regiments to Baltimore, he was 

mad and said it was a shame to ask his boys to ride like cattle in such 

old cars, dirty and nasty from recent use in bringing cattle to the army, after 

having been on the march and in battle every day for fifteen days and be 

if he would submit to it ; would sooner march to Baltimore than be crowded 
helter skelter and be obliged to stand up or wallow in the dirt and offal that 
covered not only the floor but sides of the cars; that his boys would march 
home to Vermont if necessary before riding in cars besmeared with manure, 
hair, mud, etc., and all were dangerous cars besides, li his regiment must ride 
in a box and half open cars he wanted some that were safe and decent His 
boys had fought at Gettysburg and did not propose to have them killed now by 
cars. It was soon evident that those in charge of the cars did not like the way 
Colonel Randall expressed his pent up contempt and his threat to ask for 
better cars and began to stir to see what could be done. In the course of an 
hour or so some very good looking box cars came in from the east and into 
these we piled bag and baggage fifty or more in each car no seats only the 
floor. We sat our guns up in the corners and made seats of our knapsacks, 
those that had any, and we were on our wav to Baltimore soon after dark. We 




SERGT. GEORGE W. BLANCHARD. CO. I, 
1862. 



SERGT. GEORGE W. BLANCHARD, CO. I, 
1880. 



Returnimj Home from the War. 351 

stood up and sat down with our backs against the side of the cars as suited 
us best. The road was rough ^nd we could not stand without holding on or 
standing against the sides of the cars, but we were quite content for it was 
better than marching in the mud and hot sun and any kind of a car was a 
palace compared to what we had had for sleeping quarters for the last fifteen 
days. Some of the boys remarked it was all right for it would not be healthy 
to change from marching to riding in good passenger cars too suddenly, and 
that we were on our way home and not as particular as when we first entered 
the service. 

As we journeyed all joined in telling stories and cracking jokes and relat- 
ing experiences of march and battle, and some by what they said, had already 
began to build air castles and plan again for the future. It was a slow rough 
ride, but far better than marching and carrying your own baggage. We arrived 
at Ellicott City, Maryland after mid-night and here we were delayed for con- 
siderable time in waiting for moving trains and for orders, however, we reached 
Baltimore before day-light fully satisfied that that journey was at an end. We 
stacked arms on the platform of the depot and anxiously waited for day-light 
and the opening of the bakers and other shops of the city. Some of the boys 
had carefully hoarded up a few dollars to be used in case of necessity, and 
many of the regiment were in a condition as to food and raiment that demanded 
immediate attention. Haversacks and stomachs were empty and shirts and 
underwear dirty, not having had a chance to wash and change since we left 
Camp Carusi, Va., June 25th, and quite a number threw away their extra 
shirts, socks and drawers on the march thinking what they had on would answer 
until a battle was reached, and some likely would not need another. Going 
so long without changing was rather bad business, for body lice, or gray backs 
as we called them, took up their abode on our persons which made us anxious 
to buy an extra shirt and find a bath house. 

The little money we had was soon spent, but we came out of the bath 
houses and barber shops so changed in appearance that even tentmates hardly 
recognized each other. It was a relief to be rid of dirty tattered under gar- 
ments as well as body lice. We left our discarded clothes in the bath rooms, 
having no further use for them or what was on them that had taken refuge in 
the seams and folds while camping on the old camp grounds on our way to 
Gettysburg. 

We spent the day in Baltimore cleaning up and doing our best to improve 
our general appearance and comfort. Rations of coffee an soft bread were 
furnished during the day which answered all right, and it was in fact an im- 
provement on what we had for the last ten days, and all were satisfied. Those 
who had green backs and scrip bought pies, gingerbread and cakes, and lemon- 
ade and beer to wash it down. 

Permission was given to visit places of interest in the city with the injunc- 
tion to be back in two hours, for we expected to start for Philadelphia on short 
notice. We were on our way home and there was no danger of stragglers, for 
it left behind no money to pay fares. We had not forgotten what had occurred 
in this city thus far during the war, and had no desire to travel about the city 




SKKC.T. AI.l'KKll I'.. TlUiMI'SnX, C( i. I. 



1863. 



SERGT. ASA C. ATHKRTi iN'. Co. I, 
1862. 





SERGT. CHARLES L. \ ARM-.\ , CO. I, 
1862. 



SERGT. CIIAKLES C. VARiN'EY, CO. I, 
1864. 



Rctinitiiiij Home from the War — at Baltimore. 353 

or mingle with the inhabitants, a majority of whom were at heart in sympathy 
with the cause of the Rebellion. 

Baltimore during the war was full of rebel spies and Confederate sym- 
pathizers and our trips about the city were in squads as a precaution. We 
were not afraid, but preferred not to have a clash with any one, for we were 
not in a temper to take back talk from man or woman that hoped for the 
defeat of our armies and overthrow of the Union. 

To our disappointment we remained in Baltimore over night waiting for 
Surgeon Nichols to arrive from Washington with those that had been sent to 
Washington and Alexandria into the hospital before we started on the march. 
We left Baltimore on the evening of the ith and reached Philadelphia in the 
early morning of the 12th. All had lotted on a visit once more to the Quaker 
City, for the handsome cordial treatment and sumptuous supper given us when 
we passed through on our way to Washington just nine months before was 
still fresh in memory. 

No one doubted that a nice breakfast was waiting for us at the same old 
stand, though regiments often a number each day had been passing through 
Philadelphia during the last year to and from the seat of war and not one but 
what was furnished a good square meal, kind treatment and encouragement 
by the loyal citizens of that patriotic city. The first women of the city waited 
upon us at the tables and with sympathetic hearts and earnest solicitations made 
inquiry as to our health and our part at Gettysburg and eagerly listened to 
our stories of the great battle. We sat long at the sumptuous laden and attrac- 
tive tables for we were hungry and it was the first time we had sat down to a 
table to eat since we left their city October I2th, nine months before, on our 
way to the front. We had been on short rations for fifteen days and army 
fare too, and it is no wonder that we did ample justice to the luxurious spread 
before us. 

The regiment made a record here too, for capacity and attention. Our 
deeds on the battlefield at Gettysburg reached Philadelphia before us and 
especial attention and hearty congratulations were accorded. They gave us 
fruit and boquets and cheered us as we passed through their streets. 

The 13th Vermont was the first regiment that passed throught their city 
that was in the fight at Gettysburg, and their manifestation of joy and satis- 
faction for victory and the driving of General Lee and his great marauding 
army from their state they seemed to appreciate, and tried in every possible 
way by words and deeds to show how grateful they were for the signal defeat 
of the rebellious hosts of the Confederacy. 

We certainly appreciated this warm and hearty reception and left the city 
feeling that we had not volunteered in vain. 

We arrived at Jersey City a little past noon happy and refreshed neither 
tired nor hungry. We had not however forgotten the sight, smell, and taste 
of the soup they fed us on, when we passed through this city on our way to 
Washington. There was not a soldier in the regiment that had any desire for 
Jersey Soup or Jersey food of any kind. We roved about a little while wait- 
ing for the boat, to take us up the sound to New Haven, Conn., and finally 
went aboard the steamboat just before sundown and for some reason did not 





SERCT. MASON P. CAKPKNTKR, CO. I, SERl.T. CIIRISTOI'IIKR PUTNAM, CO. 1, 

K)06. I()06. 




SERGT. WALLACE II. PALLOU, CO. I, 

War time or soon after. 



CORP. GEORGE H. DAVIS, CO. I, 
1865. 



Rctitniiiiy Hume from tlic JVar — at Jcrsry City. 355 

leave until the next morning. We had expected to wake up at New Haven, 
but it was all right and far better for we rode the harbor and up the sound 
by day, which was interesting and attractive all the way. We saw the numerous 
craft in New York harbor and beautiful shores as we passed up the sound to 
New Haven where we arrived in due season anxious to be on our way home- 
ward. Our destination first was Brattleboro, Vt., to be mustered out, and all 
seemed in a hurry to be on the way up the Connecticut valley though some 
because of worn out tattered dirty uniforms anxious for a change, and yet I 
am confident nearly all were proud to say this is the uniform I wore in the 
battle at Gettysburg. 

The Great Eastern, the largest leviathan that had ever rode the sea was an 
object of attraction and admiration then in New York harbor, and we passed 
quite near to it on our way out. It was so large that all others looked like 
pygmies in comparison. We had heard and read of it and to see it was an 
unexpected privilege. The journey up the sound was delightful, and all were 
thankful for the delay because the trip was in day light. We arrived at New 
Haven, Conn., about noon. The journey up the sound by steamboat gave us 
a pleasant ride on the water, and all were now ready and anxious to take the 
cars that would with greater speed hasten us up the Connecticut valley where 
we could once more rest our eyes on the Green Hills and fertile valleys of our 
dear old Green Mountain State. Our delay at New Haven was short and 
interesting. It was in the night time when we passed through on our way to 
Washington the October before. 

Our home coming had been announced in the newspapers, and every hamlet, 
village and city we passed through were out in great numbers waving handker- 
chiefs and flags and with smiles and cheers enthusiastically welcomed us on our 
way home. Some of the boys claimed they saw the same girls they made love 
to when we passed through on our way to join the army. It mattered not how 
strong our inclination to respond to the urgent invitations to stop, we were 
now on our way home where lived our girls who had anxiously waited our 
return, and besides we had not a cent in our pockets and did not look very 
neat and tidy. Quite a number regretted because they had agreed and pledged 
that they would surely stop on their return from the war. The same fair 
maidens were out waiting and watching to welcome those who stole their hearts 
when on their way to Join Uncle Sam's army, but time and circumstances were 
now different. We reached Springfield, Mass. about eight o'clock between 
sundown and darkness, and here as before we made quite a long stop. The 
wheels had hardly ceased to turn before the cars were filled with loyal citizens, 
lovely girls with baskets of ham sandwiches, pies and cakes, and pails with hot 
coffee and freely gave us all we wanted, and the boys cheered and thanked 
them for their kindness and generosity. These were the same that so bounti- 
fully supplied us with refreshments when we passed through their city on our 
way to fight in the army. 

General Stannard's charge against General Pickett's charging columns on 
the last day and hour of the day of the bloody battle of Gettysburg had been 
heralded by the press throughout the land and the 13th Vermont Regiment of 
General Stannard's brigade and its heroic conduct was even now a familiar 





cdur. cHAKLi:s ii. uiiEui:, co. i, 
1862. 



coKr. ciiAKi.r.s II. r.Kr.Di:. co. i, 
1906. 





• 



CORP. .AUGUSTUS L. FISIIKR, CO. I, 
1862. 



CORP. .AUGUSTUS L. FISHER, CO. I, 
1897. 



Kctiiniiiu/ Home from the War. — N eiv Haven to Brattlcboro. 35;^ 

story in every patriotic home of New England, and hence the unusual demon- 
strations as we journeyed homeward. It was a continuous ovation from New 
Haven to Brattleboro, every town and city seemed vieing with each other in 
their efforts of appreciation. We reached Brattleboro, Vt., just before mid- 
night and to our great surprise the whole town seemed to be at the depot waiting 
and as we rolled into the station cheer upon cheer expressed the hearty welcome 
to their own Green ■Mountain Boys now fresh from the battlefield of Gettys- 
burg. 

Governor Holbrook and Adjutant General Washburn and Colonel Blunt 
with the I2th regiment (which had arrived a few days beforej were out and 
with torches and music and banners gave us a royal welcome, and escorted us 
to camp Lincoln to the music "Home Sweet Home," "Yankee Doodle Dandy'V 
etc., and after the reception were assigned to the same barracks we occupied 
when waiting to be mustered in as soldiers the October previous. Some of the 
boys selected the same bunks that they occupied before. It was considerable 
after mid-night before we were ready to lie down for the night. All were 
now tired, not from marching, but from want of sleep, excitement and sight 
seeing on our home journey. Not a word of complaint now made because 
only bare boards for beds. These bunks for sleeping quarters were luxuries 
compared to what we had had, and were obliged to be contented with while in 
the service in good buildings and up from the ground where neither woodticks 
nor black snakes could crawl in during the night. We were now for the first 
time since we left camp on the Occoquan, June 25th, given a comfortable place 
to sleep and rest with assurance that neither long roll, bugle call or booming 
cannon would disturb our slumbers or dreams of home and the dear ones we 
longed to see. 

We were now far away from the strife of contending armies. No vigil- 
ance required on the picket line, and we slept the sleep of the warrior returned 
who had faithfully and courageously performed his whole duty, having served 
his term of enlistment and returned with the grateful appreciation of his state 
and country for distinguished service in the greatest and most important battle 
of the civil war, Gettysburg. We left the state for the front, expecting to 
participate in the sanguinary struggles for the supression of the Rebellion and 
preservation of the Union, realizing the dangers attending life, in the then 
great struggle before us, and every care, ambition, hope of success, pursuit of 
happiness in the avenues of civil life were for the time being held in check 
and our thoughts, anxiety and lives fully fconsecrated and devoted to the cause 
that induced us to volunteer, and now that we had returned having survived 
the arduous duties of soldiers in active warfare and desperate and sanguinary 
struggle for the right and again permitted to breathe the pure air and look 
upon the green hills of our native state, and again to open the book of aspira- 
tion and ambition where we shut it just nine months before, it is no wonder 
that our sleep on this first night in camp Lincoln on our return was sweet and 
sound and that our dreams again were of noble aspirations for knowledge and 
success in the busy walks of civil life. 

How different the first night in camp on our return compared to the first 
night in Camp Lincoln when we rendevoused for muster in. We were then 



^ 

^^^^^B^^^^^^^ 


B^^m ^^K-*-' 


[ 


i^PKi < ... 


f 


j^^^^^^W 






CliKP. III'C.II H. ('.RISWdl.D. CO. I, 



1863. 



iKT. mi. II II. (.Kli^WOLD. CO. I, 

1875. 





CORP: WILLIAM II. HOLDEN, CO. I, 
1862. 



CORP. WILLI.\M H. HOLDEN, CO. I, 
1906. 



Arrived at Ctinip Lincohi. Brattlcboro. Vt. 359 

ignorant of the strenuous life of a soldier during active campaigning, the 
dangers in camp, the march and the battle, and with anxious zeal to participate 
in the struggle to settle forever the great question of human slavery and state 
sovereignty. Not one of us went forth prompted by revenge, hate or malice. 
We loved our country and its institutions dearly and therefore were impelled 
to the rescue that the same ship of state might sail on from shore to shore, 
country to country, proclaiming the immortal principles of freedom and equal 
rights looking upward and onward to that time at no distant day when the 
nations of the world should be bound to acknowledge constitutional govern- 
ment as best calculated for progress and the happiness of mankind. 

The civil war was the supreme test of the stability of the unique form of 
government originated and promulgated by our forefathers the patriots of 
1776, and the gigantic and awful struggle of 1861-1865 fully demonstrated the 
wisdom of the makers of our constitution and its adoption for the control and 
happiness of the human family. Notwithstanding the prophecy of our sister 
nations when we launched our ship of state on an unknown sea that our days 
were numbered, for no people could long continue when such liberty of thought 
and action was relegated to the individual, but yet our glorious republic still 
stands challenging the world for its unparalleled success in all that makes a 
nation great. Any people or government must and will succeed when its watch- 
word is Justice and Equity. The secret of Governmental prosperity is honesty 
of purpose "All for each, and each for all." If any nation shall be so fortunate 
as to rightfully and in the true sense of the saying to attain the proud distinc- 
tion as "mistress of the world," it will so rise because founded on the immortal 
principle of right and justice, and the same even handed square deal to all 
irrespective of wealth, distinction, title or family prestige. 

The thousand battles and more of the war of 1861-1865 vindicate the 
principles for which we fought, and the permanency of the union of states to 
perpetuate which we freely offered our young lives as willing sacrifices on our 
country's altar. We were ever buoyed up by the strong hope that the right 
would prevail, and Abraham Lincoln's proclamation marshalling the patriots 
of the Nation on the field of battle would in God's own time vanquish the 
enemy of the Union, secure peace, re-unite the north and the south, proclaim 
fr'-edom to all and establish a better and more solid foundation for the growth 
of a mighty nation and so actuated by deeds of humanity, purity of thought and 
honesty of purpose that the nations of the world willingly accord our right to 
lead until the goal of the setting of the sun of time is at hand. Thus far, 
since the close of that eventful war have we as a nation justified the position 
of leadership among the governments of earth. 

Though past mid-night when we reached Camp Lincoln, yet most of the 
boys were up the next morning with the rising of sun because of anxiety to 
see by the first gleam of the morning light the dear old Green Mountains which 
had morning and evening from birth to the time we left for the war acknow- 
ledged our greetings and devotions. Many too were expecting loved ones who 
had hastened to Brattleboro to welcome home their dear boys, husbands and 
fathers and the soldier boy whose friendship had ripened into love while wear- 
ing the blue, and by the dim and flickering light of the camp-fire had weekly 




CORP. CHARLES (>. Ill' M I'll KKV. CI I. 1. 






CORP. H. DWIGIIT SMITH. CO. I, 
I861. 



WILI.I.AM .\LLEN WORCESTER, CO. I, 
1864. 



At Caiiif^ Lincoln, Brattlchovo. 361 

written oi his soldier life and with language known only to the hearts beating 
in imison and longing for the consummation of plighted vows of love; such were 
expected and many were there, and the greetings we saw of loyal wives, mothers, 
fathers and blushing maidens told the story of devoted mothers, affectionate 
husbands and wives, and the future hopes of the soldier returned now joy- 
fully holding the welcome hand, the same so reluctantly and sorowfully re- 
linquished when parting to fight for home and country. These scenes were 
even more numerous and surely more happy than on the day we left Brattle- 
boro for Washington to join the army. My thoughts went back to the day 
we left and of some I knew and saw when they parted, and wondered if they 
would be here now to extend the glad welcome to those who had manfully and 
courageously followed the stars and stripes on the great battlefield of Gettys- 
burg participating in that victory, defeating for the first time General Lee and 
his veteran army in an open field and a fair fight. Some had come and thft 
same shy, timid and blushing girls that because of youth and beauty I noticed 
the parting, was here again to meet but older now, but gay and happy and 
proud of her soldier lover returned from the war with an honorable record 
made in battle, and it was my privilege to witness the affectionate greeting of 
this particular couple as I did the parting, but all did not return. I recall 
Sergeant Reed of Company E, who died at Camp Vermont and married a 
sister of Captain ]\Ierrit B. Williams at Brattleboro just before he left the 
state for the war. Her sorrow was deep and found sympathy in ever\ heart 
that knew the great sacrifice oiifered on the altar of her country, a yt)ung 
husband and a dearly beloved brother. Captain Williams of Company G. The 
husband died in Camp Vermont, the brother and Captain of mortal wounds 
received at Gettysburg. They were all my schoolmates at Bakersfield Academy 
and intimate friends, and the grief and sadness of this broken-hearted young 
wife and sister, though she died only a few years ago, was never fully recon- 
ciled to her great loss. There were others, but not so distressingly sad. 

The untimely death of Captains Bostwick, Whitney and White, Chaplain 
Sargent. Lieutenants Sinnott and Jones, highly respected and loved by their 
comrades in arms were extremely sad, and each was sincerely mourned and 
there is not a survivor, though forty-four years have passed whose heart does 
not sadden when he thinks of them and the distressing circumstances under 
which some of them died. They died before the cares and burdens, vicissitudes 
and disappointments overtook them, and for their country, battling for God 
and humanity. Certainly we should have enjoyed their association along the 
devious windings of life's pathway since that distant day had they survived, 
and yet who dare say it was not better for them to have crossed the silent 
river then rather than to have lived ever burdened with increasing care, anxiety, 
meeting unlooked for disappointments on every hand, realizing treachery, deceit, 
wickedness and dishonesty in the affairs of business and the eagerness for wealth 
and position in utter disregard for kith and kin, forgetful too that side by side 
they followed the same old flag on land and sea shoulder to shoulder and in the 
desperate and awful charge facing cannon and around our guns of men-of-war 
belching forth grape and canister. Had they lived, the journey of life would 
have been far dififerent than what their youthful minds had planned, and with 
hope and ardent desire anticipated and expected to realize. 





JOHN J. \.\.\ OKMAN, CO. I. 
1862. 



Jllli.N J. VAN OKMA.N-, CO. 1, 
1866. 





Mir.o K. c.K.w, CO. r, 
1862. 



Ml 1.0 K. C.K.W. CO. I. 
1906. 



At Camp Lincoln, Brattlcboro. 363 

Those who did not return died in a glorious cause, having attained honor 
and fame and distinction among men and immortal glory, because the shackles 
that bound and held were broken and four million of the human family were 
made free. The inscrutable ways of God are beyond our comprehension and 
we cheerfully welcome his guidance and control in the affairs of mankind. Our 
friends and acquaintances had come from up the state to greet us, and we 
were happy and glad to see them. Our joy and gladness was manifested in 
many ways. We were back in our native state to be discharged because of 
expiration of term of service. Our duties had been fully and manfully per- 
formed. We had demonstrated in every relation (especially at Gettysburg) 
fortitude, courage, devotion, skill, prowess equal to any who fought on the 
field of Gettysburg, and the regiment to which you and I belonged (The 13th 
Vermont Volunteers) for deeds done, were given unstinted praise by the 
officers of both armies who witnessed the work accomplished and to this day 
we have ever been accorded the distinguished honor of doing more in our 
charge on General Pickett's flank to accomplish victory than any other regiment 
in General Mead's great army of 100,000 strong. Because of our part in the 
signal victory over General Lee at Gettysburg, we were justly proud. We had 
faced the iron hail of shot and shell, charged the veteran heroes of General 
Pickett's advancing columns, crossing bayonets with them on the open field in 
the hand to hand struggle, strewing the ground all about with the dead and 
wounded, capturing flags and standards, compelling all in our vicinity to sur 
render forgetful the while of danger, bent on victory at any cost and sacrifice 
Our regiment, as you who still survive, must recall, at the critical time and of 
the greatest slaughter was the only regiment on General Pickett's flank, (the 
i6th was moving past into position on our left), and it was our regiment that 
first charged against General Pickett's flank and met his brave veterans face 
to face, crossed bayonets, and thus compelling surrender and because of our 
part in the closing drama of this important battle we were rightfully proud 
and perhaps too vain, but were fresh from the battlefield and at Brattleboro 
on our way home had read with just pride the glowing accoimts of victory and 
all it had secured to our cause. The universal praise given General Stannard 
and the Vermonters under his command likely led some of us to talk large 
ana claim much as to the conduct of the boys of the 13th and the manoeuvring 
of om- brigade by General Stannard at the crisis of General Pickett's great 
charge. We were in the bloodly angle and great slaughter pen on that mighty 
field of crossing swords with General Lee for the preservation of the Union 
and the country we loved. 

We had been in the hottest of the fight and had. as said by officers high in 
command, with undaunted courage rendered important service at Gettysburg, 
and we were now back in Camp Lincoln to be mustered out. Most of us were 
no doubt, a little puffed up, claiming more credit than we were entitled to. 
The Historians, however, who have written of that battle and who participated 
as Generals on both sides say that the charge made by General Stannard's 
Green Mountain Boys on General Pickett's right flank ended the fight and 
secured victory. 





BKXjA.MIX X. WRHiUT, CO. I, 
l<Sf)0. 







, 



FRAXKI.IX HDVT, CO .1, 
1863. 




At Camp Lincoln, Bnittlcboru. 365 

The 2nd Vermont Brigade did not do, (and have never so claimed) aU the 
fighting, but it did do its full share manfully and well, and therefore entitled 
to its full share of glory. 

Gettysburg was the great and important battle of the civil war on which 
field for three days were more battles and desperate fighting along its five 
miles of battle lines than on any other field during the war, and because of 
victory and its consequences more glory than any single battle from the firing 
of the first hostile gun against Fort Sumpter, April 12th, 1861 to the surrender 
of General Robert E. Lee to General Ulysses S. Grant at Appommatox, Va., 
April 9th, 1865. The cause of the Confederacy met here its most crushing 
defeat, and as before stated the back bone of the Rebellion was here broken. 
Our national crimes had been appeased, and the God of batdes hence forward 
continued with the armies of the Federal Government to the end of rhe con- 
flict, and the proclamation of peace. 

Our first day in Camp Lincoln on our way home was a busy and happy 
one. Our camp was full of citizens of Brattleboro and friends from up the 
state, men and women, boys and girls all the day long anxious to see the soldier 
boys of the bully 13th and hear them tell of the sanguinary struggle at Gettys- 
burg only a few days before. The 12th regiment was in camp having arrived 
a few days ahead of us, but they were not in the battle having been detatched 
to guard wagon trains before reaching Gettysburg, and hence the 13th was the 
center of attraction because fresh from the battle and the pursuit of General 
Lee's army, and we were enthusiastic and had much of experience to relate. 
Even our hands and faces still gave evidence of the smoke of powder and our 
clothing dirty and tattered and stained with blood. The great march and 
desperate fighting we had experienced excused our imtidy looks when we 
arrived at Brattleboro. It is true we were a pretty dirty set of boys, and why not, 
we had been on the march and in battle ever since leaving camp on the Occo- 
quan in the early morning of Jtme 25th and no time or place between Occoquan 
and Brattleboro to wash and brush to improve our appearance, were in fact, on the 
march and in battle for weeks. Most of the boys cared but little for clothing 
though begrimmed with mud and smoke and worn and torn in many places, 
and could not be made very presentable. We must wear what we had on, 
could not obtain new uniforms if we desired, and not one of us had greenbacks 
enough to buy a suit of citizens' clothing. There was a marked contrast in 
our appearance now as compared with it when we left the state for the war. 
We congratulated ourselves because of our arrival at Brattleboro in the dark- 
ness of the night, hoping we would have an opportunity to wash and brush 
and mend and fix up a little before seen on the following day. Of course 
there was no reason to be ashamed, we had been attending to the business of 
marching and fighting which took every moment of time except while we slept 
and ate and that was not much, for it was all the time day after day from 
sunrise to darkness on the march (a forced march at that), rations were short 
most of the time and not many minutes spent each day eating. We slept what 
we could and ate what we had and found not a word of fault, for we were near- 
ly all sturdy sons of the Green Mountain State and volunteers for the single 
purpose of saving the LTnion. 




THOMAS C. AI.EXA.NDKK. Cll. 1. 
1862. 



Cll ANI.KS D. SWAZEY, CO. I, 
1862. 




JllllN 1.. I-AKWIXI.. CU. I, 
1906. 



wii.i.iAM II. >.\niii, CO. I. 



.-// Camp Lincoln. Brattlchovo. 367 

The regiment had experienced very active and arduous service from the 
first. The winter was unusually cold and severe. General Stuart and Lieu- 
tenant Mosby were on the alert regardless of rain and mud and the outer 
picket lines which we guarded was almost nightly attacked at some point. No 
one could tell when or where to look for or expect them for the bushwhackers 
were continuously informed and were familiar with every road and path 
stream and ford. Could make a dash, gobble up the picket line, seize loaded 
wagons and then hurry back into their own country beyond reach and out of 
sight before day light, and our frequent pursuit across the picket lines were 
generally fruitless. 

We had fully realized a soldier's life in active campaigning, and become 
accustomed and familiar with its duties and dangers, had passed through seven 
days' march day after day, and the battle of Gettysburg and then three days of 
marching in pursuit of General Lee's vanquished veteran heroes after which, 
detached and marched over the Catoctin mountain to Frederick City and to 
Monocacy Junction and then by cars and steamboats hurried forward to Camp 
Lincoln, Brattleboro, to be mustered out. 

A\'e had seen much of warfare in a short time, and the most of us now 
comprehended thfe desperate struggle that must ensue before the Confederate 
government would finally surrender. Indeed the situation was a subject of 
earnest thought with many, in what direction duty called. A goodly number 
was inclined to re-enlist, but said "Will go home first before deciding." 

The burden of thought and conversation was of the war and how much 
longer it would last, and the more intelligent and conservative (though since 
Gettysburg the prospect was much brighter) were of the opinion that many 
battles would be fought before the war was over. The boys of the 13th had 
met the Johnnies in the valley of Plum Run between Seminary and Cemetery 
Ridges in the struggle for victory and were now convinced of their bravery, 
heroic conduct, physical ability and skill as well as their sincerity in the cause 
that actuated them and realized they were a foe equal to any ever marshaled 
on a field of battle, and we were not so confident of immediate surrender and 
peace as before the fight. The vain conceit wherever it existed vanished with 
the roar and echoes of cannon, the Rebel yell and desperate charge they made, 
and the boys of the blue were now satisfied that the task of subdueing and 
conquering was still a stupendous undertaking, and hence we of the 13th 
viewed the situation from a different standpoint than when we volunteered. 
Experience begot wisdom, and wisdom conservative thought and action and 
all said "Let us go home and make a visit and then see." Yes, our first day 
in Camp Lincoln was a busy one. Officers were preparing pay rolls and ac- 
counts for final settlement, and the boys were looking up to see if guns, straps, 
etc. charged up in their account were in hand ready to be turned over to the 
government. Everything was charged up against us and unless we could 
return all must be deducted from what was due us (that is guns, belts and 
straps.) Some had foolishly left their guns behind (not many) expecting 
no further use for them, and some were lost (so claimed) and some had 
picked up good rifles on the battlefield and placed them in the hands of the 
boys who lost their guns, and in this way managed to reach Brattleboro as the 




HKRSCHEL F. SMITH, CO. I, 
1862. 



HERSCHEI, F. SMITH, CO. I, 
1906. 







^^'^SjBSflj 




HOWI.A.ND P. KNF.EL.WD, CO. I, 
1862. 



HOWEAND P. KNEELAND, CO. I, 
1906. 





PETER 1. i-ii:\\i:\-, ci>. I, 
1862. 



PETER .1. I.)i:\Vl{-|-, CI 

1906. 





FRED M. GALE, CO. I, 
1863. 



FRED M. GALE, CO. I, 
1906. 





JKRRY lirTCHlNSDX JK.. C(i. r. 

1862. 



jl'Kin' IH'TllllXSDX IK.. Cd. I. 

190ft. 




JOHN P. FL.ANDKRS, CO. I, 



JOSKPH H. DEMERIT, CO. I, 



1863 



At Caiii/^ Lincoln. Brattlcboro. 371 

owners of two guns, but when it was sure every soldier must account for his 
gun, straps, etc., the owners of extra guns generously gave them to such as 
had brought them to Brattleboro, as an accommodation, and in this way but 
few were short of guns or straps. A few of the boys retained their guns, 
straps, etc., to take home as mementoes of service in the Civil War, and quite 
a number of the survivors have them still and are by them so dearly prized 
that money is no temptation to part with them. Every one naturally was 
anxious to go to the village, but the seedy condition of our uniforms and no 
money yet to buy clothing kept most of us in camp. The holes in our uni- 
forms were for the most part, where if made by bullet shot or shell we likely 
would not have returned, simply worn out by strenuous campaigning and there- 
fore none were ashamed, though leg and hip might be exposed. Most of the 
boys as yet had no use for a razor, but each had demanded shears and sham- 
pooing for we had been on the march for some time, and even in camp no 
barbers or any one that could do a decent job. All were anxious to improve 
personal appearance, but we must wait for settlement with Uncle Sam and 
the state before fixing up very much. The officers too, were in the same con- 
dition and equally anxious to improve general appearance because of their 
positions, honors secured since leaving for the war, (many left the state as 
privates and now were commissioned officers.) These honors no doubt were 
wisely bestowed because of meritorious service. All were given more liberties, 
in camp than when we gathered here on our way to the front. No need of 
passes for the camp-guard knew full well that none would leave till mustered 
out and paid ofif. 

Our stay in Brattleboro for a week seemed much too long, for all were 
anxious to reach home, and yet no fault found and all appeared to enjoy their 
second visit to Camp Lincoln better than the first. We had been to the front, 
met the enemy and done our full share in driving General Lee and his army 
of veteran heroes from the Battlefield of Gettysburg, and each felt that he 
had rendered honorable service and discharged a large measure of obligations 
to country and to conscience, and yet the topic of frequent discussion among 
the boys while waiting to be mustered out was whether duty and honor demand- 
ed our immediate re-enlistment. The "high water mark of the Rebellion" 
was reached at Gettysburg (and we were in and at it) and it was self evident 
that the ebbing tide set in motion by General Mead and his valiant army of 
the Potomac would continue to recede until overwhelmed and lost in the great 
and mighty ocean of triumph and victory and honorable and glorious peace. 

President Lincoln and his administration were much encouraged by reason 
of General Lee's signal defeat and were now making preparations for raising 
sufficient force on land and sea to bring to speedy end the awful conflict. 
Flattering inducements of honor and money were made to the boys of the 13th 
to re-enlist, accept commissions to recruit for the 17th Vermont Regiment which 
was soon to take the field as a veteran regiment with an implied promise of 
commission, and in fact a goodly number did return as officers and in subordi- 
nate positions. The majority however returned to the occupations and pur- 
suits where they had left them when they volunteered well satisfied and feeling 
that duty had been performed, and yet the conviction of nearly all was that if 




WILLIAM C. SMITH, CO. 1, 
1862. 



WILLIAM C. SMITH, CO. I, 



1906.- 





MUSrCIA.V, CLARK I'.OCTWF.LL, CO, I, 
1877- 



ORVA.ND A. STONK, CO. I, 
1862, 




* 

- A 




R. PLUMMKR P.HNJAMIN. CO. I, 
1862. 



R. PI.UMMKR i:i:xjAMIX, CO. I, 
1895- 





EVAXDKR CRKE, CO. I, 
1862. 



EVAXDER CREK. CO. I, 
l88v 





PRKNIISS C. VVRICilT, C(l. I, 
1862. 



i-i<i;n iiss I'. wKK.irr. cn. 1. 
iS(|i). 





WINSLOVV 1.. I'.I. AMUAKI), C(i. I, 
1 861. 



WINSI.OW I,. III.A.NCHAKD. CO. I, 
1907. 



At Caiiif^ Lincoln. Rrattlcbon). 375 

circumstances required would again volunteer. The regiment had been baptized 
in a great battle, facing death every moment, and the experience convinced 
each that as before nothing but devotion to country and love of home and native 
land would induce them to now re-enlist. Not one expressed desire for any 
more such fighting, nor anxiety for opportunity to meet the enemy in another 
test in mutual combat. 

It was not cowardice on our part, fur we had convinced the world that 
X'ermonters were as determined and intrepid at Gettysburg, as the Green 
Mountain Boys of old were at Ticonderoga. No, we had served our full term 
of enlistment manfully and honorably (and it may be said without egotism) 
had valiantly performed every duty in camp, on the picket, on the march and in 
battle. We were pretty thoroughly used up physically, and needed opportunity 
for rest and recuperation before fit for active service at the front. The flaging 
steps of the whole regiment after Gettysburg in pursuit of General Lee's 
retreating army was convincing evidence of physical exhaustion, and near ap- 
proach of the limit of endurance, and had it not been for the stimulus of 
victory, the anxious solicitude for the preservation of the Union that filled 
every heart and the buoyant hope that permeated the breast of every soldier, 
the march from Gettysburg over the Catoctin Mountain to Middletown, Mary- 
land in mid-summer over muddy roads from early morning till late at night 
could not have been so well accomplished. The state and nation recognized 
our need and right for rest, and while anxious for the boys of the 13th to 
return to the service, did not unduly urge re-enlistment. All were patriotic 
and knew the dangers and horrors of the battlefield and yet had there been 
flashed from Washington to Brattleboro on the night of our arrival that General 
Lee with his hitherto invincible army, was marching on Washington, not a 
soldier of this regiment but what would have volunteered to return by the first 
train in the defense of the capitol of the nation. Such was the character of the 
boys returned. We hoped and sincerely believed (many of us) that the war 
would soon be over, and that there would not be further need of mobilizing 
another great army. Each day in Camp Lincoln was now full of interest, 
something new and exciting all the time. The elite of Brattleboro were daily 
visitors in camp anxious to learn of individual experiences in battle. 

Fair women and blushing maidens, by looks and words expressed praise 
for what the boys had accomplished at Gettysburg. Our friends and relatives 
from up the state were arriving on every train, the boys were going to the vil- 
lage and elsewhere in and about Brattleboro as pleased them best patiently 
waiting to be mustered out. Time began to hang heavy and each succeeding 
day seemed longer, for the boys were anxious to leave for home ; could not be 
mustered out till all was ready. Paymaster would not disburse balance due 
until pay rolls properly made and ready for signing. All were calculating to 
put on a white shirt and collar and necktie, and otherwise improve appearance 
depending on the amount received from the paymaster. Some were fortunate 
and secured temporary credit with the merchants, barbers and photographers, 
but most of us must wait until paid off. When paid oflf business was good 
with merchant, barber, baker and photographer and with the hucksters of 
lemonade, gingerbread, huckleberry and cherry pies, etc. There was a press- 




JOHN WKLCII. CO. I. 
1862. 
SEKCT. Hr.XR\- n. CI. AUK, Ci i. P. I'.X TIIK I.KFT. 



JOIIX WKI.CII. CO. I, 
1886. 




STKPHEN G. WEST, CO. I, 
1862. 



CO.XSIDKK W. I'.KINK. CM, 1. 



1899. 





iLtf^k 




CIIARIJ'.S HOWARD. CO. I, 



EDWIN JOXr^, CI I 

1865. 





DAVID MITCHELL, CO. I, 
1864. 



DAVID MITCHELL, CO. I, 
1907. 





WILLIAM DA.MKLS, CO. 1, 
1862. 



WILLIAM DANIELS, CO. I. 
1892. • 








f 


' w 


*^v 


^ . 


^^■ 



IKIKATKI C. 1!I:KDK, CO. I, 
1862. 



NKI.SnX JOHNSON, CO. I, 
"1885. 



At Camp Lincoln. Braltlcboro. 379 

ing demand on our arrival for spruce gum and likely not one native born Ver- 
monter in the whole regiment whose jaws did not open and shut, cheeks bulge 
out with great cuds of spruce gum, moving about from side to side from morning 
until late at night. The zest and industry and skill demonstrated the youthful 
habit and place of birth. All had been without the usual cud of spruce gum 
for nine months and were now evidently making up for lost time. It was said 
on the evening of the first day after our return there was not an ounce of 
spruce gum to be found in the stores of Brattleboro. Many of the boys climbed 
the steep mountain-side across the Connecticut in search of gum. 

The regiment was in high glee and enjoying each day as it passed anxious- 
ly looking for the time to start for home. No regiment ever returned home 
under more favorable conditions, and in full fruition for service rendered and 
distinguished honor secured. The burden of conversation with all, officers 
and privates alike, was of personal experience in battle, individual prowess m 
the bayonet charge against Pickett's advancing columns ; the hair breadth escapes 
from instant death and serious injury related by many, perhaps was overdrawn 
but, if in fact, with the regiment during the battle, one had to be a good story 
teller, to fairly tell the numerous instances of imminent peril from shot and 
shell on that great field of slaughter. Language can only feebly tell of the 
sights and horrible scenes and perilous positions, the very air from the ground 
to forty feet over head was literally surcharged with burning powder filled with 
whizzing bullets, screeching shell, grape and canister, exploding caissons, the 
awful yell and charge with bayonet and sabre, a continuous fight for three 
long days from early morning till late at night. Many battles were fought on 
different parts of that extensive battle ground under the immediate commands 
of distinguished Generals during the three days of artillery, cavalry and in- 
fantry engagements 100,000 on each side could not be advantageously 
manoeuvred to have all engaged at the same time. The Historian carried a 
gun through the fight and has a vivid recollection of all he saw, heard and 
experienced, and now after reading the numerous and vivid description of 
other great battles of the civil war by Generals Grant, Sherman, Sheridan. 
Mead and Longstreet, Hill, Ewell and others here record as my candid 
opinion that no battle was fought during the Civil War where the two armies 
were so equally matched in numbers, valor and determination as at Gettys- 
burg, and therefore, more desperate the struggle and sanguinary and awful 
the conflict. General Lee must win or the Confederacy receive its death blow. 
General Mead must conquer then and there that the nations of the world who 
were anxiously watching and hesitating that they might be assured of final over- 
throw of the so called Confederate Government, preservation of the LTnion and 
the continuation of the great Republic of the western hemisphere. Both armies 
realized that the issue was of more consequence to the cause each represented 
than ever before, and fought and wrought to the utmost with this end in view. 

The boys of the 13th regiment had fully consecrated themselves to the 
cause induced them to volunteer and were prepared to do and die for country, 
and being thus consecrated welcoming death if needs be, boldly went forth 
into the battle determined with their latest breath to vindicate the right and 
overthrow the wrong. The recital of these facts in a measure explain the 
desperate fighting from the opening gun at break of day July ist to the end 





WILLIAM NOYES, CO. I, 
1866. 



WILLIAM NOYKS, CO. I, 
1895- 





JOHN W. LADD, CO. I, 
1862. 



JABEZ JONES, CO. I, 
1862. 





DUDLEY B. JONES, CO. I, 
1862. 



DUDLEY I!. JONES. CO. I, 
1884. 





ALVA ROWELL, CO. I, 
1862. 



FRANCIS JAXGEAVV, CO. I, 
1875- 





JAMES CAMPIiKLL, CO. I, 
1865. 



JAMES CAMPBELL, CO. I, 
1907. 




^Sk. K 




LKANDER PERKY, Cu. I. 
1862. 



IKA BR.VDFORD, CO. I, 
1863 



At Canif' Liucaln. Brattlcboro. 383 

of Pickett's charge at the close of day, July 3rd, and therefore we are con- 
strained to repeat, that the stories of personal experience and encounter related 
at Camp Lincoln to inquiring friends and others, then fresh from the scenes 
of carnage and strife, and from that day, to the present, told and re-told again 
and again to wives, sons and daughters are veritable truths. The most facile 
l)en or eloquent orator, never has nor can exaggerate the awful sights and 
scenes of the battlefield of Gettysburg. It is well for all to remember who 
never faced belching cannon nor were in the desperate charge that the stories 
of those who did actually participate in the battle are not overdrawn. No 
word nor picture can never adequately paint what you, my comrades saw and 
experienced at Gettysburg. 

The 13th was now in charge of Camp Lincoln. The i2tli regiment had 
been mustered out and gone home and we were now busy making ])reparations 
for muster out at the earliest possible moment. 

Colonel Randall and the rest of the officers had many things to do, for the 
regiment would not be discharged until every detail was complete. No one 
seemed over-anxious to leave, because of the parting with dear comrades. Our 
camp had been each day and evening since arrival filled with visitors from the 
village and our friends that had come from up the state who remained for the 
most part in camp, for there was plenty of room and abundance to eat, and all 
seemed to be quite happy and contented and what was uppermost now in each 
mind, (though the separation must be) was to be on the way to our homes 
up among the hills and valleys of Washington, Chittenden. Franklin, Lamoille 
and Grand Isle Counties. The bond of friendship between comrades cemented 
in battle is everlasting. 

Since the expiration of our term of service and detachment of the army 
of the Potomac over in the Catoctin valley, Md., our thoughts had been centered 
on our homes and beloved ones we left when we donned the blue and went 
forth to fight for the perpetuation of the LTnion of States and the great Re- 
public. Naturally as we had thus far acquitted ourselves with deserved honor 
as faithful and courageous soldiers in camp, on the march and with fortitude 
when overcome with disease and wasting away in the dreaded hospital and had 
at the supreme crisis of battle won unusual fame, were now anxious to see 
home and friends, and all we left behind when we volunteered. Some were 
prostrated with disease after reaching Brattleboro and were dangerously sick 
and places were found for these among the loyal and sympathetic residents 
of Brattleboro where they had every attention that could be provided that 
money and high regard could secure. Comrades of the sick found suitable 
places among the citizens who diligently and affectionately cared for and 
nursed them back to health. 

Each day brought many ladies and gentlemen to our camp ever waiting 
entranced to hear from some boy soldier his story of the struggle between the 
armies of General Mead and General Lee at Gettysburg. The routine of 
camp was more liberal and less exacting than at the front, on the march and 
in battle, and every soldier returned was now a king and would do nothing 
dishonorable and could be trusted as implicitly as the Knights of old who 
battled for the recovery of the Holy Land. 





JOHN D. KKULOCC, Cci. I, 
1861. 



JOHN D. KKLLOCG, CO. I, 





SIDNEY K. WlllTXEY. Ci 
1862. 



W. H. H. WHITNEY, CO. I, 
1862. 




MARTIN E. FRENCH^ CO. I, 
1862. 



MARTIN E. FRENCH, CO. I, 
1905. 




LEROY PRESCOTT, CO. I, 
1906. 



DANIEL N. FRENCH, CO. I, 
1862. 




FRANCIS MOKRlb, CU. I, 
1862. 



FRANCIS Mi)RRIS. CO. I, 
1907. 




I.I, M W I \ . 
1862. 



CALNIN F. SK.WFR, CO. I, 



At Camp Lincohi, Bratflcboro. 387 

The regiment had been in Brattleboro for almost a week when rumor said 
that the accounts had been figured up, pay rolls made out, discharge certificates 
filled out and signed and the paymaster would commence to pay ofif on Satur- 
day the i8th, and all would be ready to leave for home on Monday. This was 
cheering and joyful news, for it meant much to those of us who had paid out 
our last scrip when on our way to Gettysburg for something to eat. Some 
however, had managed to obtain credit to make purchases and had fixed them- 
selves up so they looked quite prim and tidy, but most of us still wore the 
woolen shirts, army shoes and blue coats and trousers that we had worn night 
and day since leaving camp Widow Violet on the Occoquan, June 25th. Shoes 
were worn through and holes and rents appeared in coat and trousers and the 
boys were anxious for their pay in order to fix up before starting for home. 
It was evident too that many of our number expected to see waiting at the 
depot on our way up the state the girls they left behind when they started for the 
war, and in fact sainted mothers and loyal wives and faithful sweethearts were 
at the several depots waiting for the cars to greet and welcome their loved ones 
home. The author belonged to Company K. the last company to leave the train, 
and therefore saw the affectionate greetings of the other companies as they left 
the cars and many an episode is now fresh in memory that he witnessed at the 
several stations between Northfield and Swanton, but refrains now to call names 
or describe the scenes. We were overjoyed to see and to be seen, some were 
timid and shy though they had been brave and courageous in battle, the girls 
we left behind perhaps had proven false and forgotten out of sight and out of 
mind it has been said, but this was the exception with the ever loyal girls of the 
grand old State of Vermont. 

Open the gates of memory, my comrades, and to you may come across the 
abyss of forty-four years an awakening flash that will reveal some face that 
you dearly loved in the old days when eye to eye and heart to heart you 
promised to be faithful and true. Time has wrought great changes since the 
Green Mountain Boys of the 2nd Vermont Brigade charged down Cemetery 
Ridge into the valley of Plum Run and many, yes, a majority of those noble 
youthful heroes that so gallantly followed the stars and stripes at Gettysburg 
have one by one joined that immortal grand army and are now bivouacked on 
the great Commander's Eternal Camping ground welcoming their comrades 
as they pass through and within the pearly gates to bliss and happiness forever. 
It is Friday, July 17th and we are still in Camp Lincoln, Brattleboro, wait- 
ing to be mustered out of the United States service. We have been here since 
mid-night of the 13th expecting the announcement of the day and hour that we 
should be on our way home. Our guns, knapsacks, etc., have been turned over 
v-ir satisfactorily accounted for, accounts all adjusted and amounts due each 
ascertained and the paymaster ready to commence payment as soon as the 
word is given out that all is ready. 

Colonel Randall had said that his regiment would be ready for muster but 
on Saturday the 18th day of July and was doing his best in fulfilment of this 
promise, for he knew all were anxious to be on their way homeward. 

Major Austine, U. S. A., intimated that he would proceed to muster out the 
regiment just as soon as all the companies were ready. Colonel Randall was 




HENRY A. IJdW, 1(1. 1. 
1863. 



W^'^r 





IIIKAM T. WHITNEY, CO. I, 
1863. 




CURTIS H. SEAVER, CO. I, 
1863. 



JOHN B. LANCDON, CO. I, 
1880. 







.\Li:i-;Kr 1'. wuuD, CO. 1. 
1863. 





ALBERT P. WOOD, CO. I, 
1907. 




V- 



;il.-\Rl,i:b 11. I'l.KKV, Ij 

1862. 



CHARLES H. PERRY, CO. I, 




ALHKKT .1. lUKKlCI.L. CO. I, 
1862. 



ALllKkT J. BLRRELL, CO. I, 
1904. 




\V.\LLACr: W. DODGK, CO. I, 
1862. 



WALLACK W. DODGE. CO. I. 



At Camp Lincoln. Brattlcboro. 391 

out of patience with some of the officers of the line because of what he beUeved 
to be unnecessary delay in not having their companies ready for mustering out. 
Company K was ready first, though at the foot of tlie list. It was a well 
known fact in the regiment that Captain George G. Blake of Company K always 
had his company reports promptly made and ready when called for, in fact 
no officer of the line was more diligent and faithful and prompt and accurate 
in all matters pertaining to his position than Captain Blake. There was a little 
friction and not a few were disappointed and made to think they were being 
held in camp because of needless neglect of Company officers to have reports, 
etc. ready that all might be mustered out on the same day. Colonel Randall 
sympathized with the boys and manifested his feelings in his usual forceful 
language. An officer heard from him just the same as a private if occasion 
demanded, he treated all alike and on an equal, although his relation brought 
him more in personal contact with the officers than privates. The negligence 
of a few delayed the mustering out until Monday the 20th on which date each 
company was ordered to fall into line near their company quarters, and there 
the roll was called to ascertain if all present, and when Major Austine appeared 
accompanied by Colonel Randall and some of the staff and after the several 
officers in command of the respective companies annotmced all present or ac- 
counted for and then after a hasty examination of a final written report and 
personal inspection by looking up and down the line, said with a smile, "You 
are released from further service. The discharge papers had been filled up 
and placed in the hands of your officers and will be delivered to you before 
leaving camp." It was quite informal and took but little time. The paying 
off took more time, for each had to sign his name and receive what was due 
(which was not very much for we were paid off just before we left camp 
Widow Violet down on the Occoquan ) . Though the amount was small each 
was glad to have it, for plans had been made that would require much if not 
all received. Everything we purchased at Brattleboro had attached to it a big 
price, and a few dollars in greenbacks did not go far or last long. Each com- 
rade, as they were now about to separate and go to their respective homes, 
wanted to treat his friends with lemonade, ice cream and cake, etc., before 
parting, and I am sure all did. It was said the 13th regiment left the most 
of their money in Brattleboro which appeared to be very satisfactory to those 
engaged in business. Our transportation home had been arranged for, so no 
need of money to pay car fare and therefore as long as greenbacks and shin 
plasters lasted, the boys were liberal and happy. All had been so busy visiting 
with friends that came to meet and greet us telling to each other and all who 
came to camp about the many incidents of battle and soldier life, that we had 
not for a moment considered the full meaning of and effect of muster out. It 
surely meant separation for all, never to be re-united under like circumstances 
and many yes, a large majority would not as we hastened along life's crooked 
pathway to the end ever meet again. The time had come, the last order had 
been made known to us, and now we began to realize the great family circle 
of our regiment must be broken, and each go his way not again to hear the 
reveille and tatoo and greet each other at the morning roll call nor open our 
hearts, dearest thoughts to tentmate and comrade during the lonely vigils of 



A 



1^^ 



ORVIS CARPENTER, CO. I, 
1862. 





IK\IS CAKl'KNTKK, Co. I, 
1907 




GEORGE A. PECK, CO. I, 
1862. 



GEORGE A. PECK, CO. I, 
1892. 




-"%j^ 



■^^ 




ALONZO D. PECK, CO. I, 
1862. 



ALONZO D. PECK, CO. I, 
1907. 




JAMES P.. CAVE, CO. I, 



ISAAC K. DAVIS, CD. I, 
1890. 




OUKilN I'.ATI-IS, CI). 1. 
1906. 



IKIIiMM' J, MARK. C(i. I. 

! yoS. 



.-// Caiiif' Lincoln. Bfatflcboro. 395 

the picket line, and we were sad at the thought of parting. We had been for 
more than nine months one great family banded together for a glorious cause, 
exposed to the vicissitudes and dangers of soldier life in a gigantic and des- 
perate struggle for supremacy, had experienced the mutations of camp, march, 
hospital and battle hovered around the same camp fire, fed from the same 
commissariat, slept side by side beneath the same blankets with damp ground 
for a bed and starry heavens for a covering and now, the household had been 
broken and the ties of comradship severed. All were sad and sorry because 
of the parting. The freindships formed when associated together in the 
dangers of warfare are different and stronger than any other relation among 
men, but this we did not at the time ftilly realize, and yet each heart softened 
and eye moistened as we grasped hands on the day of separation. July 21st, 
1863, and said good-by. 

We were now within a few hours to be on our way home, and our hearts 
were throbbing with fond recollections of those left behind when we started 
for the war. The scenes of childhood, the farm, its surroundings, our school- 
mates, our fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters all were left only a few 
months before (never expecting to see them again) now for the moment filled 
our hearts with gladness because of the bright prospect of home sweet home. 

Though our term of service had almost expired when we started on the 
march for Maryland, and some claimed fully, before the battle of Gettysburg, 
but we knew a mighty struggle was at hand and dared not hope we should be 
spared and returned to our dear homes among the hills and valleys of our 
native state. 

We were mustered out, paid nfl' and started for home to take the cars, and 
joy and sorrow beamed in every face anxiously waiting for the hour to come. 
The necessities of war had separated most of us for the first time from the 
dearest ties on earth, home, and only you and I, my comrades, can remember 
the intense longing desire (now that we were honorably discharged) to reach 
home. It seemed a long time since we left the parental roof and in fact we 
had grown old fast while in the service. The exposure of camp, the exhaus- 
tion of the march, the experience of hospital, the mental strain of battle, all 
had added years to our young lives, and beyond question most of us would 
die long before our time (and a majority have). We were sorry to leave any 
behind at Brattleboro, but a few were dangerously sick and must remain. We 
had already found desirable places for our sick, and arranged for their care 
before leaving. I recall to mind only one of the dangerously sick, Heney B. 
Meigs of Company K. He was sick with typhoid fever, taken down soon after 
reaching Camp Lincoln, and by his company comrades was conveyed on a 
wagon drawn by hand from Camp down into the village and placed in the 
house of Mrs. Mary Willard still living in Brattleboro. (See page of Roster 
of this book for Mrs. Willard's picture.) I have reason to believe that the 
kindness and patriotic sympathy of this noble woman not only saved our 
young hero's life, but as a true, devoted and loyal lover of her country dis- 
played the same heroic courage as was evinced by the valiant conduct of this 
boy (then in her care) of eighteen summers at Gettysburg. She was the 
Good Angel that watched and cared for this stranger soldier boy night and 




[.OREXZO H. CUPTIL, CO. I, 
1863. 






FREDERICK J. BARNES, CO. I, 
1862. 



FREDERICK J. P.ARNES, CO. I, 



1897. 





WILLIAM H. RIDDALL, CO. I, 
1862. 



WILLIAM JI. KIDU.VLl,. CO. I. 
1895. 




EUGENE LAVIOLETTE, CO. I, 
1877. 



At Camp Lincoln. Brattlcboro. 399 

day till restored to health. Young Meigs developed into one of God's true 
and noble men and in his prosperity has not forgotten the lady that took him 
in and cared for him. The unselfish duty so generously bestowed found its 
reward and demonstration in what is written in scripture "Cast Thy Bread upon 
the waters, for Thou shalt find it after many days", and surely in this case it 
has come to pass. 

On the morning of July 2ist, 1863, Camp Lincoln was a busy place, all 
the boys were up early making needful preparations for the journey home- 
ward. We had but little beside what we were to carry. The few souvenirs 
and trinkets and letters received before we broke camp on the Occoquan were 
carefully stowed away in pockets and knapsacks and small bundles, and having 
turned in our guns, etc., were soon ready for the call to fall in for the cars. 

Each company had formed strong friendships in the other companies and 
were on this last forenoon in camp exchanging hasty calls of greeting and good- 
by. These attachments were stronger than we knew and after a lapse of more 
than forty years the ties of comradeship seem to grow as the years roll on, so 
that now we cherish the acquaintances formed when following the flag as tht 
most unselfish and abiding of all. The fond recollections of those we tented 
and marched and fought with are among the precious of all, on which we 
delight to dwell now that we realize the final mu.ster out is near at hand. 

The bugle call about mid-day for the last time assembled the boys of the 
13th to their respective company quarters and every one unless sick fell into 
line to answer to his name once more before marching to the depot to take the 
cars for home. Our sunburnt faces, wasted bodies and worn out uniforms 
did not compare very well with the general appearance of the regiment the 
day we left Brattleboro for Washington, October nth, 1862. We were not, 
however, ashamed and cared but little for looks of the clothing we wore, nor 
our general appearance caused in the main by the marching and fighting in the 
Gettysburg campaign. Most of the boys were native Vermonters, high spirited 
and intelligent and knew full well they had rendered valuable service to their 
country in the most important and decisive battle for freedom and preservation 
of the Union, and each was so justly proud of the part taken by his regiment 
and reputation established that all else in comparison was of minor considera- 
tion. We had sustained the good name and added to the fame of Vermonters 
in battle, and the praise accorded by the reports of commanding officers and the 
press of the country was a high compliment and tribute to General Stannard's 
brigade. Much has been said about General Pickett's thrilling and valiant 
charge in the last afternoon of that eventful day and battle, and not a single 
Historian of note on either side who was there and in position to see and know 
but what agree that the 2nd Vermont Brigade in its unique and bold charge 
against General Pickett's right flank suddenly ended the battle and sealed the 
doom of the Rebellion, and the fate of the Confederacy. 

While the 2nd Vermont Brigade done only a small part of the fighting on 
that great field during the three days of desperate conflict and great slaughter, 
yet it was at the front and center at the salient point and impending crisis at 
the opportune moment, fired the last musket, made the last infantry charge, 
captured the last prisoners in that great battle, therefore. General George J. 




A rill mi in Mrs. W'ilcoxson's house occti])ied lj\' Licul. Cariiii L. 
hiiuKiry ;iik1 February, i8(''3 during his long ilhiess. 



ii-sh 




CAPT. GEORGE G. BLAKE, CO. K, 
1862. 





FIRST LIEUTENA.XT STKPIIHX F. DROWN, CO. K, SECOND LIEUT. CARMl L. MARSH, CO. K, 
1862. 1862. 




CAl'T. CICORCK G. lU.AKi;. LIIUT. STEPHEN K. BROWN, 

LIHIT. CARMI L. MARSH, CO. K. 

1904. 



At Camp Lincoln, Brattlcboro. 403 

Stannard and his Green Mountain Boys of 1862- 1863 for the deeds they done 
have and will have a place in history as bright, glorious and renowned as ac- 
corded to the original Green Mountain Boys for what they did at Ticonderoga, 
May loth, 1775. No page has or ever will be written so momentous for the 
weal or woe of a great nation and magnanimous people where officers in com- 
mand displayed consummate ability and prowess — where the rank and filfa 
boldly and gallantly charged again and again midst a terrible and deadly storm 
of minnie balls, grape and canister regardless of life, struggling for victory, 
where were involved the solution of graver and far reaching questions to 
humanity and civilization than hung in the balance on the morning of July ist, 
1863, at Gettysburg. 

The 13th Vermont Regiment as before stated, took a conspicuous part in 
this sanguinary conflict and did its share in securing victory, and now having 
returned home and having received the generous plaudits of state and nation 
were considerably elated because of the record made and important service 
rendered. We had freely volunteered and for a purpose without money and 
without price, fully expecting to share in the hardships and dangers of active 
warfare, but we were boys and knew but little relative to the duties of soldiers 
or the responsibility and dangers of actual campaigning in time of aggressive 
fighting when we crossed over on Long Bridge to Virginia, October 30th, 
1862.. But from that day until our term of service expired the strenuous life 
of a soldier in the varied incidents attending active and vigorous warfare wa.t 
the experience of thi? regiment. We had from the beginning fulfilled every 
call to duty, crowning our term of enlistment in the mighty contest with 
General Lee and his veteran army at Gettysburg, Pa., and through all dis- 
charged every requirement so as to secure and receive unstinted commendations 
of the officers under whom we served. No regiment entered the service during 
the Civil War at a more critical and discouraging period, October, 1862, the 
lack of harmonious co-operation in President Lincoln's cabinet and among the 
Generals of the Federal armies and the unlooked for disasters from Yorktown 
to Antietam had fallen like a pall on the nation, and discouraged enlistment. 
The great army of the Potomac had thus far utterly failed to capture Rich- 
;nond or even make any ])rogress in that direction. 

General Pope had just been defeated in the second battle of Bull Run. 
General Lee flushed with victory on the Plains of Manassas had crossed the 
Potomac into Maryland on his way to capture Washington, and the outlook for 
the cause of the Union was alarming in the extreme, and because of the almost 
forlorn situation those that responded to President Lincoln's call for 30x3,000 
more were composed of the very best and most suitable and patriotic in the 
land, and of these the .stalwart, brave hearted silent heroes of the Green Moun- 
tain State duly considered and fully realizing the impending danger to the 
Republic deliberately volunteered, organized as the 13th Vermont Volunteers 
and hastened to Washington. The success achieved by those that enrolled for 
the I2th, 13th, 14th, 15th and i6th regiments, since the war in the avenues and 
occupations of civil life demonstrate the truthfulness of the conclusion that 
no better soldiers served in the Union army than those from the Green Moun- 
tain State, and not a regiment from among the mighty hosts that followed the 




f In ^^ 




1 






LIEUT. WILLIAM ALLEN' COOPER, CO. K, 
1863. 




LIEUT. WILLLX.M .\LLK.\ COOPKR, CO. K, 
1906. 




SERCT. JAMES II ALLOW AV, CO. K, 
1894. 



SERGT. MEKRITT MAXZKK. CO. K, 
1865. 





SERGT. SUMNUR II. JENNISON, CO. K, 
1862. 



SERGT. SUMXER H. .1 1'N NISON , CO. K, 
1904. 




CORP. I1ARL.\N P. BULLARD, CO. K, 
1862. 



CORP. HARLAN P. r.l'I.LAKD, Co. K, 
190(1. 




CORP. ANDREW JAlKnj.N i IIADWICK. CO. K. 
1904. 



MARCUS A. HtST, CO. K, 
1870. 




CORP. COK.NKI.irS T. FKI.NK, CO. K, 



At C'(/;/i/' Lincoln. Brattlcboro. 407 

stars and stripes from Fort Sumter to Appomattox rendered more valuable 
and signal service and secured greater and more lasting fame than did the 13th 
Regiment, \'ermont Volunteer infantry on the battlefield at Gettysburg. No 
invidious distinction between this regiment and the others from our beloved 
state is intended by the author. 

The only purpose has been to place on perpetual record an impartial, and 
truthful statement relative to the conduct of the volunteers of this regiment 
while serving their country as loyal subjects and patriotic soldiers, for equal 
rights national integrity and the preservation of the Union. 

The last company roll call was finished and the Orderly Sergeants reported 
all present or accounted for, and the several companies of the regiment were 
marched to the parade grounds and formed a hollow square into which Colonel 
Randall and other officers of the Field and Stafif entered for the parting cere- 
mony. The Colonel said, as I remember, "Boys, we are about to separate and 
take the cars for home, and before parting I want to thank each one for his 
kindness to me on all occasions, and for your deportment as soldiers. I appre- 
ciate your courteous conduct and loyalty to me as your Colonel. I am sorry 
to part with you boys, for I feel you are all my friends, I shall never forget 
your friendship or faithfulness, and shall ever remember, I trust, with pride 
and pleasure how well and manfully you each performed your duty from first 
to last, and especially your dash and courage in battle. I have good reason to 
be proud for what you did at Gettysburg. I do not enjoy fighting, but unless 
the war is soon over shall offer my services again and nothing would please me 
more than to have you re-enlist and I again made your Colonel. You made a 
good record, none did or could accomplish more, on the march and in the fight. 
My heart is sad more than I can tell because of the brave boys who have died 
and were killed and wounded at Gettysburg. It is a wonder that many more 
were not left on the field when we consider the critical positions we occupied 
and desperate charges made. I shall always be glad to see you and hope we may 
meet many times. I am sorry we must part. The ties of comradeship have 
grown very strong since we have been together. It is my hope and expecta- 
tions in whatever sphere of life you may choose, you will prove as faithful 
and true and do your duty as well as you have while following the flag of your 
country. I do not wish to say good by, but would be pleased to have one 
and all come forward that I might take you by the hand before we start for 
home." Every one responded to this invitation and went forward belter 
skelter and with good wish and a hearty shake of hand expressed their love 
and high regard for the man who had cared for. and watched over the wel- 
fare of each soldier, irrespective of rank from the beginning to the end. and 
for his cool heroic leadership in the deadly struggle for victory on the hills and 
in the valleys at Gettysburg. This rather informal reception so much enjoyed 
was soon over and all hastened to their respective quarters and soon returned 
ready to break camp and march to the depot and at the hour of about two o'clock 
in the afternoon started on that ever to be remembered and anxious journey 
for our homes dearer now than before. No pen can tell how we longed to meet 
and greet the loved ones we left bhind when we hastened to Washington to 
join the L'nion army. Our term of enlistment had expired, we had been duly 




CORP. MART IX V. IIUKS. fo. K, 
1862. 



CORP. M ARirX V. IIU'KS. CO. K, 
1906. 




1)1 l''iRi;ST W. HATCH, CO. K, 
1862. 



Di;i-(iKi:sT \v. ii.vTcii. CO. k, 
I gof). 




JOHN \V. DRUlGll. CO. K, 
1862. 



JOHN VV. JiROUGH, CO. K, 





CLARK H. BUTTERFIELD, CO. K, 
1862. 



CLARK H. BUTTERFIELD, CO. K, 
1900. 





MVKnX C. DliKMAX, CO. K, 
1862. 



MYROX C. UORMAX, CO. K, 
1907. 



iM 




CHAKLKb A. BLRXKUL, CO. K, 
1862. 




CHARLES A. ISURNKLL, CO. K, 



1906. 



At Camp Lincoln, Bvattlcburo. 411 

mustered out and were free to go wherever it pleased us best. We still wore 
(the most of us) our uniforms and were proud that we had earned the right 
to do so. The regiment had been disbanded and there was no longer rank and 
file, each again free and all were on a common level and all loyal, brave and 
true. And here at Brattleboro, July 21st, 1863, ended the quite remarkable and 
thrilling history of one of the most noted regiments from the old Green Moun- 
tain State. 

The Historian regrets that he has not been able to do ample justice to 
this regiment. If all that has been said meets the approval and expectations of my 
comrades, then I will be satisfied that my efforts have not been without appre- 
ciative reward. 

Dated at Swanton. \'t.. July 3rd, 1908. 



RALPH ORSON STURTEVANT, 

Historian. 



N. B. The following pages contain more valuable and interesting matter, 
biographical sketches, personal reminiscences of army life written by the boys 
of the several Companies, papers prepared as to the personnel of each company, 
an historical article of the 13th Vt, Regimental Association, its organization by 
the survivors, its annual reunions, dedications of monuments to the regiment, on 
the battlefield of Gettysburg, to Colonel Francis V. Randall at Northfield, Vt., to 
Lieutenant Colonel W. D. Munson at Colchester, Vt., at Milton, Vt., and the 
addresses made on the occasions, also a complete roster with information up to 
the present time, tabulated pages, an addenda closing with a farewell address 
by the Historian. 




IIENRV BUTLER, CO. K, 
1870. 



HENRY BUTLER, CO. K, 
1906. 






L 


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J 




Mu 




,^^tni 




Wm^ 




m- Mi 




C^^^^^^^^H^^^Ak . 




t\r 




^^^H 


^&J 


^_ 


ii 


^H 




pi 


m. 


^^^1 




B''^'?iaBB 


j^jjjj^ 


k .^I^^Hil^HI 



CHARLES A. ii.\KK. LO. K, 
1876. 



ORANGE A. COMSTOCK, CO. K, 
1863. 





CADMAS S. CATES^ CO. K, 
1900. 



JAMES HAGAN, CO. K, 
1904. 





DANIEL MANAHAN, CO. K, 
1886. 



OLIVER PARAZO, CO. K, 
1902. 





RODXKV ORCUTT. CO. K, 



1865. 



RODXKY ORCUTT, CO. K, 
I9OI. 





JOHN J. WINTERHLRN, CO. K, 
1862. 



JOHN J. WINTERBURN, CO. K, 
1906. 




ELI II. RICHARDSON, CO. K, 
1862. 



FREEMAN II. SINDERI.IN, CO. K, 
1862. 




PHILIP R. SMITH, CO. K, 
1862. 



lAILEY B. BRONSON, CO. K, 
1862. 

On the left. 





MARTIN POPE, CO. K, 
1865. 



MARTIN POPE, CO. K, 
1906. 




HENRY ROBY, CO. K, 
1862. 

On the right. 



HENRY ROBY, CO. K, 
1890. 




FREEMAN H., AND HIS SnN, 

GEORGE H. SUNDERIJN, CO. K, 

1862. 



CHARLES A. MANNING, CO. K, 
1905. 





JAMES MONRO IIOGAUOOM, CO. K, 
1862. 



JAMES MONRO HOGABOOM, CO. K, 
1906. 





HE.N'RV If. MEIC.S, CO. K, 
1S62. 



HE.XRV B. JU-:ir.S, CO. K, 
1906. • 





SMITH M. DECKER, CO. K, 
1865. 



SMITH M. DECKER, CO. K, 
1904. 




RALPH URSON STURTEVAXT, CO. K, RALPH ORSON STl'RTi'VANT, CO. K, 



1861. 



1864. 




PHILIP R. SMITH. i;D(.AR CURRIK, 

JAMICS N. BURNS, CO. K, 

1862. 



DRUMMER, LEWIS c;. LABOUNTy, CO. K, 
1907. 




DAVID QUEBEC, CO. K, 
1907. 




CHARGES A. MARVIN, CO. K, 
1906. 




IlKMAX W. ALLEN, 
Burlingt(jn, \'t., 
Historian of Co. A, Lith \'t. \' 



Biographical and Historical 



Co. a 



Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers 



CIVIL WAR 1861-1865 



Dedicated to the loving memory of our brav'e Lieut. John T. Sinnott, 
slain in battle at Gettysburg, July 3rd, 1863. 



Biographical and Historical of Co. A. 425 



THE CONDENSED HISTORY OF COMPANY A. 



THE Emmett Guards of Burlington was one of the Thirteen Companies of Uniformed 
Militia who first responded to order No. 12 viz: The Emmett Guards of Burling- 
ton and the Lafayette Artillery of Calais, with eight of the Companies of 
Volunteer Militia named in general order Xo. 13. 

On the 24th of October the Company OfiBcers met at Montpelier and elected the 
Field Officers of the 13th Regiment. 

The Emmett Guards became Company A by virtue of its Captain, John Lonergan, 
holding the oldest Commission. The Company was recruited at Burlington, Rutland 
and Westford and while it was regarded as an Irish Company there were some twenty- 
five Americans and French Canadians among their numbers; most of these were from 
the town of Westford in Chittenden County. About forty Irishmen were recruited in 
Rutland and West Rutland. Men of strong physique, quiet enough when not aroused 
and were ready on a slight pretext to defend their honor and yet were good soldiers 
and good comrades. 

Captain Lonergan's speech at Gettysburg before the hottest part of the battle was 
to this effect. "Boys you have been quite anxious for a fight ever since you enlisted, now 
you have got a chance to fight and show what kind of stuff you are made of." 

Company A was never accused of shirking duty except In the matter of attending 
religious services: a large majority being Roman Catholics, they naturally did not take 
kindly to the chaplain's services. 

The Company's rendezvous was at Burlington while it was being recruited. The 
Westford men were quartered at the old Howard Hotel where the Van Xess House now 
stands. The proprietor, the late Daniel C. Barber was most kind and considerate, and he 
appeared at Brattleboro to bid the boys good-bye when they were leaving for the South. 
In remembrance of his kindness and as a token of friendship a handsome silver water 
service was presented to him which he treasured highly. The other recruits were fed 
and quartered as far as possible at the old Murphy Hotel on Water Street. 

The days were passed in drilling on the Battery or the old Fair Ground, and the 
nights in telling stories and reading war news from the front. 

The election of Officers was held in a hall in Baxter Block on College Street. Jobs 
Lonergan was unanimously elected Captain and John T. Sinnott, first Lieutenant. There 
were three Candidates for second Lieutenant. Alvin H. Henry of Westford, James B. 
Scully of Burlington and David McDeavitt of Rutland. McDeavitt finally won the prize 
much to the disappointment of a respectable minority. 

The wisdom of withdrawing by the Westford contingency and joining one of the 
other Companies in the County was seriously considered, but finally in the distribution 
of non-commissioned appointments, harmony was to some extent assured. 

I shall not attempt to give details regarding the sojourn at Brattleboro, the 
difficulty of getting trousers long enough for Corporal John Patten or short enough for 
Paul Segar which required shears, needle and thread. The unusual orders we were given 
while the Company was drilling were like "Cover your file leader behind" or "Fall In 
yees." (Some of the non-commissioned officers were as Ignorant and awkward as any of 
the privates.) 

The boys from Rutland were promised a bounty of $100.00 each which was not 
promptly forthcoming. This fact with a little whiskey, caused what at one time promised 
to be a small sized riot and established the reputation of Company A, in one sense, as 
fighters even before they left Vermont, a reputation which subsequent conduct at Gettys- 
burg did not tend to diminish. Captain Lonergan's remarks spoken of previously when 
about to have some real fighting were, no doubt, an incentive to many to show them- 
selves true men. 

While the Regiment was encamped at Wolf Run Shoals. Company A was located 
on a side Hill in support of a Battery of Artillery from Connecticut to defend the 
ford, an eighth of a mile or more in front of the location of the regiment. Here, aside 
from strict guard duty, we had little part in the work of building forts, etc with the 
rest of the regiment. We succeeded during the rather cold weather in making our- 
selves very comfortable doing some foraging as we were not strictly under the sur- 



426 Till' Thirteenth Rc(/iiiiciit I'cniiont Volunteers. 

veillance of the Regimental Officers. Some of us thought the reason for our detail 
might be that Camp was not less quiet and peaceable with the "Irish Regulars" away. 
Our soldiering with the exception of this detail was like that of the other Companies, 
except possibly being wakened occasionally In the night to witness a ruff and tumble 
scrap in the company street. 

The part which Company A had In the battle of Gettysburg was one of which 
the survivors are justly proud. Captain Lonergan received a medal of honor for dis- 
tinguished bravery in the recapturing of cannon belonging to a regular U. S. Battery 
from the enemy, the only one given to any member of the Regiment. 

The advance to the Rogers House and the capture of prisoners was valorous and 
creditable: in fact their conduct as brave and loyal soldiers from muster In and 
especially from the time they reached Gettysburg until the end of the battle, was most 
worthy. 

I do not claim that Company A did all the fighting, but I do claim that we did 
our full share. It is expected that quite a number of individual sketches will appear 
as a part of our company history by those better equipped than myself. Much indeed 
might be said in ])raise of the boys of Company A. officers and privates alike. Their 
conspicuous deeds of i)rowess and daring courage during the battle secured a fame more 
lasting and honorable than possible in any other walk of life. 

No sacrifice so great, no deed so noble and sublime as dying in defence of home 
and country. Lieutenant .Tohn T. Sinnott. Sergeant Thomas Blake. Patrick M. Corey 
and Michael Mclnerny freely offered there young lives on the field of battle that the 
country they loved and honored might be saved. 

Our historian has asked me to prepare a short sketch of Company A and trace 
as far as possible the members. I shall not attempt the latter but refer the reader to 
the individual sketches and the revised Roster on the last pages of tliis book. 

H. W. ALLEN. 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF CAPT. JOHN LONERGAN. COMPANY A. 



MANY incidents with their mixture of humor and pathos, many disappointments, 
which if properly looked at. contain the key to their own solution, group them- 
selves round every undertaking in a soldier's as well as a civilian's life. The 
record of these incidents, even if on a comparatively small scale appeals to all. as the 
reader, according to his constitution, race and upbringing sees himself reflected therein 
and almost unconsciously finds his pulse quicken as their recital proceeds to a successful 
ending. What is here stated has an apt illustration in the circumstances that led to the 
formation of Company A. It is the plain record of duty done, of patriotic impulse 
perservered in. of principles applied as they were understood, of an estimation that 
lives and is cherished round many firesides. It to a Vermonter there are no homes 
like Vermont homes, he may be pardoned for thinking there are no men like Vermont 
men. no soldiers like Vermont soldiers, either native or foreign born, who look to that 
state as to a land they love, even for its very ruggedness of nature, its hills and moun- 
tains that have inspired her sons with something of their own strength and stability. 

The record of Company A is the record of a blend of races, the officers and major 
portion of men being Irish-Americans, the remainder being composed of native Ver- 
monters. with a sprinkling of French Canadians. The following account will show 
they were all good soldiers, all good Americans, and valiant defenders of the Union. 
How the company was not organized till the war had been in progress a year, ancf 
how it was finally sent out, and became hardened soldiers l)y camp life, picket duty, 
and skirmishing for the great drama of Gettysburg, is the object of these pages. The 
way was not strewn with roses, and if the habits of character are catching, if patriotism, 
to he of value, has to be properly nursed and disciplined then Company A. owes no 
small share of its success to the officer who recruited it. fought with it and was mustered 
out with it. at the close of the campaign. 

The late .lohn Lonergan. Captain of Company A. 13th Regiment Vermont 
Volunteer Infantry, was born in the town of Carrick-onSuir, County Tipparery. Ireland, 
April 7th, 1839, being the eldest son of Thomas and Mary Lonergan. Captain Lonergan 
received his preliminary education from the Christian Brothers. His schooling was 



BioiirapUical and Historical of Co. ./. 427 

however cut short by emigration, and coming to Vermont in 1S48 with his parents, 
who settled in Burlington, he was soon at the bench helping to support a large family. 
In these young years, the work of the day being over, he busied himself at night by 
studying and reading, with the occasional assistance of a private teacher. His military 
instinct developed itself early, and in 18.59 he was a member of the Allen Greys, of 
Brandon, Vt., in which organization he learned some useful military lessons. In 
1860 he started in the grocery and i)rovision business at Winooski, Vt., and organized 
Company E, 4th Regiment, uniformed Militia, of which at that time George J. Stannard 
was colonel. By these means Caiitain Lonergan had acquired a good training for the 
coming conflict, and when President Lincoln, on April 15th, 1861, issued his proclama- 
tion, convening Congress on July 4th, and calling upon the several States tor seventy- 
five thousand men, "to aid in the enforcement of the laws and the suppression of 
insurrection", he at once offered his services to Colonel Stannard. and was ordered by 
him to attend the first war meeting of the officers of the state militia held in Burlington 
April 19th. 1861. Though only four days had elapsed since President Lincoln's call 
for troops, yet the meeting promptly supported that demand with armed assistance. 
There were present Adjutant-General Henry Baxter who presided and Captain Peter T. 
Washburn, as well as the representatives of the thirteen companies throughout the 
state. It was resolved to take the ten best prepared companies and form the 1st 
Regiment of the three months' men. Captain Lonergan received his commission to 
recruit a company for the 2nd Vermont Regiment, which read as follows: 

State of Vermont, 

Adjutant and Inspector General's OfiBce, 

Rutland. May 7th, 1861. 

John Lonergan, Sir — You are hereby appointed a recruiting officer to be stationed 
at Winooski, in this state, for recruiting and enlisting one company of able-bodied 
volunteers to "serve this state and the United States, when duly called for, for the 
period of two years, from and after the first day of June, 1861", in accordance w^th 
the provisions of an act of the Legislature of this state approved April 26th, 1861. By 
order of the Governor and Commander-in-chief. 

H. HENRY BAXTER, 

Adjutant and Inspector General. 

The receiving of a commission to recruit volunteers must have thrilled the spirit 
of a young man, twenty-two years of age. 

Thus while the war was still in its infancy, Captain Lonergan, throwing himself 
with his accustomed energy into whatever he was doing, enlisted as a private on May 
7th, and recruited Company K, of which he was chosen captain June 1st. On that 
day he reported the full complement of enlisted men, and received the following order: 

State of Vermont. 
Adjutant and Inspector General's Office, 
Rutland, June 3rd, 1861. 
Captain John Lonergan, Co. H, Winooski. 

Dear Sir — You will herewith receive orders to report with your command to 
Lieutenant Colonel Stannard. at Camp Underwood. Burlington, on or before Thursday 
next. You will receive your commission on my arrival at Burlington. Yours, 

H. HENRY BAXTER, 

Adjutant and Inspector General. 

Captain Lonergan reported at Camp Underwood, on the old fair grounds, which 
was surrounded by a high fence, and many a young soldier, thus brought under restraint 
for the first time, took delight in jumping it, being anxious to get back for awhile 
to town life. Captain Lonergan was assigned to quarters by Colonel Stannard, and 
received the letter K, instead of H, as by order. But an unexpected event then 
occurred; Captain Lonergan had not spared himself in getting his men together, nor 
in shaping them into soldiers, and was now not a little surprised and annoyed by the 
receipt of an order issued by Governor Fairbanks, on June 18th, 1861, disbanding the 
company on the ground that the regiment was delayed in consequence of Company 
K, not having the requisite number of men. As Captain Lonergan and sixty-five men 
had been sworn into the service of the United States, and were in consequence rather 



428 The Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers. 

beyond the jurisdiction of the Governor, he felt an Injustice had been done to him and 
his command. The following afl3davlt shows the view taken of the disbandment of 
the company by General Stannard: 

St. Ai-bass, Vermont. 

November 7th, 1864. 

I, George J. Stannard, formerly Lieutenant Colonel 2nd Vermont Infantry, take 
this occasion to say that I know Captain Lonergan, and that he was under my command 
at Camp Underwood, Burlington, reporting to nie under orders with his company on 
the 4th of June, 1861, and assigned his position in line, — his company being designated 
by the letter K. Captain Lonergan performed all his duties well and his company was 
considered a good one. His company was disbanded, the reason of which I never 
knew. I considered this act at the time a piece of injustice to Captain Lonergan, and 
was sorry to lose him and his company, and more especially after their having been 
Inspected, accepted, and sworn into the United States' service. Captain Lonergan spent 
considerable time and money, and in my opinion was dealt with unjustly, and ought 
to receive a compensation for the same. 

GEORGE J. STANNARD, 

Brev. Major-General Volunteers. 

After the close of the war Captain Lonergan, entering a claim against the State, 
was awarded the indemnity referred to, by a si)ecial act of the Legislature. Meanwhile 
protesting but submitting to the Governor's order, and seeing for the moment his 
hopes dashed to the ground, in the early part of the summer he followed the regiment 
to Virginia, taking with him thirty five men, recruited mostly by Captain Burnham, 
Company H. Captain Lonergan was welcomed Ijy officers and men of the 2nd Ver- 
mont, and was under fire with them several times, at Lewinsville, Falls Church and 
Munson's Hill. But finding himself in the peculiar position of not being recognized 
by the regimental roll, he secured a pass from 'Baldy" Smith to go to Washington to 
interview Simeon Cameron, Secretary of War. 

After listening to Captain Lonergan's statement of the disbandment of Ills first com- 
pany. Secretary Cameron extended his pass to Vermont, at the same time advising him 
to report for duty, very often to Adjutant-General Washburn, as also to every U. S. officer 
he met on the way. Captain Lonergan followed tliis advice faithfully and as it created 
quite a stir between Washington and Woodstock. Vermont, the result ' anticipated 
was obtained. Previous to the outbreak of the war, as he was a captain of a company 
of state militia (the Emmet Guard), Captain Lonergan, after repeated demands was 
finally again called upon to report for duty with his comi)any of 101 officers and men. 
These instructions were issued in a general order by Adjutant and Inspector General 
Peter T. Washburn, on August Sth, 1862, declaring 4,898 militia to be Vermont's quota 
of the 300.000 men summoned to the colors by President Lincoln. This order of the 
Adjutant-General, which brings to mind the stormy and threatening days of the war, 
enjoins in substance, that all companies of uniformed state militia be detached for 
service in compliance with the proclamation of the President. Furthermore, the com- 
manding officer of each of the said companies is directed to report with his company 
for active service, as the law requires, at such place of general rendezvous as shall be 
named, and in the meantime each such officer is notified to hold himself in readiness, 
with the company under his command, in the town in which such company is located, 
until further orders. When Captain Lonergan received a copy of this order, as com- 
manding officer of a company of militia, he was in an awkward position. His personal 
wishes, and hopes long deferred, were now gratified, but he had in fact no company, 
as after disbandment the members of it had been scattered or absorbed by the other 
companies of the 2nd Vermont. But Captain Lonergan, taking a practical view of the 
matter, set to work recruiting more men. He attended war meetings and from Bur- 
lington. Winooski. Westford and neighboring towns, enrolled the names of those who 
were willing to enlist. Going to Rutland where he was fortunate in getting Lieutenant 
Sinnott and Lieutenant llcDevitt to join him. he addressed the Irish quarr.vmen there, 
and enlisted nearly a score of men on the spot, securing in all over forty recruits in 
the same city. The result was that forty-eight hours ahead of time the company's 
ranks were complete. The election of officers resulted in the unanimous choice of 
John Lonergan as captain and John T. Sinnott as first-lieutenant. There were three 
candidates for second-lieutenant, namely. Alvin H. Henry of Westford. James B. Scully 
of Burlington, and David McDevitt of Rutland, the latter finally being chosen. As 
some friction had arisen in the appointment of the second-lieutenant, the wisdom of 
withdrawing by the Westford recruits, and joining one of the other companies of the 
county was discussed, but harmony was restored by the distribution of places to non- 
commissioned officers. Upon making known the organization of his second company, 
Captain Lonergan received on September 26th, the following order by telegraph from 
the Adjutant-General: 

"Report at Brattleboro. with your company, on Monday next." 



Biographical and Historical of Co. A. 429 

With this concise command begins the connection that united Captain Lonergan 
to Company A. 13th Vermont, for the ensuing year. 

Previous to leaving Burlington there took place on September 28th, 1862, a very 
complimentary affair, by which Messrs. D. C. Barber, proprietor of the Howard House, 
John B. Wheeler, City Attorney and S. C. Crombie, at a private dinner, presented 
Captain Lonergan with a handsome Colt's revolver, and the following word of en- 
couragement for which he was ever grateful to those gentlemen: 
To Captain John Lonergan, (Emmet Guard.) 

Dear Sir — We beg your acceptance of the accompanying revolver, as a slight 
testimonial of the regard we entertain for you as a man, and the confidence we have 
in you as a soldier and an officer. With a steady hand and a quick eye, we trust the 
revolver will never tail you in the hour of danger. 

At Brattleboro came the leave-taking and the final preparations to start tor 
Washington. 

With the company now fully organized some reference to their make-up as they 
turned out for drill seems opportune. An examination of the original rolls, preserved 
among the papers of the late Captain Lonergan gives interesting results. The medical 
inspector's report, dated Burlington, September 17th, 1S62, shows 103 men on the list, 
with 11 rejected and 17 minors. According to this report 42 men enlisted from Rutland, 
35 from Burlington, 21 from Westford, and one man from each of the following towns: 
Georgia, Vergennes, Essex, Benson and Wallingford. 

When the company reached Brattleboro to be mustered in on October 10th, the 
thinning out of undesirable recruits began. There are shown in these rolls 116 names, 
of which 11 are marked deserted, 8 not present at muster, and 14 re.iected by the 
medical inspector, leaving 83 officers and men accepted. Of the 8 men not present at 
the muster-in, a subsequent report dated three weeks later declares that three men had 
deserted, and one was ill. A misplaced initial would account for the presence of 
another private, giving a remainder of three more not reported. Upon comparing this 
roll with previous ones, one supplementing the other as to details, it is found that 
some 20 native Vermonters were mustered in, of which about 15 were from Westford. 
There were besides 5 French-Canadian citizens accepted, making in round figures 60 
Irish-Americans, 1 from Burlington and Rutland, and 25 native Vermonters and French- 
Canadians, who marched shoulder to shoulder in Company A. The journey to the 
South, the arrival at Baltimore, and the camp at Capitol Hill, in Washington, together 
with the marches into and in Virginia must be passed over. All this and the clashes 
with the enemy served the purpose of moulding Company A, into what Colonel Randall 
was accustomed to call his Irish Regulars. This phrase does credit to their efficiency, 
as it also records an attachment existing between captain and rank and file, that 
prompted him in the height of the battle of Gettysburg to decline to leave the company, 
and assume the duties of the lieutenant colonel, who had been reported wounded. 
Besides he also felt, though the matter is a delicate one to mention, that he had not 
been promoted at the proper time, and this with the recollection of earlier difficulties, 
made him determined to stand by his men. who in fact always stood by him. In this 
connection an Incident, regarding an unintentional encroachment on the liberty of 
conscience requires mention. When the first Christmas came around the usual orders 
were issued to attend divine service. Knowing the feelings of his men, most of whom 
were Catholics, and while declaring afterwards, the day might have been better observed 
under the circumstances by going to a non-Catholic service than by idling in camp. 
Captain Lonergan objected to being forced to go, and refused to turn out his company. 
For this breach of discipline captain Lonergan was placed under arrest and relieved 
of his sword. This occurrence, which attained much celebrity in camp at the time, 
ended in the honorable return of the sword, and in a modification of regimental orders 
to the extent that in future attendance at church services was made voluntary. 

Such incidents go far to show that the following address presented to Captain 
Lonergan in Virginia by the company, with a sword and belt, was no unmeaning bit 
of phrasing, but was on the contrary a genuine testimonial of affection and regard: 

Occoquan, Virginia, May 9th, 1S63. 

Captain Lonergan — Sir: It is with pleasure and with pride that this duty 
devolves upon me. to perform which I have been deputed by the members of your 
company. They have long had it in mind to present you with some token, however, 
small, to represent to you the high opinion they have of your gallantry and courage 
as a soldier, the great respect they entertain for you as a man of upright integrity, 
and faithful and fearless attachment and devotion to what is right and just: but above 
all, to express to you their appreciation of your conduct towards them as "OUR 
CAPTAIN." Sir. though you have always performed your duty without fear or favor, yet 
you have tempered it with kindness and forbearance towards those under your command. 
It has been your endeavor to soften and mitigate the hardships of the camp, the march. 



430 



'I'lu' Tliiiti'ciith Regiment J'cnnout I'oliiiiterrs. 



and the bivouac. You have. Sir, done all in your power to make us good soldiers; you 
were always watchful of our good name and welfare; you saw that nothing was left 
undone, which ought to have been done to make us contented and comfortable. Sir. 
you have been kind to us. Receive, then, from us. this sword and belt, as a mark of 
our appreciation of that kindness, as also of your conduct as a man and a soldier — 
as an officer and a gentleman. We know you will carry it with gallantry and courage; 
and when it Hashes and gleams on the battlefield, we have the proud satisfaction 
of knowing that this trusted steel cannot be propelled by stouter arm. nerved by 
braver heart than yours. Long may you live to wear it! 



Lieut. John T. Sinnott. 
•• David McDevitt. 
Sergeant James B. Scully. 
Thomas Blake. 
Joseph Weeks. 
F. W. Burtch. 
Corporal John Patten. 

" Thomas Traynor. 
Thos. J. Cullegan. 
" Timothy Cummings. 
Torrey W. Sibley. 
Allen G. Frisbie. 
" Jacob S. Drew. 
John Crowley. 
Private Paul Seegar. 
Israel Videlle. 
Albert Tisdelle. 
John Ashey. 
Albert Swan. 
John Lang. 
Terrence Tully. 
James Knowles. 
Michael Quilty. 
'' Peter Gaherty. 

William Woodruff. 
Joseph McLaughlin. 



Private Lewis Martin. 

Michael Moylan. 

Joseph Wallace. 

Thomas Farrell. 

Julius Goodrich. 

Edgar H. Woodruff. 

David T. Hard. 

Otis X. Rublee. 

Patrick Corey. 

John Shannahan. 

Patrick Ready. 

John Nugent. 

Martin Maloy. 

Edward McXellis. 

Michael O'Loughlin. 

Peter Shiette. 
" Nicholas Lamb. 

Edward Lyons. 
" Michael Mclnerny. 
" James Corey. 
" William Ryan. 
" John Collins. 

John Hanlin. 

Patrick McMahon. 

Patrick Mclnerny. 



This touching and manly address was written by Lieutenant Sinnott. who left 
his school teacher's desk in Rutland to go to the front with Company A. His death 
at Gettysburg was much regretted. Before the battle both lieutenant and captain 
agreed to write but not to mail their letters home, so in case anything happened to 
either of them, one would know what to do. It became the sad duty of Captain 
Lonergan to take charge of Lieutenant Sinnott's letter, wherein were instructions as to 
the disposal of his effects, and a word to his betrothed. The grave was marked and 
later the remains were brought to Vermont for interment in West Rutland, where a 
monument has since been raised to his memory by the town authorities. 

A short time previous to the presentation of the sword and belt Company A, 
was detached from the regiment, and supported by the 2nd Connecticut Battery, was 
placed to guard Wolf Run Shoals. What attracted much attention at the time for its 
daring capture of a Union general in camp, is referred to in the following order: 

Head Quarteis 12th Regiment. Vt. Vols. 
Near Wolf Run Shoals. Va.. 

Feb. 6th. 1863. 

Captain — You will detail from your company one (1) lieutenant, and fifteen (15) 
men to occupy the upper part of Ford's barn to-night. One man will be kept continually 
on the lookout especially towards morning. By order of, 

COL. A. P. BLUNT. 
P. S. — This detail will be relieved at 7;.30 o'clock a. m. to-morrow. 



This order, which was repeated three days later, relates to the capture of 
General Stoughton, by Mosby's guerillas, at P'airfax Court House. The ob.ject of sending 
a detail of Company A. to the barn was to make a prisoner of Miss Ford, who was 
supposed to have been instrumental in the capture of the Union general, by making 
known to Mosby's men the countersign of the picket line. She was subsequently arrested 



Biographical and Historical of Co. A. 431 

but was released owing to lack of evidence. Interesting as these events are. with their 
unmistakable touch of camp life, the skirmishing and the strange feeling of being in 
the enemy's country, they can only be briefly referred to. It is but necessary to say 
that Company A, with the other Vermont companies, had all the while taken advantage 
of every opportunity to fit themselves for the great battle that was now to burst over 
their heads with a shock, the echo of which will long be heard in American History. 
(Company A, was time-expired as some claimed by nearly two months when the federal 
and confederate armies began to converge to a central point, to decide supremacy at 
Gettysburg, but to a man they decided to go into the fight.) What led up to the battle 
need not here be related. It is a matter of general history, as is also the marvellous 
attempt made by General Lee to invade Pennsylvania, and threaten Washington. It 
would however give a very inadequate idea of what was going on not to mention that the 
2nd Vermont Brigade, under the command of General Stannard, was fully aware of the 
importance of the seven days' march they completed before arriving at Gettysburg, at 
sunset, on the first day of the battle July 1st, 1863. On the afternoon of that day, 
Company A, with other Vermont troops came within earshot of the cannonading. The 
certain proof that the enemy was now in front, and that there was work to be done 
outweighed every recollection of fatigue, crowded their minds with fugitive thoughts 
of home, of the peaceful view of nature that lay on each side of them, but above all 
with the sense of duty, that none but a soldier could know, at that moment when 
duty became more personal and imperative to them as the hours wore on. 

The mounted courier that brought the news of the death of General Reynolds, 
and the determined stand the Confederates were making, acted on their minds with a 
premonitary effect, and as they felt the battle was to be no common one, they girded 
themselves for the conflict. 

The canvas here becomes so large, the number of eminent generals and officers 
on both sides so great, and the feats of heroism so numerous, that to confine the great 
panorama to the doings of one brigade and to one regiment, and to one company, 
seems a task bound to result in failure. But as each company and each regiment and 
each brigade are units, performing in miniature the simi of deeds done at Gettysburg, it 
is obvious that, providing the proper perspective be observed, the record of one regiment 
nay of one company, cannot but prove of interest. As regards Company A, Captain 
Lonergan always had reason to feel proud that he and his men performed their full 
duty. Two achievements stand out above the rest in this record; the part taken by 
the company in the re-capture of 4 guns of a U. S. Battery. Turnbull's or Weir's of the 
Reserve Artillery and the capture, by the company of sharpshooters and infantrymen 
in and about the Peter Rogers house on the Emmltsburg road. 

As to the re-capture of 4 guns of a Battery U. S. Artillery Reserve when the 
order to charge bayonets was given. Company A, was not behind the other companies 
under command of Colonel Randall. The boys of Company A. were among the first to 
reach the lost battery and covered themselves with glory in that brave and daring 
incident. 

As creditable as this was, and though the honor of re-capturing the guns of that 
battery is shared by those who took part therein, Company A, was now called on to 
perform a most gallant deed, one in fact that only brave men could hope to accom- 
plish. (Benedict, Vermont in the Civil War, Vol. II, p. 457.) 

When it was noticed that the regiment was sustaining severe loss from firing 
that came from the Rogers house on the Emmltsburg road. Colonel Randall, turning 
to Captain Lonergan said: "that house is full of sharpshooters, take your company 
and capture them." 

There was no hesitation to comply. Captain Lonergan afterwards wrote an 
account of the part taken by Company A. in the battle on reaching the house. "Near the 
door I saw an officer with a rifle in his hands and called for his surrender, demanded 
and received his sword and shouted: 'Come out here, every confounded one of you.' 
My order was obeyed instantly, for the Confederates came tumbling out until we had 
a large number of prisoners. Each man laid down his gun, until I had a considerably 
larger number of men as prisoners than I had in my entire company." 

Colonel Randall wrote the following letter to Captain Lonergan soon after the 
war. It was apparently in reply to a request for a statement of the company's record, 
and coming from such a source it must long be held in estimation for its fair discrimina- 
tion as regards Company A. 

Montpelier. July 13th, 1869. 
Captain : 

Your letter is received. I shall always be found ready to do justice to old Com- 
pany "A" of the 13th Regiment, ranking officer and all. I have on more than one 
occasion particularized that Company for their efficiency as soldiers, and particularly 
for their zeal and bravery at Gettysburg. Some interested parties have tried, and are 
still trying, to rob the 13th Regiment of the laurels fairly won by them at Gettysburg, 



43- //''■ I liirtccnih Regiment rennoiit I Oliiiileers. 

or to parcel them with other regiments who had no pari in them. It any act entitled 
the brlprade to commendation during the fight, it was the retaking of Hancock's guns 
and the capture of two guns from the ret)els. and the capture of prisoners on the 
afternoon of the second day of the battle. To you and your company belongs the 
immediate honor of capturing i)risonerss at the Roger's house on the Emmitsburg road. 
And on the following day. when the ll'tli led and made the flank attack on the rebel 
column that attempted to break our center. Company "A" being the right company of 
the Regiment, nobly stood and formed the pivot on which the Regiment swung as we 
changed front under the most murderous fire of the battle, and I have not forgotten, 
too. that it was here that the noble Sinnoll fell. The |)osition of your Company at 
that moment was most trying of all. being at a standstill, while the other companies 
were in motion. This was a daring movement to perform and we lost several lirave 
boys in its execution, but I shall always believe the result of the battle of Gettysburg 
turned on the circumstance of General Stannard and his Second Vermont Brigade 
holding the front battle line against which General Pickett with his 12,000 gallant 
heroes made their desi)erate and last charge; and in this opinion I am sustained by 
many good oflRcers, among whom were Doubleday and Hancock, the latter of whom has 
so assured me by his autograph letters, which I have. 

Now. Captain, I hope you do not think that I laid up anything against you per- 
sonally on account of the Ranking Officer affair, for I never did. All colts have to be 
halter broke and then we get good horses of them. 7 had some colts. 

Truly. 

F. V. RANDALL. 

The concluding paragraph of a statement prepared by Captain Lonergan on the 
subject of Company A, about which he talked but rarely, except when strongly moved 
as on this occasion, deserves to be quoted:"! trust I may be excused" he says, "for 
using the personal pi'onoun so often. It is not easy to separate me from my company. 
I have in this letter given testimony of the valor of Comi)any A. Heman Allen was 
there, .las. B. Scully was there, Sibly, Hanlin, Shannahan and others were there. God 
alone saved you boys, and long may you live to enjoy the blessings of your great nation, 
to behold her as she is, great, glorious and free." 

Out of a total of 11 killed in the regiment at Gettysburg, Company A. lost 4 
men. to which should be added the name of Sergeant-Major Smith who fought with the 
company in the battle on .Tuly 3rd. in the capacity of lieutenant. The killed of Com- 
pany A. were: Lieutenant John T. Sinnott. Sergeant Thomas Blake. Patrick Corey and 
Michael Mclnerny. The wounded were: Corporal T. W. Sibley, John Hanlin, Martin 
Maloy. Michael Moylan, John Shannahan, William Woodruff, and Joseph Wallace, making 
a total of 12 casualties. (Benedict: Vermont in the Civil War. Vol. II. pp. 4SS. 494; 
also attached list.) 

Among the papers of the late Captain Lonergan is the following comment on the 
discharge of the company, between whom and the writer there was always a strong 
bond of affection, in fact more than is usual between officer and men: "After the 
gallant work done and the remarkable achievements of the 1.3th Vermont, and by my 
boys in particular, as stated by the colonel above, the 13th Vermont may well retire to 
their own green hills, having so nobly finished their term of enlistment." 

The regiment having been ordered home a few days after the battle of Gettysburg, 
was discharged from the service of the United States at Brattleboro. Vt., July 21st, 1863. 
On arrival at Burlington, Vt., Comijauy A, was royally welcomed. An address on behalf 
of the citizens was read to Captain Lonergan by Sol Adams. It was a joyful occasion 
to see loved ones again, and though the ranks had been thinned by death and disease,- 
their reputation had gone before them, to the responsive hearts of generous minded 
people, "all of whom turned out to receive us", wrote Captain Loner.gan, 'all work being 
suspended for the occasion, that I and my men will long hold in grateful remembrance." 

Though the late Captain Lonergan was never wounded, he sustained internal 
injuries that incapacitated him for a time after his return to Vermont. But to the call 
of duty he was ever attentive. What is known as the St. Albans Raid roused up the 
people of Vermont to the danger that lay near their doors. The news that an armed 
force had crossed the line from the Dominion of Canada into the State, and had looted 
several banks, caused emergency meetings to be held, and as the Dominion was the 
home of many Confederates, with whom the Canadians were in symi)athy. it was deter- 
mined to take active measures to repel any attack that might come from that quarter. 
Captain Lonergan was chosen to recruit Burlington's quota of 1.5 men, and enlisted 
himself as a sergeant, on May 3rd, 1S6.5, in the Frontier Cavalry, (26th, New York), 
and was on duty near Saxe's Mills when Lee surrendered, being discharged from service 
June 27th, ISfi.'i, at Burlington. 

In civil life Captain Lonergan was twice appointed a deputy collector of V. S. 
Customs. The last occasion was in 1886 when he was sent to Montreal, Canada. It 



Biographical and Historical of Companx A. 433 

was while living in that city that deserved recognition was made by the U. S. Govern- 
ment of his services as a soldier. Upon recommendation being sent to Washington by 
the friends of Captain Lonergan. at the head of which was Senator Proctor, the much 
coveted medal of honor was granted to him as is referred to in the following letter: 

Record and Pension Office. 

War Department, 
Washington City, Oct. 28th, 1893. 
Captain John Lonergan. 

late of Co. A, 13th Vt. Vols., 

Montreal, P. Q., Canada. 

Captain — I am directed by the Secretary of War to inform you that I have this 
day forwarded to you in registered mail a medal of honor, awarded you for distinguished 
gallantry in action at Gettysburg, Pa., .July 2, 1863, in accordance with the act of Con- 
gress approved March 3rd, 1863, providing for the presentation of the medals of honor 
to such officers, non-commissioned officers, and privates as have most distinguished 
themselves in action. 

Very respectfully, 

F. F. AINSWORTH, 

Col. V. 8. Army. 

The full inscription on the reverse side of the bronze medal reads as follows: 
"The Congress to Captain John Lonergan. Company A, 13th Vermont, Volunteers for 
distinguished gallantry in action at Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863." 

In the official circular published by direction of Secretary of War Taft in 1904, 
giving the list of names of those to whom the medals of honor had been awarded, with 
reference to Captain Lonergan, it is declared the award was made for "Gallantry in 
the re-capture of four guns and the capture of two additional guns from the enemy, 
also the capture of a number of prisoners." * 

Captain Lonergan held his position in the U. S. Customs till failing health obliged 
him to retire. He died August 6th, 1902, in Montreal, and was buried at Burlington, a 
place towards which his heart ever turned. 

In politics Captain Lonergan was a Democrat, and in religion a Roman Catholic. 
Any sketch of him would not be complete without a reference to his adherence to fixed 
principles, an instance of which may be mentioned. After losing his first political ap- 
pointment, he piciied up his tools and worked at his trade for some fifteen years till 
his party went into power again, when he was re-appointed. Conduct of this kind and 
his war record won him friends among both parties, wherever he went. His sense of 
humor, quick wit, and command of ready effective speech, made him as much at home 
on the public platform, as he was a welcome guest at the camp-fire and banquet table. 
He is survived by his wife, one son and two daughters. 

It may not be out of place here to remark that Captain Lonergan, in 1864, 
published and edited in Burlington during six months, a weekly paper called "The 
Irish Watchman." 

THOMAS F. LONERGAN. 



■ lo.=;t by General Lee during the battle of Gettysburg. 



434 ^ ''<' I liirlcciitli Rcyimciit I 'cniunil I 'ohinlccrs. 

HEMAN W. ALLEN 

Was born in the town of Wcstfoid. ChiUenden County, Vermont, 1844. Enlisted 1862; 
joined Company A, Captain .John Lonergan, KUli Vermont Regiment; served as Com- 
pany Clerlt, discliarged at Brattleboro witli tlie Regiment. At time of enlistment was 
clerk in a country store at Westford. Fall of 1SG3 entered Eastman's Business 
College at Foughkeepsie, New York. After graduation was employed as a teacher 
in that Institution for a few months. Returned to Vermont spring of 1864; 
entered the employ of Edwaid Lyman, a dry goods merchant, at Burlington. Formed 
a co-partnership in 1869, the firm being Lyman & Allen, continuing until 1890. when, 
upon the death of Mr. Lyman, the fiini became H. W. Allen & Co., so remaining until 
the present time. Married in ISSl to Miss Juliette Keeler. One son, Edward Lyman 
Allen, named after an old friend and business partner; is 16 years old and a member 
of the Class of 1904, St, Paul's School, Garden City. N. Y. Edward Lyman Allen, assisted 
Miss Lois K. Clark, daughter of Colonel Henry O. Clark in unveiling the monument of 
the 1.3th Veiniont Regiment at Gettysburg. 

MILITARY RECORD. 

Eighteen hundred and sixty-two and eighteen hundred and sixty-three, private 
Company A. K^th Veimont Regiment. 186.")-1S68, First Lieutenant Company I, 1st Reg- 
iment Vermont State Militia, Colonel William D. Munson. 1894, Inspector Rifle Practice 
Vermont National Guard, with rank of Colonel on the Staff of Governor l'. A. Woodbury; 
elected Delegate to National Encampment Grand Army of the Republic 1899: again 
elected Delegate in 1901. 1899. appointed Aide-de-camp on the Staff of Wm. C. .Johnson, 
Commander in Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic: was elected Ti-easurer of the, 
13th Vermont Regiment Association at its organization. Is the only officer of the Asso- 
ciation who has held same office since its formation: served as President of the Associa- 
tion June 1890 to June, 1901. 1902 chief of Staff Commander R. E. Hathern, Depart- 
ment of Vermont G. A. R. 1903, reaiipointed by Department Commander Frank Kenfield 
to same office. 

FINANCIAL 

Eighteen hundred and ninty, elected a Director of Merchants' National Bank of 
Burlington, Vt.. 1902, chosen Vice-President of same, probably the strongesst Financial 
Institution in the State. 

The foregoing is Comrade Heman W. Allen's contribution to this History. He 
has held important political positions. The most exclusive doors of society are open 
to him. His business methods and achievements are the admiration of his friends. He 
has never turned a deaf ear to the demands of charity. His character is good and 
worthy of emulation. He devoted some of the best portion of his life to the service 
of liis country. His personality has impressed itself upon his State. He was Treasurer 
of the Sub-Committee on the Gettysburg Monument of the 13th Vermont Regiment. His 
prudent counsel and generous benevolence helped to make that Monument i)ossible. 

The writer, therefore, believed that his comrades had the right to a more extended 
biography: But. knowing that modesty is not his least prominent characteristic, wrote 
Colonel Allen for pei mission to amplify the foregoing record. The following is his 
reply in part: "1 assure you I appreciate your kind interest and will be very glad 
to have you smoothe out the rough places in the statement 1 submitted. Don't make 
it too broad: If I have lived honestly and soberly among my fellow-men. and can 
continue to do so until the end. leaving a good name as an inheritance, with a record 
of some good and little mischief, I ought to be satisfied." 

If modesty is the measure of merit, the foregoing record and this characteristic 
reply are suggestive. In the life of every man with strong predilections for a certain 
vocation, there are found early indications of a preference for that work, and these 
instinctive express' .ms may sometimes be traced through an entire life. 

During Napoleon's banishment to Elba and St. Helena he was planning fortifica- 
tions and laying out harbors safe in stoims, and that could be easily defended from 
assault. The ruling passion could not be suppressed. 

There are facts in the life of Comrade Allen that furnished evidence that those who 
have distinguished themselves as soldiers and poets are not the only men who were 
born to their avocations. The record shows that he was clerk in a country store at 18, 
when he enlisted. During his term of service he was Company Clerk. His intimate 
relations with his officers would naturally have given him the !)reference, had he desired 



Biographical and Historical of Coinpany A. 435 

a non-commissioned appointment, and there were vacancies; but he accepted none and 
cared for none of these. He lvei)t his gun clean and his powder dry. and in the days 
of battle he took his place in the ranl<s and stood shoulder to shoulder and fought side 
by side with the bravest. At all other times during his military life he was simply 
the business man of his Company. After he was mustered out. he graduated at East- 
man's Business College, and was employed there as a teacher for a few months. The 
better to prepare him for his calling, he then became a clerk in the store of Edward 
Lyman, at Burlington, Vt.. next a co-partner in that store, and is now the proprietor of 
a business establishment in Burlington second to none in Vei-mont, or in New England 
outside of Boston. 

In every period of his life his record discloses his business Instincts. He is a 
born merchant, but his present position was not bestowed as a gift. Its primacy is the 
result of years of labor and struggle. 

Statistics show that 90 per cent, of all the merchants in the United States have 
failed. Causes for this are various. During hard times a merchant is sometimes com- 
pelled to extend the credit of his customers who are unable to pay promptly. This may 
compel him to borrow money and give his notes. If these notes are held for a short 
time by the hand of forbearance, the maker may return solvent, and become prosperous. 
These wreckers are financial highwaymen who lie in wait to seize the unwary merchant. 
and destroy him. All that he can do is to protect and defend himself against them. It 
is said that "Eternal Vigilance is the price of Liberty." It is certainly the price of 
commercial success. And there are times when the exercise of the utmost vigilance 
scarcely suffices to apprise a merchant of approaching danger. Financial panics in 1873 
and 1893 shook the business world from center to circumference, and swept it as with 
the besorn of destruction. But Heman W. Allen did not fail! In the great crisis of 
life, character is often the determining factor. The man who can conduct a large 
business successfully through financial cyclones like these, must be endowed with great 
characteristics. In such times of wide spread bankruptcy and desolation, a command 
of credit might constitute the only hope of success. Amid such scenes capital becomes 
extremely sensitive. A mere business, however great, is less valuable in obtaining 
credit than the character of the man who conducts ft. Fortunate, then, is that merchant 
whose character is founded on virtues that render his integrity unassailable. A con- 
stant state of preparedness is the best assurance of business success. He that succeeds 
must be alert and cautious, giving "every man his ear but few his voice", anticipating 
all possible dangers as well as all possible opportunities of his business, studying, as a 
player at chess, all the possible combinations that might imperil success. He must 
unite the wisdom of the serpent with the harmlessness of a dove. He must have the 
power of mental concentration and thorough knowledge and masteiy of himself. His 
keen intelligence must enable him to view matters in their true proportions. His mental 
equipoise must not permit him to give an "unproportioned thought its act." If there 
is a factor of possible disturbance he must eliminate that factor — the budding discord 
must be nipped before its blossoming. He must hare the prescience of a seer'. 

It was in the man to win by leadership — the initiative — the power of bringing 
things to pass. He inherited manly strength, genious, and an imagination dominated 
by intellectual force that has i-endered his discernment prophetic. Decision of character 
is an essential element in all great achievements. He has shown a steadfastness of 
I'urpose that has overcome all obstacles. Nor has he neglected his civic or social duties. 
His record shows that he has held various public positions of honor and trust. But, 
he is a merchant. He has concentrated his psysic powers upon his enterprises. Results 
illustrate the force of those powers. His success is only limited by the possibilities of 
his field of endeavor. He has conquered his icorld'. Those who knew him in his young 
manhood did not realize that beneath his quiet unimpressive exterior a strong will was 
being forged and an alert intelligence was being trained for future need, that he was 
developing that peculiar faculty of which the wisest have boasted — that enables man 
to learn something of every body. Perhaps the very power of veiling from the common 
gaze the abysmal deeps of personality Is one of the traits that gives him so strong a 
hold on human hearts. A divinity whose nature we could explore we could not worship. 
There was gladness in his youth and young manhood, but the undercurrent flowed in 
a deep set channel of serious and direct endeavor. The power of self restraint, the 
genuine modesty of intellect are here revealed — the outer man has become the reflection 
of inward grace and refinement. In his store, it is evident that the place, the hour and 
the man have met. We are in the presence of one of the fortunate con.junctions of the 
business world.. This automatic, frictionless, perfect working establishment was not 
created where you see it, but was coined from the brain of its master amid the solitudes 
of his study. It is the realization of the dream of a boyhood that saw everything, 
forgot nothing, thought much, and talked little. Business types and ideals are higher 
and finer to-daj- than ever before in history. But there are no higher or finer types 
than in this busy mart of commerce. Business is here shown to be the blending of 
self-interest with moral ideas. No employee is asked to stifle his conscience, or com- 
promise his sense of self-respect. Truth applied to human affairs is justice. Colonel 



436 7'/ic Thirteenth Recjiment I'crmont Volunteers. 

Allen's business has not been shaped more for a desire for gain, than by an exalted sense 
of truth and duty, the doing of which has been and is a pleasure. Omniscient scrutiny 
would fail to find any silver here that Is stained with blood or rusted with tears. His 
methods are impersonal; they concern his business: he impresses that view upon his 
clerks with whom his relation is ideal. To a casual observer of the place the relation 
of employer and employee seems to have been eliminated. Each appears to be a valued 
friend and co-worker. Strikes are not bred in such an atmosphere. When the proprietor 
enters, there is an e.xpression on each face, as if to say: "My brother has come." 
Friendship, truth and love so permeate .its atmosphere that its charm is grateful 
Colonel Allen's influence over all the young men and women who have been and are 
his co-workers will exert a beneficient force for generations to come by furnishing just 
standards for limitations of gain, and high ideals of duty. 

The "Rogers House" between the opposing lines of battle at Gettysburg, was 
filled with confederate sharpshooters. Our Colonel devolved upon the Captain of Com- 
pany A and his brave men the duty of dislodging them. They promptly i)erformed 
that duty, taking from that house many prisoners. Comrade Allen and his gallant 
associates won for their Captain a medal of honor, well merited and worthily worn. 
During the entire battle of Gettysburg Heman W. Allen, the Company Clerk, was as 
fearless a fighter as any other member of his fighting regiment. He takes no thought 
of the fact that dauntless courage, patient endurance and sublime self-sacrifice have 
been illustrated in his character and life; it is for the men of this generation to recognize 
and applaud them; but it is for the men of every .generation to seek to emulate his 
noble qualities never belittled by vascilation. his lofty patriotism without a suggstion 
of selfishness, and his broad manhood, never degraded by vice. 

LIEUT. STEPHEN F. BROWN OF CO. K. 

ALLEN G. FRISBIE 

I was born (as told me) at early candle lighting, March 17. in the year of our 
Lord one thousand eight hundred and forty, in the town of Westfield, Chittenden 
County, Vermont. My advent on St. Patrick's Day was a .source of comment, and my 
father and mother were happy for to them was born a son on that quite eventful day. 
I do not know as the day influenced my childhood or early manhood, but do recall that 
from earliest recollections was afraid of toads and snakes. 

1 was educated in the common schools of Vermont, attending school winters and 
work on the farm summers. I had a brother younger who was of Company H, 3rd Ver- 
mont Volunteers, mortally wounded, at Spotsylvania Court House. Va.. May 12, 1864 
and another brother in the 9th Minnesota Volunteers taken prisoner and died in 
Andersonville Prison. We all loved our home and country and therefore volunteered 
to protect and save them. My parents were proud that their sons were loyal and 
true, two out of three was a great sacrifice even for the preservation of the Union, 
but lives thus offered are not in vain. We boys early decided to go into the army, 
and 1 volunteered in August. 1862. joined Company A 13th Regiment Vermont Volun- 
teers and on the organization of Company A was made a corporal and with patriotic 
pride fulfilled my duties from muster in until discharged with the Regiment July 21. 1863. 
In the spring of 1863 was sick with typhoid fever and was sent to Mount Pleasant 
Hospital, Washington, D. C, and was slowly recovering at the time of the Gettysburg 
campaign. It has been the regret of my life that I was not permitted to take part 
and share in the great battle of Gettysburg. I might have been slain had I been 
present but no greater honor could have befallen me. I was not timid or afraid when 
in danger or when there was a prospect of a battle. I recollect well the night attack 
of General J. E. B. Stuart. December 28. 1862. with a strong force of 4.000 cavalry, the 
flower of General Lee's Army against three regiments of our 2nd Vermont Brigade 
the 12th. 13th and 14th, the 1.5th being out on picket duty along Bull Run River and 
the 16th had been sent down to Fairfax station to guard the supplies there when 
General Stoughton first heard that a raid was coming. News came from Washington 
that General Stuart was on a raid with a large force in the direction of Fairfax Court 
House giving General Stoughton orders to be ready and hold his jiosition. The drum 
corps of the 13th beat the long roll, the camp was alarmed and the orderly sergeants 
cried out loud and strong ' fall in fall in" and in a few minutes we were being rapidly 
marched up to the Court House expecting every moment to see the rebels coming. We 
were quickly placed in the rifie pits ordered to load and wait for orders to fire. All 
felt a battle was imminent for we had heard that General Stuart with a large body 
of cavalry was nearby and when we heard them coming up the pike and the greeting 
that Companies B and G of the 12th gave the head of the approaching column, we 
knew a battle had commenced and we with loaded rifles in hand anxiously waited for 
orders to fire. Our battery sent a few shells hissing among them and Stuart, halted 
and made up his mind that we were advised of his approach and were fully prepared 
to fight and then moved off to our left and was soon out of sight and sound. This 
affair was attended with all the preliminaries of a more portentious battle. It was 



Biographical and Historical of Company A. 437 

my initiation under fire and was not unduly frightened or alarmed. I was now confident 
that our boys of Company A could fight well when ever called on, and therefore am 
confident had I been in the battle line when the 2nd Vermont Brigade made its desperate 
and famous charge against General Pickett's approaching columns on the eventful day, 
July 3rd, 1S63. should have been found touching elbows with my comrades in tlie battle 
lines during that great battle. I was discharged with the regiment at Camp Lincoln, 
Brattleboro, Vt., July 21st, 1863. I was a soldier almost a year though the term of 
service was only nine months. Some of the boys claimed our time was out before 
the march to Gettysburg, and were so sure that when our regiment broke camp at 
Occoquan, Va., June 25th, 1863, made calculations to march to Washington, D. C. and 
then go home to Vermont. I never heard one of the boys, old or young of Company 
A but what was proud of taking part in the battle of Gettysburg. Since the Civil 
War have been a farmer, merchant, insurance agent and speculator in real estate and 
also school superintendent and trustee for seven years. I now reside in Geneva, N. Y. 
I am a married man and am quite content and happy. I am sorry that am not blessed 
with children to enjoy this glorious land saved to posterity by the noble volunteers 
of 1861-5. 

Now comrade Sturtevant, I have fully complied with your request for brief 
personal sketch. I am sorry that I am not able to write something of more interest. You 
may cut this article down or leave it out entirely and no offence. I am glad a history 
of our regiment is to be published and look forward with pleasure for opportunity 
to see and read it. 

ALLEN G. FRISBIE. 

Corporal Allen G. Frisbie of Company A 13th Regiment Vermont Volunteers was 
a good solrlier, is a good citizen and a thoroughly reliable man. 

HEMAN W. ALLEN, Co. A 13th Vt. Vols., 

Burlington. Vt. 

FIRST LIEUTENANT JOHN T. SINNOTT, COMPANY A. 

My recollection of John T. Sinnott dates from the time when he .ioined the 
Company at Burlington before its organization, coming from Rutland with a number 
of recruits, all Irishmen, most of them eager for a fight, in the service of the Nation. 
Young Sinnott was a native of Ireland; he was a school teacher at Bast Rutland, 
when the Nine Months' Men were called for, and he at once enlisted and came to 
Burlington. At the election of officers he was unanimously chosen First Lieutenant 
and proved himself a competent officer and a brave soldier. He was of fine physique, 
commanding in appearance, always gentlemanly, kind and generous, beloved and res- 
pected by every man in the company and regiment. It was my privilege to know him 
more intimately than most of the privates; my duties as company clerk bringing 
me in closer realtions with the officers of the company than would have otherwise been 
possible, and I do not recall an instance of impatience or injustice on his part towards 
any members of the company. The relations between the officers, as far as I know, 
were harmonious and friendly, it is a satisfaction to me, after these many years, to pay 
this tribute to a good friend, a thorough gentleman and a brave soldier. 

During the flank attack of July 3d he was struck in the forehead by a piece of 
shell and died a day or two after In a hospital and was buried at Gettysburg. I was 
near him at the time, we were lying behind the slight protection of rails, etc., which 
we had gathered together and had been in that uncomfortable position for some time; 
the men were uneasy, some of them would stand up to gaze over the rails to see what 
the conditions were in front, he raised up to caution the men, saying, "Boys, lie 
down or you'll surely be hit," when he himself received the fatal wound spoken of above. 

He anticipated his fate and in his pocket was found a paper written at the close 
of the first day of July, giving directions for a disposition of his property and bidding 
farewell to his betrothed. His remains were subsequently removed to Vermont and 
interred in the Catholic Cemetery at West Rutland. 

It was understood that he was to be promoted to the captaincy of another company 
and while he would have rejoiced at his promotion the feeling was that his removal 
would be a serious loss to Company A. 

HEMAN W. ALLEN. 



438 The Thirteenth Re</iiiient I 'eniioiit I oluutccrs. 



A TRIBUTE TO SERGT. JAMES B. SCULLY BY H. W. ALLEN AT A 
REGIMENTAL REUNION HELD AT MONTPELIER. VT. 



ATKIUUTE of affection and respect to the nienioiy of my deceased comrade is to me 
a labor of love. We have worked togi'ther and i)lanned togellier for over forty 
years, in the same line of business, competitors, in these days of close coiniietition. 
yet I do not recall the time when I would have felt the least hesitancy in asking a< 
favor, or a time when I would not have been willing to grant one. either of a personal 
or business nature. Belonging to the same jiolitical party, usually in accord, he was 
always enthusiastic and leady to labor in the interest of that parly and for its interests. 

.ianies B. Scully w'as born in Burlington October Tth. 1S42; he attended the ptibllc 
schools until the age of 14. when he began services as a clerk in a dry goods store. 
Whefli tine war came he was ready to shoulder his musket in the defense of his 
country, enlisted with Capt. Lonergan in a militia company, known as the Emmet 
Guard, afterwards Company A of the \?,\\\ Regiment; was at the organization ap|)ointed 
Second Sergeant. Early in ISfiS was promoted to Orderly Sergeant and served with 
the company until he was mustered out at Brattleboro. He was a good soldier, prompt 
to obey orders, obliging and kind, yet a good discii)linarian. and he had the friendship 
and respect of every man in the company as far as 1 know. He was of untiring 
service to his comrades whether belonging to the 13th or to other organizations. 

The prominence of Orderly Sergeant Scully in the movement made by the regi- 
ment on the third day of the battle at Gettysburg, prompted Mr. Benedict in his 
history. "Vermont in the Civil War," to allude to him as the pivotal man in the 
pivotal battle of the war. how well he performed his duty all through his service and 
in the trying times 1 can sjieak from personal knowledge. He has said many times 
that 1 was next in line when Pickett's charge was repulsed: 1 think, however, he 
was mistaken, if my memory serves me rightly. Corporal Patten was in the front 
rank, and I in the rear. 

Sergeant Scully reenlisted in the 26th New York Cavalry known as the Frontier 
Cavalry, was promoted to Sergeant May 13th, and mustered out June 27th, 1865. After- 
wards served three years as second lieutenant in the Burlington company of the First 
Regiment. Vermont Militia, retiring in ISTl. 

He was an active member of Standard Post. G. A. R.: filled the several offices of 
Adjutant. Junior Vice Commander. Senior Vice Commander and Post Commander with 
credit: was Assistant Adjutant General. Department of Vermont, ISS.'i. always a most 
useful and hard working member of the Post. The confidence of his fellow citizens 
was shown by his appointment as Notary Public, election as .Uislice ef the Peace and 
election April 30th, 1896, as a delegate to the National Republican Convention: he was 
appointed Aide de Camp to General Horace Porter, Grand Marshal of the Parade at 
Washington, at the Inauguration of President McKlnley in 1897. 

He was a life long Republican, an earnest and indefatigable worker, not for his 
own benefit, but for the principles and intere.sts of that party. 

He was the most genial and affable, of men: his fi lends were legion and his word 
was as good as a bond: he was a good soldier, a good citizen, a good husband, a good 
father and a loyal friend, he is missed in the community in which he lived. 

He was instrumental in issuing the call for the first reunion of the regiment in 
1888 at Underbill. The signers of the call were W. D. Munson. L. F. Terrill. John H. 
Lyon. T. F. Whipple. H. W. Allen. J. B. Ellis. A. D. White and J. B. Scully. He was 
elected first Secretary, later was elected President of the Association, his interest in 
behalf and for the benefit of the comrades was unceasing. 

Editor Whitney, of The Northfield News had this to say of him: "The sudden 
death in Washington of James B. Scully, of Burlington, comes as a shock to his wide 
circle of friends in Vermont. 

"Mr. Scully was a self-made man, serving first as a clerk, and afterwards conducting 
a leading dry goods business in Burlington. He was a veteran with a highly honorable 
record and tor years had been an influential Republican in his city and county. During 
the past few years he had been a door-keeper in the House of Representatives in 
Washington, a position he admirably filled. A rare characteristic of Mr. Scully was 
his loyalty to his friends and associates and his cordial outspoken honesty. Many 
have lost a true friend in the death of this worthy upright citizen." 

We miss him at the reunions. We miss his cordial hearty greetings and as the 
years roll by he will not be forgotten by those of us who are left behind. 

HEMAN W. ALLEN. 



Bi(njra['hical and Historical of Coinl^any A. 439 



TORREY W. SIBLEY 

I was born in the town of Westfleld on the 17th day of August. 1841, and lived in the 
above named town and worked as a farmer until I was 2i years of age On the 23rd 
day of August. 1S62, just one week after having reached my majority. I enlisted in 
Captain John Lonergan's Company A, the 13th Regiment Vermont Volunteers, and 
served as corporal. I enjoyed good health while in the service and was present with 
the company and ready for duty all the time, including the march that brought the 
regiment to the battlefield of Gettysburg, where I was wounded during Picket's charge 
on the 3rd day of .luly. 1S63. Sergeant Henry having reported to the Captain that I 
was wounded, was soon taken to the rear for surgical attention. My wound was not 
sericus but was detained in the hospital and did not reach Brattleboro until after the 
regiment was mustered out and gone home. I was discharged by Major Austine on the 
23rd day of July. 1863. and reached my home in Westford at 12 o'clock, midnight of 
the same day. I remained at home waiting for the wound to heal until the 14th day 
of the following September when I went to Boston. Mass. Here I engaged in the team- 
ing business until November. 1879. Having met with an accident was compelled to 
give up my business. In April. 1886, not having fully recovered from my injuries, 
deemed it wise to return to Vermont, and moved with my family to Essex Junction. 
Vt. I here formed a partnership with Mr. Place in July. 1888. and we engaged in the tin 
and hardware business and continued with fair success until burned out January 1st. 
1893. My health not being very good suffering from service in the army and injuries 
received in Boston concluded to retire from active business. I have in recent years 
served as trial justice to the present time. February. 1905. 

I was the son of Timothv and Abby (Davis) Sibley. I married Diantha Seavey, 
daughter of Jacob and Eliza (Eaton) Seavey. November 6th, 1867, her place of birth 
was Brookline, Maine and date April 8, 1843. Our union was blessed with a son and 
daughter, Fred Stanley, born in Boston. Mass., May 15, 1870, and Lottie Mary, May 

15, 1874. Our daughter died at Essex Junction, Vt., February 9, 1890. Our son is 
living (1905) in Medford. Mass. My experience as a soldier was similar to the rest 
of the boys of the 13th Regiment until the battle of Gettysburg. 1 never can forget 
the awful" scenes of carnage during the battle and it is a wonder that any escaped 
alive. Others more fluent with pen have no doubt written of the sanguinary strug- 
gles in which our regiment took part and while I might say something personal 
refrain, thinking it might be said 1 am vain. Indeed I am proud of freely 
offering my young lite in the service of my country and that 1 was permitted to take 
part in that great battle of victory which was the turning and most important battle 
of the Civil War. I am and ever have been thankful that 1 was born in Vermont, 
was a volunteer in the 13th Regiment. Vermont Volunteers, and that I have lived 
to realize that the boys that wore the blue saved and perpetuated the best and 
most humane government of history. I am now 64 and know the final call is at hand 
I hope to be buried in sight of old Mansfield, which mountain from earliest recollec- 
tions commanded my love and admiration and it overlooked the modest home where 
I was born. In closing I am glad to say to my dear comrades of the 13th that I 
am proud of their heroic deeds and the record they have made since the war. May 
you live long, be happy and die respected. We shall all see each other when gathered 
on that eternal camping ground where all is peace and love. Good Bye. 

TORREY W. SIBLEY. 

Torrey W. Sibley (now deceased) was a noble specimen of Vermont's most gallant 
and valiant sons. His life was upright and blameless and was beloved by all who 
knew him. His blood was shed on the gory fields of Gettysburg as a sacrifice for 
his country. He was gentle, generous and kind, genial and greeted all with a warm 
hand, joy and gladness beaming in his eyes. In camp he was gentle as a lamb, in battle 
as fierce as a tiger. He is missed at our annual reunions and surely will not be 
forgotten. Let all cherish his memory and emulate his virtues. It is with pleasure 
that I offer this tribute in behalf of my brave and gentle comrade. 

R, O. STURTEVANT. Historian. 

SERGT. FAYETTE W. BURTCH. 

I was born in the town of Westford. Chittenden County. State of Vermont. July 

16. 1833, and was at the date of enlistment 27 years of age, volunteered from Westford 
and counted on the quota for that town under President Lincoln's call for 300,000 
nine months' men. My education was principally in the district schools of my native 
town and my occupation a carriage painter. My early life was in a back town some 
ten miles from a railroad and among the thrifty and sturdy farmers that were loyal 



440 The Tliirtccnth Rcgiiiiciil I cnitonl Volunteers. 

and true to home and country and were aroused to a flghting condition when our 
flag was lired upon at Fort Sumter. April 11'. 1H61. There was (lulte a squad of as fine 
young fellows as ever carried a gun enlisted when 1 did and all joined Captain 
Lonergan's Company A. which 1 never had cause to regret. 1 was among the 
first to volunuteer at this time, and 1 recall the date as August 16. 1862. Wc from 
Westford were disappointed because our candidate was not elected as second lieuten- 
ant on the organization of Company A. but so far as I ever knew, all generously acepted 
the will of the majority and took our positions in the ranks and did the best we could. 
Captain Louergan was a good fellow and a brave man, but some of us Westford 
boys thought him strong headed when he assumed to command the regiment in the 
Iiresence of Major Boynton and also refusing to attend Divine Services with his 
company. 

Evidently he was a little jealous because he thought Company A had not been 
duly recognized for promotion. My service was rather uneventful for 1 was sick a 
considerable of the time. The life of a soldier was too strenuous and I necessarily 
became better acquainted with Surgeon Nichols and Crandall and suffering by disease 
in hospitals than marching and fighting. I returned and was mustered out with 
the Regiment July 21, 1863. Since my return from the army I have been engaged 
in general painting business. 10 years in Iowa State Library at Des Moines as assistant, 
lived in Des Moines some 30 years but now resettled in Chicago, 111. I went west 
first to Chicago soon after my discharge and after being in Iowa some thirty-two 
years returned to Chicago, and here I e.xpect to spend the remainder of my days. 

Of course it would afford me great pleasure to visit the scenes of my childhood 
and take my old comrades of Company A by the hand and talk over the old days when 
we w-ere soldiers. Many of these of Company A that I loved and honored have 
passed to their reward. A few only, now old and feeble, remain to tell the story of the 
noble part taken by the 13th Regiment on that great battlefield of renown and glory, 
Gettysburg. I say to my surviving comrades, who I hope will read this article. "God 
grant you may live long and die respected." I wish I might see you one and all and have 
the pleasure of attending one of our reunions before I am called to join the silent 
majority. "Dame Fortune" has been quite good to me and though now 74 shall once 
more I hope, see the green hills and fertile valleys of dear old Vermont and see my 
dear comrades of the old 13th Regiment at its next annual reunion. 1 think I would 
then be willing to be finally mustered out and go to my reward to mingle forever 
with comrades and friends on the eternal camping grounds of Heaven. I am proud 
of Vermont because of her men and women, her influence in the affairs of the nation 
and of the heroic boys of 1S61-.5 that valiantly followed the stars and stripes through 
the perilous battles of the Civil War and patriotically done their full share of fighting 
to save the nation from destruction. I extend to all my comrades of the bully 13th a 
cordial invitation to call and see me; the latch string is out and the door swings In 
at 709 E. 61st St., Place, Chicago, 111. 

FAYETTE W. BURTCH. 

DAVID T. HARD 

I enlisted at Burlington. Vermont, I think in the month of .July, 1862. secured 
a furlough, went home, settled up my business and at the end of two weeks the 
company was recruited to its full number. I then returned to Burlington and a 
l>art of our company was boarded at the Howard House kept by Dan Barber. In a 
few days we were ordered to Brattleboro to be mustered into the service. We were 
there in camp about two weeks. We were then sent to Washington. D. C. and camped 
on Capitol Hill. They made a teamster of me and in about two days the quarter- 
master went with us to get our teams. Well, we arrived safely to where the horses 
and wagons were. I got my rig consisting of four horses, wild as hawks, never had a 
harness on. Well after about two hours of hard work with four or five men we 
succeeded in getting the animals hitched to the wagons. I mounted the seat which 
consisted of a rough board without springs or cushion. I was ordered to take a load 
of bread to camp and after considerable manipulating I got started with my rig 
and bread, pretty soon my steeds wanted to go faster and I had to let them go. kept 
them headed towards camp. The patrolmen were after me with drawn sabers, ordering 
me to drive slower, but I stuck to the wagon and let them go. Well I got into camp 
my bread scattered all along the road for three miles. I turned the team over to 
the quartermaster and resigned my position. At the request of the surgeon. Doctor 
Nichols. I was detailed to drive ambulance. They managed to keep me going from 
camp to the city every day. I generally had the company of the assistant surgeon, 
the chaplain and the colonel, we had pretty good times. When I found anything 
loose in the streets that I thought my tentmates would like I would pick it up and 
take it in. 

I presume the boys remember Charley Barr, of Company K, well Charley was with 
me one day in Washington on our return to camp. I think the chaplain and others wore 



Biographical and Historical of Company A. 441 

along. On the outskirts of Alexander there was a grocery store kept by an old gray 
back. Near his store I stopped to water my horses, well Charley got out and went into 
the store. We could see him talking with the proprietor and some of the others 
went over to see what he was doing. As they went in they began to talk with the 
old man and Charley skipped out but not without bringing a cook stove with him. 1 
protested about doing things that way but it did no good; he put the stove in the 
ambulance and we took it to camp. 

July 3rd, 1863, I was wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg and that ended my 
service. 

If you can make anything out of this you will do well. 

Yours in F. C. and L., 

DAVID T. HARD. 

David T. Hard still resides in Alameda, Cal. He was appointed by Department 
Commander Frank Kempfield an aide de camp on his staff and rendered excellent 
service at the national encampment in San Francisco. He is a notary public and 
is familiarly known as Judge Hard. He is a brother of the late Hon. E. R. Hard, 
of Burlington, one of the best known lawyers in Vermont. At the time of the earth- 
quake in San Francisco comrade Hard helped materially in looking after and caring 
for the sufferers and describes the scenes as most dreadful. 

H. W. A. 

JOHN HANLIN 

I was born in the old city of Limerick. Ireland, December 25, 1846, on the sunny banks 
of the still running waters of the dear old Shannon. I left my Shamrock home when a 
small boy with my parents and sailed over the sea to America and settled down in Bur- 
lington, Vermont, and here I attended school and lived until President Lincoln made a 
call for 300,000 nine months' men to enlist and put down the war. I watned to go into 
the aimy so volunteered on the 2nd day of September, 1862, and joined Captain Loner- 
gan's Company A, 13th Regiment, Vermont Volunteers. This company was then called 
the Emmet Guards. I was only 16, but quite large, rugged and strong, and was bubling 
over for a chance to fire a gun and help put down the wicked rebellion. Though born in 
Ireland I knew no land or home except the United States of America and though a 
meie loy was anxious to go to the war and fight for my adopted country. I read the 
papers and could see the rebels were whipping us in every fight, and unless we all pitched 
in to help, those fellows that wanted to buy and sell niggers would soon conquer and 
make a government to suit themselves and come North and tell us what we must do. 
I thought this a good country and was ready and willing to do what I could to save it. 

I had a pretty good time and never saw a day that I was sorry that I joined 
the army. Company A men were mostly Irish and of course now and then had 
little disagreement among ourselves and sometimes a saucy boy got a hit on the 
head with a shillalah which usually ended the scrap. But these little differences 
were soon forgotten and forgiven and all were jovial and ready and willing for duty 
on the picket line, the march, and at all times anxious for a fight with the enemy. I 
do not believe there was one coward in Company A. Soldier life agreed with me and 
I grew strong and waxed warm for a chance to be in a big fight. The one we 
had at Fairfax Court House when General Stuart thought he was going to gobble us 
up in the night only just whetted my appetite for a genuine battle and I did not have 
to wait long before a big one was on at Gettysburg. 

I was in the fight from early morning to late evening each day and on the last 
day when we made the charge against General Pickett was quite seriously wounded, 
a rifle ball passed through my jaw. I did not pay much attention to it at the 
time, but blood filled my mouth and run out pretty fast. Could not eat or talk very well 
for several days. I could fight and march just as well as before and stuck by to the end 
and was mustered out with my company July 21, 1863. I soon recovered from my 
wound and worked for a while with my father at the trade of coopering. The war 
continued and I enlisted again July 20, 1865 with the first U. S. Artillery and served 
22 months in Battery A. After I returned worked at my trade, coopering. I married 
May A. Slattery, of Montpelier, February 3rd, 1868. I now reside in Bristol, Vt., 
am a member of Walter C. Dunton Post No. 110, G. A. R. 

Now comrade Sturtevant I have complied with your request as well as I can. 
If It does not suit throw it in the waste basket and it will be all right. 

JOHN HANLIN. 



442 riic Thiflcciith Rajimciit I'cniuml I'olunlccrs. 

WILLIAM R. WOODRUFF 

was born in Keeseville. County of Clinton. State of New York, in the year 1840, 
residing there until the year ISiJS, when with his parents moved to the town of West- 
ford. County of Chittenden. State of Vermont, in .July. 1SG2. he enlisted in the 13th 
Vt. Vols.. Company A, Capt. .lohn I^onergan. After stopi>ing in Burlington for about 
six weeks, he was mustered in at Brattleboro. reieiving his necessary etjuiitment. among 
which was a pole about 10 feet in length to carry when on guard instead of a gun with 
strict orders to shoot the first i>erson who attempted to cross the line. His first ex- 
perience while acting in this i-apacity in strict compliance with orders, was when he 
managed by lowering sights a little, to knock the underpinning from under one Culligan 
as he was crossing his heat. In the second day's tight he was slightly wounded in the 
fingers of his right hand which made him wholly unable to ca|i or load his gun. He 
came home with tlie regiment and was mustered out the 21st day of .July. 1863. He 
re-enlisted in the Oneida Cavalry and was detailed in the Quartermaster's department 
until the close of the war when he was discharged .Tune 29th. 1865. By reason 
of sickness he was moved to Augar General Hosptal near Alexandria the day on which 
he was ordered to turn in his horse, from whiih he was discharged when able to return 
home. 

PETER SHIATTE 

was only 19 years of age when he volunteered into Captain Ijonergan's Company 
A. 13th Regiment Veimont Volunteers. Was born on tile Sth day of May. 1843. I-iis 
education was limited to the common schools of Vermont, and adverse circumstances 
prevented continuous attendance even on the district schools. He was a solid healthy 
young man and to all a])pearance at time of enlistment well calculated for a soldier. 
He was on hand to do his full duty at all times night or day — never shrank from duty' 
or complained of hardship. He was company cook for a while but was not a success 
at that so some of the boys claimed. His comrades thought he should prepare cake, 
pies and pudding occasionally and found fault because he could not make pies, cakes and 
puddings out of beans, rice, hard tack and salt pork. It was not a soft job to cooli 
for 100 hungry boys and satisfy all. Comrade Shiatte was better on the pi'cket line, 
march, and in the battle than running the comjiany cook tent. He graduated quite 
early as cook and took up the more suitable duties of a soldier. He never allowed 
anyone to cross the picket line night or day. friend or toe until they had advanced and 
given the countersign in a proper manner. Every officer though stars, bars and eagles 
glistened on breast and shoulder must submit to the same rule when desirous of cross- 
ing the picket line he walked and guarded. He obeyed instructions to the letter. He 
made an exemplary soldier and returned home with his share of honors won on the 
battlefield of Gettysburg. He was mustered out with the regiment .July 21st, 1863. On 
return to civil life learned the trade of tinsmith and metal worker, settled down to 
business, becoming an industrous liardworking. successful mechanic. He married and 
six children blessed the union. .Josephin Ida, Felix Frederick. Frank. George. Eddy 
and Tlieodore. all living and jirosperous and happy. He says that he shall want one 
book for each child. Comrade Shiatte has moved about some to better his situation 
and satisfy his desire and curiosity and to see and know sonietliing about this land 
that he faced cannon to save. The company clerk H. W. Allen says. "He was a pretty 
good man and soldier, but mighty poor oook!" His present post office address. 127 
.Main St., Fall River, Mass. 




EDWARD A. FISK, 

VVaitsfield, Vt., 

Historian of Co. B, 13th Vt. Vols. 



Biographical and Historical 



CO. B 



Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers 



CIVIL WAR 1861-1865 



Dedicated in sacred remembrance of First Lieut. Nathaniel Jones, Jr., 

who died at Washington, D. C, Oct. 30th, 1862. The first Hfe 

of the regiment offered up on the alter of country 

for the preservation of the Union. 



Bio(jra[<liical and Historical of Coiiif^aiiv B. 447 



HISTORY OF COMPANY B. 



COMPANY B or the Mad River Valley Company as it was often called was recruited 
from the towns of Warren. Waitsfield, Fayston. Moretown, Duxbury and Middlesex. 
Captain O. C. Wilder of Waitsfield had a large share in the work of raising the com- 
pany especially in Waitsfield. although he was ably assisted in his own town by 
comrade Z. H. McAllister and by others in the adjoining towns. Enlistments began 
about the 15th day of August, 1862. and later the recruits were ordered to meet at 
Waitsfield on the 25th day of August to organize a company when it appeared that 
about 115 had already enlisted. Of course some of these did not pass inspection, but 
we still had a few more than the maximum number after tlie second inspection at Brat- 
lleboro. and the surplus was mostly transferred to Company H. The Company made 
unanimous choice of Orcas C. Wilder as captain and also cliose Nathaniel Jones, ^r.. 
as first Lent, and Clesson R. McElroy as second lieutenant. The news of the organization 
of this company was carried by relays of liorses to Northfield. the nearest telegraph 
station, and thence by telegraph to Adjt. Gen, P. T. Washburne. and the reply came 
that this company was the first in the state to report its organization under the call of 
the President for 300.000 nine months men. The company at once began to drill under 
the charge of Captain Wilder, but on the 3rd day of September, there came to us as 
drill master, Mr. Shattuck. a graduate of Norwich University. The company was ex- 
ceedingly fortunate in having for an instructor a man so well versed in tlie tactics, and 
also one wlio speedily gained the good will of the boys and so it came to pass that the 
change from raw recruits to well drilled soldiers was very rapid. The company drilled 
at Waitsfield till the Sth of September when it was ordered to Moretown where the drill 
was continued till we left for Brattleboro on the last day of September. We had sup- 
posed that as the first company to organize we should rank as Company A, but we found 
that the Burlington Company was an old organization and hence we became Company 
B. This gave the company its place on the extreme left of the i-egiment. a place that 
had some advantages, but we soon learned that upon a march over difficult roads 
especially in the night it was a very fatiguing position to occupy. 

The company was quartered at Brattleboro in a long barrack .iust finished, and the 
first nigirt passed there was not a comfortable one for beginners at soldiering. Tlie 
night was chilly and there was no straw in the bunks, but soon things were put in 
better shape. From this time the history of the company is merged in the liistory of 
the regiment and there is little that need be told about it separately. On October 29th, 
our first Lieutenant Nathaniel .Jones, .Ir., died at Washington. This was the first 
death in the company, and I think in the regiment. Soon after this Lieutenant C. R. 
McElroy was promoted to first Lieutenant and Sergeant Edwin F. Palmer was com- 
missioned second I^ieutenant. 

During the months of December. 1S62 and January. 1S63. while the regiment was 
encamped near Fairfax Court House there was a good deal of sickness in the company. 
Almost all were afflicted with severe colds and there were several cases of fever, three 
of which terminated fatally. Oscar C. Reed died December 24th. Carlos W. Turner, 
our boy fifer January 4th. and John C. Canerday. January 20th. On December 12th. 
Levi Nelson went to general hospital and on January 6th, M. Franklin Atkins. Jerome 
Fisk. Horace Trask. Myron M. Davis. James M. Thayer and Wm. M. Turner went to 
general hospital. None of these returned to the company and all were discharged 
within a few weeks. Doubtless this sickness was largely attributable to exjiosure to 
that terrible storm at the time the regiment came back from Union Mills and also to 
the fact that we were without tents for some days after we came to Fairfax Court 
House. 

Some time in February, while the regiment was at Wolf Run Shoals, an epidemic 
of measles broke out in the regiment and for some reason Company B seemed to suffer 
much more from it than any other company. There were over 40 cases in the company, 
and as many as 25 were off duty at one time. This made the details for guard and 
picket duty come around rather often for those who were well, but 1 think they bore 
it cheerfully, and were happy in the thought that their time to have the measles came 
years before. Althougli there was no deatli from the immediate effects of this disease 
there were several cases of serious relapse and other diseases set in. some of which had 
a fatal ending. Charles D. Billings and Cyron G. Thayer died the same day. May 19th.. 
and Loren B. Reed. May 30th. Several cases of severe sickness following measles 
will be noted in individual records. During the spring several more were sent to 
general hospital, and Stedman D. Moulton was discharged for disability. 

Also when we began that long march all not able to do duty were sent to hospital 
and this included from Company B, Harvey M. Wait, Eaton A. Heath, Wm. McDonnell 



448 I'lic 'rhirtccnth Regiment I'cniiont I'oluntccrs. 

and Levi W. Scaver. When we reached Gettysburg the company numbered 71 muskets 
and :f comniissioued officers. The casualties on that bloody field were .lames H. Wilson, 
killed. Coiiioral John Dolph, color guard severely wounded in foot; Corporal Lester K. 
Dow, woundod in loot by spent shell; Corporal Otis G. Miles, slihgtly wounded; Corporal 
D. S. Stoddard, slightly wounded; Private Albert H. Chase, severely wounded in head; 
Private Dexter Parker, severely wounded in hand; Private Edward A. Fisk, wounded 
in knee by shell; Private Samuel J. Dana, slightly wounded. While only one member 
of this company was killed at Gettysburg, at least 3 died very soon after the company 
was mustered out as a direct result of hardship encountered in that last march and 
the battle. These were Sergeant Aretas Thayer, Albert D. Barnard and John Baird, 
and it is thought that the wound received by Albert H. Chase was the ultimate cause 
of his death many years after. 

In General Slannard's report made soon after the battle he speaks of the charge 
of the right wing of the 13th Regiment under Colonel Randall, on the second day of 
the fight, and that portion of the regiment under charge of Lieutenant Colonel Munson 
that day he calls the /e/f xcing. but the members of Company B know very well that 
they were in the charge under Colonel Randall, although the company was on the 
extreme left of the regiment. The division of the regiment between the two commands 
was made in this manner, viz: The regiment lay in divisions of two companies each, 
and when Colonel Munson was ordered to support a battery with a part of the regiment, 
he was given the second, fourth and half of the fifth division, and this left the first, 
third and half of the fifth division under Colonel Randall, and Company B was that 
half division and thus had the honor to be in that famous charge. 

Probably no company from Vermont ever started for the front with greater pride 
in its organization than was possessed by the members of Company B. To begin with, 
the average age of the "boys" was greater than that of the companies that had been 
previously recruited in this vicinity. While there was a good number that had not 
reached their majority, and some who were very young, there were many who were 
older. These had been intensely interested in the progress of the war for the Union, 
and had felt strong desires to have a part in the great work, but it had hardly seemed 
possible for them to leave families, business and all ties that bound them at home, to 
be gone for a term of years, and they hoped that it would not be necessary for them 
to make such a sacrifice, but when the call came for 300,000 nine months' men they 
felt that it was a personal call, and immediately began to make arrangfements accord- 
ingly. 

At a reunion of the old company some years ago a comrade spoke substantially 
as follows: "We verily thought that our company was the best one that ever went 
out from these parts. We thought that there was material enough in it to furnish good 
officers for at least half a dozen companies, but reflected that it was better to be high 
private in such a company than sergeant in most companies. Also we thought that 
when the army was recruited by the addition of our company there ought to be no 
trouble for it to put down the Rebellion. After meeting the rest of the regiment at 
Brattleboro we found, however, that there were at least nine other companies who 
held the same opinion of themselves, but even then we could not quite give up the 
idea that the other companies of the regiment would at length be compelled to acknow- 
ledge our superiority and so it proved in one respect, at least. One evening while we 
were at Wolf Run Shoals as I was lying half sick in my tent, which was at the end of 
the company street, 1 heard some boys from another company passing by, and as they 
came against our company 1 heard one of them exclaim— 'This is the biggest company 
for deviltry there is in the regiment' I knew it would come somehow but was mil 
just sure how It would be." 

As a matter of fact, when we reached the front and sometimes saw whole days 
occupied by the passage of cavalry, artillery or baggage wagons by a given point and 
learned that what we saw was, after all, only a very small part of even the army of 
the Potomac — we began to have some faint conception of the immensity of the army 
and also to see what an infinitesimal part of the mighty work there was to do, could 
be performed by one of the companies, however good it, might be. But after the battle of 
Gettysburg, and our return home, some of our old time spirit began to come back to 
us. only it was expanded so as to include the whole regiment, and we joined with the 
other companies in saying: "Was not Gettysburg the turning battle of the War." 
And "Was not our regiment on hand in the right iilace at the right time to save'tiie 
day twice in the course of that battle?" What would have been the result if we had 
not been on hand at those critical moments, we cannot say. Help might have come 
from some other source, but this we know. It was given to us through the providence 
of God to perform a very important part in that great battle, and that we were there 
and did our duty. 

EDWARD A. FISK. 



Biographical and Historical of Company B. 449 

ORCAS C. WILDER 

son of Levi and Beniice Bates Wilder, was born at Waitsfield, Vt., May 9tti, 1828. 
His father and grandfather were among the early settlers of the town of 
Waitsfield and of the old Puritan stock of Massachusetts. They originally 
came from England where it has been possible to trace the genealogy to 
Nicholas Wilder a military chieftain in the army of the Earl of Richmond at the battle 
of Eosworth in 1485. He was reared on the old Wilder farm, received a common school 
education with one teim at Randolph Centre Academy, and at the age of 20 learned the 
carpenter's trade, which he followed for several years up to the time that he bought 
the farm on which he has since lived. February 11th. 1855. he was married to Mary 
Elizabeth Holden. youngest daughter of Elijah and Orpha Holden of Waitsfield. Vt., 
and to them seven children were born as follows: Alice M., born August 1st, 1856, 
married Orville H. Richardson of Waitsfield, now residing in Montpelier, Vt. Frederic 
P., born September 18th. 1858, married, living in Waitsfield, Vt. Levi O., born March 
12th, 1865, married, living in Middlesex, Vt. Enos E., born April 28th. 1867, died Septem- 
ber 22nd, 1896. Ellen F., born September 14th. 1869, married Rev. F. M. Buker of 
Lewiston. Me., now residing in North Sterling, Conn. Josephine C, born August 11th, 
1873, married Frank H. Brown of Waitsfield, Vt., now residing in Burlington, Vt. Roy 
J., born August 30th, 1875, married, living in Springfield, Mass. 

Above I have given you a little of my personal history and now will add something 
of my army life. In 1862 when the call came from President Lincoln for 300,000 nine 
months' men, I felt that duty called me, and leaving my wife and two small children 
with the care of our large farm, I enlisted August 17th, 1862. A few days were spent 
in getting men to enlist and August 25th, 1862 a company was organized, known as 
Company B of the 13th Vermont, of which I was chosen Captain. We drilled for 
several weeks and September 30th. were ordered to Biattleboro where October 10th, 
we were mustered into the service and on October 11th left for Washington, D. C. and 
from that time on we were Uncle Sam's soldiers. During the first days of our encamp- 
ment First Lieutenant Nathaniel .Jones Jr. was taken sick and died October oOth. His 
death was the first break in our ranks and it cast a gloom over the whole company, for 
Jones was a brave man and excellent soldier, whose place could not easily be filled. 
One little incident which occurred while we were encamped on Capitol Hill, emphasized 
the sturdy New England bravery of our boys. It was the next morning after a severe 
wind and rain storm had struck us in the night, blowing down more than half of our 
tents, that the surgeon, making his morning rounds, remarked as he found the boys 
shivering from the cold, that he pitied them, whereupon one of the soldiers replied that 
he didn't, if anyone was dam fool enough to come down there he didn't deserve any 
pity. We all well remember our rapid moves from Capitol Hill to Camp Seward, from 
Camp Seward to Hunting Creek, from Hunting Creek to Camp Vermont where we 
made a longer stay, then the midnight march to Fairfax Station and Union Mills, the 
return to Camp Vermont in a blinding snow storm during which many of the boys 
took severe colds from which they never recovered, then back to Fairfax Court House. 
And it was during our stay there that we were detailed to a three days' picket duty at 
Centerville where we suffered intensely from the severe cold weather and after return- 
ing one of our party, Oscar Reed, was taken to the hospital where he died within a few 
days. It was here also that Stuart's Raid occurred, and I well remember that one 
of my boys, Alonzo Bruce, who had been ill in the hospital at Fairfax Court House 
and ran away from there to join his company, stood in the front ranks as I passed 
up the line in review. Knowing that he was not able to endure what we might have 
to encounter, I told him that he would have to fall out which he did only to fall in 
again in the rear ranks. As I returned I saw him and again told him he must not go, 
reluctantly he stepped out saying to me as he did so, "Captain I want you to remember 
one thing and that is when there's anything up I want my shake in." 

On January 20th, 1863 we moved to Wolf Run Shoals and on that date occurred the 
death of another brave comrade, John Canerday. While here about twenty-five of my 
Company were taken sick with the measles and the rest of us were excused from all 
duties for a period of two weeks or more to care for the sick. Several of the boys never 
entirely recovered from the effects of this illness. Our next move was to Camp Widow 
Violet near Occoquan ferry, where we had to draw all of our supplies from Fairfax 
Station with teams and when the Rebs seized our horses together with several men, 
three of whom belonged to my company, the Colonel was quite enraged, although the 
men were allowed to return, so next day when my company reached the ferry on their 
way across the river for a day of forage, that had been allowed us, I asked the Colonel 
if he had any orders to give and he said "Yes, take every dam thing you can lay your 
hands on." We returned with five work horses, which were used to fill the vacant 
places on the teams, one grey mare and one three year old colt. The Colonel took 
the mare and I the colt. Not very long after this, the government sent us teams with 
orders to give up all horses that were not private property. The Colonel rode over to 
my tent to ask me what I purposed to do with the grey colt, I told him I should keep 



450 / '''■ riiirtcciith Rci/iiiiriit I 'eniioni I 'olmitccrs. 

it and he said lie should keep the grey niaie, whifh he did until she was shot from 
under him at the battle of Gettysburg, where I lost my colt. 

From Camp Widow Violet we were oidered to Gettysburg where we remained until 
after that memorable three day's fight which will ever live in our memories as a battle 
nobly fought and bravely won. As we turned our faces homeward, marching over the 
the mountain to .Middletown, Maryland. 1 found myself too sick to keej) up with the 
Company and Dr. Nichols induced me to ride in the ambulance which I thought was 
not much easier than walking until 1 got out at the foot of the mountain, and in com- 
pany with Captain Lonergan, tried it again, Hut we soon came to a small house and 
entering found it to contain two rooms, one below and one above, with a bed in the 
lower room, of which we took possession without permission. We were too tired to 
remove oui- boots and it would have been a query which was the cleaner the bed or 
the boots. Here we spent the night but not alone for soon the house was filled from 
top to bottom with other soldiers, and aliout 11 o'clock some one asked if Cai)tain 
Wilder was there. I answered and was told that I had a very sick man outside. 1 
went out and found Lieutenant Albert Clarke of Com|)any G. He was a very sick man 
indeed and 1 took him in and onto the bed and then called to know it there was a 
surgeon in the house. One from a Michigan regiment responded and with the aid o. 
Captain Lonergan, we were able to ease his sufferings. During the years which have 
passed since that night, many are the things that Colonel Clarke has reminded me of this 
incident. We were mustered out .July 1st. ISfio and returned to our homes where a few 
who were ill at the time, soon died. They being Sergeant Thayer, .John Baird and Albert 
Barnard. Albert was a brave soldier and at the battle of Gettysburg, when the order 
came to cease firing and the Johnnies were running back, he turned to me and said 
"Mayn't I fire?" he did so and remarked that there was one who would never get back 
Of the boys who went out with us. I have already spoken of the death of six brave 
comrades and to that number must add the names of Carlos Turner. Benjamin Reed, 
William Hathaway, Cyron Thayer and Charles Billings, all of whom died during the 
service. As 1 look back over the years of my life 1 can find no jieriod that ever gave 
me more happiness, or work that I felt better satisfied with, than the time spent and 
work done while in the army. 

ORCAS C. WILDER. 

A TRIBUTE BY E. A. FISK. 

Captain Wilder^s grandfather and father came to Waitsfield only two or thj-ee years 
after its first settlement by General Benjamin Wait, and the farm upon which they 
were the first settlers is the same owned of late by Captain O. C. Wilder and now by 
his son. Levi Wilder, the father of Orcas C, was a captain of militia in the old ".June 
training" days. Although Captain Orcas learned the carpenter's trade and worked at 
it to some extent for a few years in early manhood he has always been a farmer and 
he soon gave his entire attention to that calling and became one of the most successful 
farmers in town. He rebuilt and enlarged his barns, as occasion required, making 
them commodious and convenient, and his stock, tools, and farm machinery were of 
the best tyi)e. 

From the beginning of the war Captain Wilder was intensely interested in the 
success of the Union Armies and the restoration of our national Integrity and ardently 
desired to take an active part in the great work, but at first this seemed to be itm- 
l)0ssible. When President Lincoln issued his call for 800.000 nine months' men. however, 
he saw in it a call for personal service and found a way to accomplish the seemingly 
imi)ossible. He assisted in recruiting a company from JIad River Valley which was 
organized August 25th. 1862. and of which he was the unanimous choice for caiilain. 
Of his service in the army we need only say that so far as we know he performed 
every duty that fell to his lot faithfully and well. He was always ready when the call 
to duty came and quick to see and prompt to act where ought was left to his discretion. 
To some one who wrote to him inquii-ing what he thought of Captain Wilder, our 
orderly Sergeant wrote in May. 186.3: "My position has been such that I have had as 
good an opportunity and perhaps the best ojiportunity of anyone in the comiiany to 
learn what the captain is. * * And you may tell anyone that inquires that / tliink that 
Capain Wilder has done as well as a captain could and that if our comi)any was coming 
back again there is no one but him that could have my vote for caiitain." 

At the battle of Gettysburg he showed himself to be. not only a good soldier, brave 
and true, but a cool and capable officer who managed his own company well and was 
able to understand much of the general movements of the troops about him, and thus 
render intelligent service when his company and regiment were called into a<-tion. 

Since the war he has shown a very great interest in all that pertains to its history 
or to the welfare of his old soldier comrades. He was a charter member of Ainsworth 
Post G. A. R., and was chosen its commander at an early date. If he did not attend 
a meeting of the Post we knew that there was some good reason for his absence and 



Bioyyahhiciil and Historical of Coiii/^anv B. 451 

his interest in Memorial day and its exercises was unfailing, so that we are led to cry 
out: "Who will take the place and show the interest in the soldier living and dead, 
that was manifested by Captain Wilder and his good wife?" 

When our Regimental Reunion Association was organized he was one of the prime 
movers to give it a start and few members of the regiment have been more constant 
in attendance at its meetings or have shown a greater Interest in every way. Although 
not greatly given to speech-making he could express his ideas clearly and forcibly 
when occasion recjuired, and we believe that theie are few members of the association 
whose absence would be generally felt. And to sum all up. whether in his home, 
in community, in G. A. R. Circles, wherever he was known he will be missed for a long 
time, in fact till those best acquainted with him have passed away. 

The Captain's wife died suddenly just before they reached the 50th anniversary of 
their marriage but he was not left long to mourn her loss and the end came suddenly 
to him also. He was instantly killed by a fall in his barn. Doubtless Captain Wilder 
had his faults, and who of us has not, but we would rather dwell upon his many excel- 
lencies. As we think upon his life two traits of character appear to stand out very 
prominently. These are his piomptness and encigy. Not only in army life but in all 
his business affairs he was always i»'omj)t. On his large farm it was his aim to per- 
form every duty at the right time and very few farmers came nearer living up to that 
rule. All his farm operations were in season, whether you speak of one days work or 
the whole year and to this trait may be attributed no small share of his success in 
farming. Again, whatever he undertook, whether carpentry, or soldiering or farming 
he went at it with a will. Even his recreation were no exception to this rule. Years 
ago I heard him express very nearly the same idea that President Roosevelt did to a 
class of boys when he said: "When you play, play hard, but when you work, don't iilay 
at all." His motto might well have been "Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do. do it 
with thv might." 

EDWARD A. FISK. 

FIEST LIEUT. NATHANIEL JONES, JR. 

was born in Xorthfleld, and enlisted from Moretown, He was 38 years old and married. 
He was five feet lOV-; inches in height, black hair, black eyes and dark complexion. 
At the organization of the company he was chosen first lieutenant by nearly a unani- 
mous vote. He had a fine military bearing and learned rapidly the duties pertaining 
to a soldier's life, and everything promised a future career of usefulness and distinction, 
but he was the first one in the company, and I think, the first one in the regiment, to 
succumb to disease. He died at Washington. October 30, 1862, after an illness of only 
a few days. 

LIEUT. CLESSON R. McELROY 

was born in Middlesex February 7th, ISiiS. He was the eldest son of Harry and Mary 
(Chamberlain) McElroy. Most of his life was passed in the town of Middlesex. Upon 
the call of President Lincoln for nine months' men. he enlisted and heliied to organize 
Company I!, 13th Vt., and by the vote of the company he was chosen second lieu- 
tenant. On October 30. 1862, the first lieutenant of the company died and he was 
promoted to first lieutenant, which office he held till the close of our term of service. 
He passed through the battle of Gettysburg without injury. Lieut. McElroy was a 
general favorite with the boys. They confided all sorts of troubles to "Clet" and he 
was ever ready with sympathy and help so far as possible. He was industrious and 
frugal and in later years held a good amount of property in real estate in Middle- 
sex. Moretown, Duxbury and Fayston, but he ever showed in civil life the same traits 
of character that he exhibited in the army. He was especially generous to the poor 
or unfortunate and always held the full confidence of his townsmen. He died at the 
home of Wm. Russell in Moretown March 12, 1898. He had two brothers W. B. and 
H. L., and one sister, Arola, at whose house his funeral service was held, and his body 
now reposes in the cemetery of his native town. 

Comrade James K. Hartwell, while speaking of various officers, wrote thus: "I 
cannot omit to mention one who by his devotion to the best interests and comfort 
of those under his command won the esteem, respect and confidence of every member 
of Company B. Lieut. C. R. McElroy." 

EDWIN F. PALMER 

was second lieutenant of Company B. 13th Vt. Regt. He was a son of Aaron and 
Sarah (Thayer) Palmer, and was born in Waitsfield, Vt.. Jan. 22, 1836. He fitted at 
Northfield, Vt. and entered Dartmouth College in 18.58. continued through the course 
of four years and graduated in 1862. In a short time after graduating, he enlisted 
and was appointed a sergeant in Company B. A few days after the regiment arrived 



45- If"-' Thirteenth Reyiiuoit I 'ennoiit Volunteers. 

in Washington Lieut, .lones ot" Company U died willi the lever, and Sergeant Palmer 
was appointed second lieutenant by Gov. Holbrooli, His commission was dated No- 
vember 4th, 186L'. Lieut. Palmer was rarely ever excused, and performed the usual 
duties of officers of his rank. He went through tlie Gettysburg campaign, and soon 
after, having served his term of enlistment, was mustered out with his regiment. He 
taught school during the next winter. In the spring of 1SC4 he commenced the study 
of law with Gov. Paul Dillingham. After admission to the bar he settled In Water- 
bury, where he has since resided, and for the greater |)art of the time in the active 
practice of his profession. He represented the town of Waterbury in the state Legis- 
lature in 1880, 1S88. and 1896. In ISSO he was ai>i)ointed by the judges of the Supreme 
Court, reporter of its decisions. He reported and published eight volumes of the 
Vermont Law Reports, commencing with the 53d Vt. Report. In 1888 he was elected 
by the Legislature State Superintendent of Education and was re-elected in 1890, 
serving four years in that capacity. 

Mr. Palmer is the author of several important statute laws. In 1888 he introduced 
three bills, one to "sui)press bucket-shops, gambling in stocks, bonds, grain, etc." 
another to "prevent (he sale of fermented cider." and a third that affords "a better 
protection to the homestead." These became laws. In 1890 and 1892 he collected 
many statistics, and i)ub!ished them in his reports to the Legislature, which showed 
the gross inequality of taxation for the support of the common schools. In 1890 
he wrote a bill and caused it to be introduced, which appropriated about $100,000 
from the state treasury, to be divided equally among the legal schools. This was 
passed and became a law. In 1892 he wrote another bill and caused it to be intro- 
duced which abolished the old district system, and adoi)ted the town system of schools. 
This also became a law. In both his reports to the Legislature he strongly urged 
that these measures were absolutely necessary for any real improvement of our 
schools. In 1896 he introduced a bill which became a law. that put the school-houses 
as to "lighting, heating, ventilation and other sanitary arrangements." in the control 
of the State Board of Health. Lieut. Palmer was married June 1.5th. 186.5 to Miss 
Addle D. Hartshorn, daughter of Hon. Wlliam H. Hartshorn. Guildhall. Vt. Their 
children are: Edwin V. Palmer, .Ir.. born February 24. 1868; Annie D. Palmer, born 
March 23. 1870; Alice D. Palmer, born May 23, 1872; Mabel Palmer, born August 15, 
1874: John H. Palmei-, born June 9. 1877: Charles C. Palmer, born April 8. 1879; 
Robert W. Palmer, born July 9. 1884. 

HENRY ALBEE DEWEY. 

Sargeant Dewey's ancestors were of the old Puritan stock and came to New 
England at a very early date, he being the seventh in direct line of descent from 
Thomas Dewey, who immigrated from Sandwich. Kent, England in the ship Lion's 
Whelp, landing at Boston in May, 1633. He settled in Dorchester. Mass., and after- 
wards at Windsor, Conn. Henry Dewey, father of Albee. was born at Hanover. N. H. 
He married Amelia Dutton. of Berlin. Vt.. and died at Waitsfield. Vt., in 1875. aged 
96 years. Simeon, brother of Henry, was grandfather of Admral Dewey. Henry 
Albee Dewey, was born at Montpelier. Vt.. April 28, 1832. He married 
Lucy I. Whitney at West Abington. Penn., October 2, 1855. They had one 
son born at Westchester, Jay County, Ind., September 8, 1858. The most of Serg't 
Dewey's boyhood was passed at Waitsfield, where he attended the common schools of 
the town. For several years prior to the war he had been employed in an agency 
which took him away from his early home. He traveled extensively in Pennsylvania, 
Indiana and Missouri and his opinion regarding the condition of the society in the 
latter state is forcibly expressed in a letter to an old friend In ISoS. At about the 
beginning of the war Mr. Dewey returned to Vermont and in August. 1862. enlisted and 
helped to organize Company B. He was appointed first sergeant of that company, which 
position he held throughout our term of service. According to his descriptive list, he 
was five feet. 11 inches high, dark complexion, black hair. At first, for some reason, 
he was not extremely popular with the boys, but we believe that he ever performed 
the duties of his difficult and responsible position as orderly sergeant of the company 
faithfully and well and, after a few months his intrinsic worth became manifest 
more and more and at the last there was not a non-commissioned officer in the com- 
pany who stood higher in the estimation of his comrades. After the battle of Gettys- 
burg he wrote his sister, "I am well and in good spirits, have passed through some 
terrible scenes since I last wrote you, hut I came out unharmed for which I trust 
I am truly thankful to God, tor t seems that It was only by a miraculous Interposition 
of Providence that any ot us are here. How a regiment could be shelled tor six 
hours as we were and so few injured is to me incomprehensible. God protected us — 
perhaps In answer to iirayer. Throughout the whole time my almost constant prayer 
was 'God protect us.' " After the regiment was mustered out Comrade Dewey went 
to Pennsylvania where his family was at the time, and there re-enlisted in the Signal 
Corps, Oct. 23, 1863. He was sent to Newburn, N. C, January 1st. 1864. Soon after 
he was placed in command of a signal station at Fort Gaston. He was attacked with 



Biographical and Historical of Company B. 453 

yellow fever September 26. 1S64, and died September 29. Buried in soldier's cemetery, 
Newburn. His last letter written only two weeks before his death, showed the same 
patriotic spirit that he ever evinced. He says: "I do think that it looks more like 
a termination of the war ,iust now than ever before. It does seem to me that if Lincoln 
Is re-elected the Reb's last hope will be dead, that 'last ditch' will be within 'hailing 
distance' if they are not already in it. We solders here are all going to vote for 
Abraham and mean to elect him." 

A COMRADE. 

GEORGE ORANGE BOYOE 

Second Sergeant Company B, 13th Vermont Volunteers. My fathers name was Artemas 
Boyce and my mother Lucinda McCloud Boyce. I was born at Fayston, Washington 
County, Vt., August 15th. 1834. My paternal grandfather. Nathan Boyce, came to 
Fayston from Rochester, N. H., a pioneer among the early settlers. My maternal 
grandfather, John McLoud participated in the Revolutionary War. and later in the 
second war with England. 1812-14, losing a leg at the battle of Lundy's Lane, surviving 
many years thereafter, dying in good old age 85. I married Laura Brigham, daughter 
of Elisha and Sophronia Ryder Brigham, at Waitsfield. Vt., November 22nd, 1855. Six 
children were born to us, Lenore, Ida L., (Mrs. M. B. Kantz, New York), Alice M., Ada 
L., Lou L., and Clayton Brigham, of whom Mrs. Kantz, Lou L., (Mrs F. A. Haydan, 
Montpelier, Vt), Clayton B., Montpelier, Vt.. now survive. The last named served as 
1st sergeant. Company H, 1st Vermont Regiment in the Spanish-American War. 

I grew to manhood on a farm, had the usual experience of farm-life, my education 
was in the district school. Soon after marriage I bought a farm on which 1 lived 
and conducted successfully until the outbreak of the Civil War. The patriotic blood 
of my grandsire was stirred, and I could not long resist the call "to arms", and on the 
25th day of August, 1862, I enlisted in Company B, 13th Regiment Vermont Volunteers. 
Captain O. C. Wilder commanding, and was mustered into service at Brattleboro, 
October 10th, 1862. I shared the vicissitudes of camp-life with my comrades with no 
exceptional experience until the, to me memorable day. May 14th, 1863. On that date 
in company with Sergeant Silsby and Private Griffith, started to visit Alexandria, 
utilizing the commissary teams, being sent to Fairfax Station for camp supplies, as 
an easier mode of conveyance than the proverbial "Shanks horse", to which we were 
only too well accustomed. 

We left our arms in camp, even to our revolvers, and the teamsters were also 
defenceless, it being supposed that the enemy had no forces in this section. We had 
only proceeded a short distance from camp when a party of guerrillas swooped down 
on us a defenceless trio of soldiers and our comrades, the teamsters, and making us 
all prisoners, siezed the horses and mules which was the direct object of their raid. 
They had use for the teams but none for their prisoners. Quickly unharnessing the 
teams they gave the boys their choice between a horse and mule to ride. I chose a 
mule thinking it might be more endurable to ride bare back than a horse, though I 
pretented to my captors that I was afraid to ride a horse, and chose the mule because 
if I should fall off, as I was sure would be the case, it would not be so far to fall. I 
acted the country bumpkin as well as I could answering their questions as to the 
number of men still left in the north, etc., in a way calculated to convince them and 
inspire them with wonder at the hordes of yankees still waiting to pour down upon 
the south. The Rebels gave us but little time to prepare for the .iourney being in a 
hurry to get safely beyond the reach of the regiment before they were discovered, and 
they rode as if it were indeed a matter of life and death. Through the tangled woods, 
brambles and hedges, fording the rivers several times where the water was over the 
backs of the horses and mules, they forced us unwilling captives at breakneck speed until 
they reached Gainesville; here feeling secure of their booty, they paroled us prisoners 
certain we could not get back to camp in time for the regiment to overtake them and 
wrest their plunder from them. Left alone, we boys began to realize the emptiness 
of all things mundane, including their stomachs, and to long for some of Uncle Sams' 
hard tack and coffee, having been without rations since our morning meal. 

Wandering about in search of some place of entertainment we came to an old 
plantation on the old Bull Run battlefield. The house was inhabited by women only, 
all of the sterner sex being in the rebel army no doubt: the house showed plainly the 
ravages of war, several having been killed here at the first battle of Bull Run, and 
one woman was shot in the house, and many afterwards took refuge in the cellar. 
This information was given us by the women who were themselves "Secesh" but were 
not averse to changing eatables, and a night's lodging (on the floor! for Uncle Sam'3 
greenba.cks. Though almost too lame to move we started in the morning to try and 
find our way back to camp, which we reached at night weary and footsore, where we 
met a cordial welcome from our comrades who had given us up for lost. 

I, Boyce received an honorable discharge from service at Brattleboro, Vt., July 21st, 
1863, by reason of expiration of term of enlistment. I contracted fever before reaching 



454 ' ''<' llni'tcciith Rcijiiuciit I'cniioiil I'ohiiitccrs. 

hoMie, though was able to get there, but was ill for sonio weeks after. 1 resumed 
work as a farmer after my return and have always followed that oc-cupation. I am a 
member of the Washington County Veterans' Assooialloii. 1 have been honored by many 
offices, constable, justice of the peace, overseer of the poor for many years, and rep- 
resented the town of Fayston four terms in the General Assembly of Vermont. 1 have also 
been deputy sheriff, high baliff and county commissioner. In fact have had more than 
my share of ofJiccs. In 1SS4 I removed to .Montijelier where I reside I am com- 
paratively happy and as 1 grow old and realize in a measure what the boys who wore 
the blue accomplished in saving this "happy land of ours", am exceedingly thankful 
that I volunteered and joined the 13th Vermont Volunteers. Company B had the 
best captain and best lot of boys in the whole regiment. They were good fighters 
as well as good fellows. I hope my comrades and friends will excuse the personal 
references. I am a farmer and not an author or scholar but have comidied as best I 
can with the request of our Historian. 

GEORGE O. BOYCE. 

SERGEANT RUSSELL D. SILSBY 

was born in Middlesex and enlisted from .Moretown. At the organization of the com- 
pany he was a|)i)ointed sergeant which office he held through his term of service. 
He was a faithful soldier and every duty was performed in a conscientious manner. 
I do not think that he was sick enough to be off duty to any extent at any time. 
On the nth of May. ISfi?,. in company with Sergeant G. O. Boyce and the teamsters 
of our regiment he was captured by a hand of guerillas who took them nearly to 
Gainesville where they were paroled and permitted to return. Soon after the war 
Mr. Silsby went West and we have little regardin.s; his life since that time. He is 
reported to have lived in Omaha. Neb. He died a few years ago. 

ARETUS THAYER 

was born in Warren and enlisted from that town at the age of 22. He was six feet, 
two and one-half inches in height, very nearly the tallest man in the company. He 
had light complexion, dark eyes and light brown hair. At the organization of the 
company he was appointed sergeant, and w'hen Lieut. Jones died and. the company 
was given the chance to elect a second lieutenant. Sergeants Thayer and E. F. Palmer 
were the principal candidates and Palmer was elected by only a bare majority. He 
was always a general favorite with the boys. He was ever ready to sympathize with 
them in their troubles, and help them if possible, and anyone in sickness was sure to 
call forth his tenderest feelings, and he would use his strength to care for. or he 
would go out of his way to obtain some little delicacy for such a one. Like many 
in the regiment the close of the Gettysburg campaign found him exhausted to such an 
extent that he could not rally. He came home with several others a day or tw^o in 
advance of the company on account of illness. On the way from Brattleboro he made 
light of his own ailments but was anxious for others. He said that if there was no 
one to meet him at Roxbury he thought he could come over the mountain afoot but 
those who were with him knew that he could scarcely walk even a few rods, but they 
little thought that these were his last ivonls to them. Doubtless he found those who 
were ready to carry the sick soldier to his home with the tenderest care, but he could 
not rally and passed away. He was a son of Obed Thayer. 

MERRILL 0. LUCE 

enlisted from Middlesex, and at the organization of the company he was appointed 
first corporal and after the death of Lieut. .Jones he was promoted to sergeant. He 
was six feet. 1 inch in height, light complexion, blue eyes and light hair. He was 
born in Middlesex and was eighteen years old at time of enlistment. He served faith- 
fully through his term of enlistment and was discharged with the regiment. Later 
he re-enlisted in .'ird Battery, August 28, 1S64. He died in Haverhill, N. H.. some 
years ago. 

HON. JOHN DOLPH 

editor of the Brighton Xews, published at Brighton, Iowa, was born in Essex county, 
N'ew York. His father was a Methodist preacher. .\t the age of seventeen Mr. Dolph 
commenced teai hing school, and the following twelve years he spent in school either as a 
student or teacher. He graduated from the Plattsburg seminary in Plattsburg. N. Y. 
For 27 years he was a travelling preacher in the Methodist church. In 1S74 he was 
transferred from the Northern New York to the Upper Iowa M. E. conference, by 
Bishop Gilbert Haven. His first pastorate in Iowa was at Cresco. the county seat of 
How-ard county, and his last pastorate was at Eldora, the county seat of Hardin county. 



Biographical mid Historical of Coiuf^aiix B. 455 

He is still a member of the Upper Iowa M. E. Conference, although not in the active 
ministry, having been for the last 15 years engaged in newsi)aper work. In a mem- 
bership of nearly 40 years in a Methodist conference, in which every preacher's char- 
acter undergoes an investigation every year there has never been anything brought 
against Mr. Dolph's moral, religious or ministerial character. 

Mr. Dolph served as a Union soldier in the l.'Jth regiment, Vermont Volunteers, 
and was severely wounded at the battle of Gettysburg. Mr. Dolph has been a Republican 
from the organization of the party, and has voted the straight Republican ticket at every 
election except one. In that one instance he scratched one name on the ticket for 
which he thought he had a good reason, and about half the Republicans in the county 
did the same thing. He served two terms in the Vermont legislature, was elected .Justice 
of the Peace in St. Lawrence county. New York, for five years, one to fill a vacancy 
and for the full term of four years, (the term of .Justice of the Peace in New York 
is four years) and was twice elected Superintendent of schools. He served two terms 
in the Iowa legislature, having been a member of the House from Hardin county in the 
23rd and 24th general assemblies. 

In the spring of 1S97, Mr. Dolph was appointed postmaster at Brighton, Iowa, 
w'hich position he still holds. He took possession of the office May 9. 1897, and in 
May. 1901, was reappointed for another four Vears. He is also proprietor of the 
Brighton News, a weekly paper published in Brighton, Iowa, and his son is editor. 
Corporal John Dolph was detailed to act as a member of the color guard and thus 
was in a very exposed position at the battle of Gettysburg, where he received a severe 
wound which confined him for some months. 

DORRIC SMITH STODDARD 

was born in Waitsfield, Vt., October 21, 1833. He was a farmer until 21 years old. 
Afterwards farmer and carpenter. He taught a few terms of school in the states 
of Vermont, Illinois and Kansas. First incident of recollection was when he was 21 
years old. His uncle, Chester Smith, hearing the outcries of an older brother ran 
to the rescue in time to save the subject of this sketch from drowning in Mad river, 
thereby saving a soldier for Uncle Sam. He married Jan. 22. 1860, Diantha M. Dudley 
and settled in Fayston. Hardly had the honey-moon passed when from south of 
Mason's and Dixon's line came fearful mutterings and threatenings of secession should 
Lincoln be elected president. Like thousands of others he halted between home ties 
and his country's call until Aug. 2.5, 18C2. when he enlisted and was dubbed Short 
Corporal of Comijany B. 

At this point an extract from a poem written for a different time and occasion. 
may not be inappropriate as showing the conditions and circumstances under which 
men went to war. and women were left to fight at home. 

War came at last, he donned the blue And when there flashed along the 

To join the bloody fray. wires 

With tearful eyes and aching heart. That third of July day 

She saw him march away. The news the thirteenth regiment 

Then turning back with heaving Was in the bloody fray 

breast. At Gettysburg, her heart sank down. 

Most wishing she might die. In secret depths did moan — 

Her eyes fell on the cradle where "My children may be fatherless! 

Two little ones did lie. Who knows but I'm alone?" 

She nerved her heart and prayed for But soon there came a beam of light; 
strength A letter told her well 

That heavy load to bear. Of husband and of father safe 
That for the sake of him that's gone Though many comrades fell. 

She might those loved ones care. And when again he reached his home 
How true it is that woman's lot — From scenes of war's alarms; 

Suspense, uncertain, dread — Could joy be more supreme than when 
Is harder than the lot of those He clasped her in his arms? 

The battlefield who tread. 

Returning from the army brought a return of the work dropped at the time of 
enlistment, the monotony of which was broken by two years of travelling in the Interest 
of Lieut. Col. A. C. Brown's Insurance Agency in 1874 and 187.5: and one term of 
service. 1876, in state legislature as Fayston's representative. . The spring of ISSl 
saw the Fayston farm sold, the home camp broken up; but this time the father did 
not gather up his gun and cartridges and march off alone, but gathered his carpenter 
kit and household belongings and with the family started on the march together. A 
halt of two years was made at Winooski. Vt, and the scene of operations F. A. 



45<J ^1"^" Tliirteciith Rc(jiiiieiit I'eriiiont Volunteers. 

Doubleday's cabinet factory. Next a march to Danbury, Iowa, in 1S83 and to Emporia. 
Kansas in ISXit. wliere tiiey bivouacked till 1899, wlien they again brolte camp and 
once more pitched their tent in Vermont, and are at present (March, 1902) residing 
in the picturesque town of Stowe. Future generations who read this sketch will say 
the short corporal was a very uneasy personage and doubtless unreliable, nobody 
knew where he was at, but the (onnndes who read it will leniember the marches here 
and there and back again — Camp Vermont to Union Mills for instance — and will only 
say, "He remembers well his military training and Is doing his best to pi-actlce it 
through life." 

ORSON C. TURNER 

was born in Duxbury and enlisted Iron] that town. He was appointed corporal 
at the organization of the Company. He was taken sick in November and 
the 26th of that month he was sent to the general hospital where he re- 
mained till the 8th day of March, 1S6?>, when he returned to the Company. Wo had 
almost given up the thought that we should have him with us again during our 
term of service, but we were mistaken in this, for from the time of his return onward 
he was tough and hearty, lie stood that last hard march and the battle remarkably 
well. I shall always remember him as I saw him at Gettysburg, especially during that 
daring charge of our regiment on the second day of the battle. 

Near the beginning of the charge his cap flew off but there was no time to stop 
for that and he rushed onward with a yell and much of the time he kept a little 
in advance of the boys on either hand whom he seemed to think were altogether too 
slow. He picked up a cap marked 19, Me., later which he wore the rest of the time. 

CHARLES P. CARPENTER 

was born .July Sth, 1842, in St. Johnsbiiry, Vt; my wife, Elizabeth J. Carpenter of St. 
Johnsbury. Vt; my son, Horace Carpenter, born May 30, 1874; his wife, Ethel Baker 
Carpenter, Lynn, Mass. My father was Don P. Carpenter, born Dec. 8, 1808. My 
mother. Hannah F. Hutcliins Carpenter, born July 3, 1808. My paternal grandfather, 
Nathaniel Cari)enter, grandmother, Abigal Waterman Carpenter; maternal grandfather, 
Timothy Hutchins; grandmother, Hannah Cross. 

1 enlisted from Moretown, Vt., August 1862 in Co. B, 13th Vt. Vol. Discharged 
.Tuly, 1863. Occupation at time of enlistment, farmer. Occuiiation since, various. 
Twelve years mechanic; twelve years postmaster at St. Johnsbury, Vt; nine years 
hardware merchant; since, mechanic. Have lived in St. Johnsbury, Vt. I know of 
no members of my regiment living in this vicinity. I have no pictures of anything. 

I was brought up as an ardent hater of slavery in every form, and consequently 
took great interest in the great political contest raging in the fifties. As I w'as the only 
son 1 was kept at home to help on the farm. I was wounded on the 3rd of July at Gettys- 
burg by a piece of shell, but did not leave the field or ranks. I was able to be ini 
at the finish when Pickett's charge was encountered and hope I did my little to 
smash the attacking column. Was badly used up by my wound and the hard subse- 
quent service, but stuck to my regiment until we arrived at Brattleboro where 1 went 
to the hospital but was mustered out with the regiment. This in brief covers my ex- 
perience in the Civil War. Disabilities caused by disease prevented my re-enlistment. 
For two years I was disabled from performing manual labor. Since then I have enjoyed 
fair health, with only occasional returns of disease contracted. 

CORPORAL JOSEPH POTWIN 

was born in Stours, P. Q., enlisted from Middlesex. He was appointed corporal at the 
organization of the company. He was a stout built, athletic man who seemed to be 
capable of an immense amount of endurance, but for some reason, possibly because he 
thought he could stand anything and so did not properly care for himself, he was on 
the sick list more than many others who were not as strong. Still he was a good 
soldier and did good service. He died at Worcester, Mass., September 26th, 1896. 

CORPORAL ZIBA KEYES, JR. 

was one of the three brothers who enlisted from Moretown and served in company B. 
At the organization of the company he was appointed corporal, which office he held 
through his term of service. He was 5 ft. 8 In. in height, light hair, blue eyes, rather 
slender and straight. After his discharge he lived most of the time in Orange. Vt. He 
married Alvira Barnet. of Middlesex, who survives him. Three children. Will, Charles 
and Nellie; Will in West Topshani, the others in Orange. Mrs. Keyes lives with her 
daughter Nellie (Flanders) in Orange. He died June 21, 1895. 



Biographical and Historical of Compaiiv B. 457 

CORPORAL FORDES 0. BUSHNELL. 

In response to circular letter from comrade Sturtevant our Historian and at his 
earnest solicitation 1 attempt a personal reference. I was born at Waitsfield, Vt., 
October 20th. 1839, volunteered August 25th, 1862, and later became a member of 
Company B. 13th Regiment Vermont Volunteers and at the organization of Company 
B. was dubbed with the distinguishing honor of corporal at the bottom of list. I was a 
farmer boy and had seen but little of life at the time of enlistment. My education was 
limited and mostly in the old red school house down in the valley near the swift 
running waters of Mad River. 1 was like most, yes, all of the boys of Company B, anxious 
to enlist. I was old enough, had read enough and seen enough to feel it my duty to 
go and fight for the preservation of the Union. I performed my duty, served the full 
term of my enlistment and was mustered out July 21, 1863. I was sicl< on my return 
home and have never been a well man since. I left my native town in the fall of 
1863 and went to Worcester, Mass, where I still reside. I learned the wood working 
trade and continued at it for a good many years a part of the time as foreman. Indoor 
confinement did not agree with me. I have been for a number of years and am still 
employed by the city as foreman on the street department of the city. 

I am a member of Post No. 10, G. A. R., and have been since its organization and 
is now said to be the largest Post in the United States. I was honored with election of 
Commander of this Post tor the year 1901 which I considered a very flattering com- 
pliment. I have not seen many of my old comrades since the war, but I am thank- 
ful I have not forgotten them. My heart is sorrowed as I hear (quite often of late) 
of the death of my comrades of old Company B most of them have crossed the bar and are 
at rest. In a few brief days we the survivors will also be with them and what a 
happy reunion it will be. I wish I might attend one of the reunions of the old 13th 
before I am called. What a pleasure it would be to grasp by the hand once more my 
dear comrades of Company B. Of my children, Mary A., died May 30, 1903. My son, 
Fordes Bushnell, .Tr., lives in San Francisco, Cal. Alice M., now wife of J. Elmer Hall, 
resides in Worcester, Mass. Dear comrades of the 13th Vt. may you live long to enjoy 
the countrv you helped to save, 

FORDES O. BUSHNELL. 

CORPORAL OTIS G. MILES 

only son of the family of eight children of Elihu and Sally (Bliss) Miles, 
was born in Calais, Vt, September 23. 1830, and his early life was passed there. 
His home was in Middlesex. Vt., from about 1861 to 1864 and he enlisted from 
that town August 25, 1862, drilled and mustered with Company. December 11, 1862 
he was promoted to corporal. He was wounded July 3, 1862 at Gettysburg while 
attempting to aid his comrade. Dexter Parker, who was severely wounded. James 
H. Wilson, who was also trying to help Parker was Instantly killed. He was mustered 
out with the company. 

For several years he worked at carpentry and bridge building for the C. V. R. R. 
Co., and about 1867 entered the employ of Lane Manufacturing Co., of Montpelier 
where he was machinist for nearly 20 years, leaving there in 1886 to work for the 
Thompson-Houston Co. in Lynn, Mass., his family removing to Lynn a short time 
afterwards. He remained with this company until his death, December 23, 1894. His 
widow died in 1897. 

Comrade Miles was a member of Brooks Post 13, G. A. R., Montpelier. and of 
Gen. Lander Post 5. Lynn Mass. He marled November 10. 1853 at Burlington, Vt. 
Mary Alvira Smith (daughter of William and Mary (Wilson) Smith) of that city. 

They had twelve children as follows: only five of whom are living. Eva Jane, born 
December 18, 1854, died 1865; Charles William, born January 5, 1857, died 1862; Julia 
Arabelle, born May 8, 1859, married Martin W. Wheelock, of Montpelier, now resides 
there; children, Mabel E., Ernest W., (dead) Carroll M., (dead), Florence M., Winona 
M., (dead), and Rachel E.; Cora May, born May 28, 1861, died January 7, 1904; married 
Frank Dawley, of Montpelier, Vt., January 1, 1882, children, Eva M. and Angle R., 
(dead); Clara Helen, horn May 14, 1863, married Wm. S. Keeler November 29, 1881, 
(Mr. Keeler died in 1906), children, Frederick (dead), Forrest W., Florence C Raymond 
S.. Dorothy A.; George Lincoln, born May 19, 1865, died May, 1866; Frederick Byron, 
born March 29, 1867, married Rose Gallagher, (dead); married Minnie Adams, (dead), 
one son, (dead), machinist, Pittsburg, Pa.; Minnie Belle, born October 14, 1869. married 
Howard A. Littlefield. of Lynn. Mass. resides there, children. Olivia, (dead). Ralph 
Leslie, Roy E.. Ernest M.; Forrest Ethan, born December 18. 1871. died August 8, 1885; 
Harry Ellsworth, born April 19, 1874, died May 30, 1900, killed in bicycle accident at 
Waltham, Mass.; Etta May, born August 27, 1876. died May IS. 1894; Clyde Leon, born 
May 17, 1881, employed by Thompson-Houston Co.. Lynn. Mass. 



458 I lie Thirtccntli Regiment I'ermoiit Volunteers. 

EDWIN G. ATKINS 

was tiorn in Duxbuiy and enlisted from that town. He heliied to organize tlie (onijiaiiy 
and was with it from first to last, doing good duty as a soldier. He married Laura 
Griffith just before he left for the war. Children. Franl< C. Sidney E.. Roy C. His 
residence was Duxbiiry for some years after the war. Occupation a farmer and sawyer. 
His present home is in Moretown where he has lived about ten years. 

M. FRANKLIN ATKINS 

enlisted from Duxbury in which town he was fjorn. He had seen previous service in 
the 2nd Vermont. Company D. from which he was discharged for disability, but having 
recovered his health in a measure, he was very anxious to try it again. Soon after 
reaching the front he was detailed as teamster, but his health failed him again and 
January 6th. 1863, he was sent to the general hospital where he was discharged for dis- 
ability January 15th, and died only a few months later. 

ORLANDO BILLINGS 

enlisted Sejiteniber Sth from Warren of which town be was a native. He is a carpenter 
by trade. He had the measles. 1 think, which left him in bad shape and he was sent 
to Campbell Hospital. Washington. I). C. March 21, 1863. and was not again with the 
coni|)any till it returned to Vermont. When our state organized its first extensive 
militia force soon after the war Mr. Billings enlisted into it and was chosen second 
lieutenant. He went west many years ago. Present address, Kasson, Minn. 

CHARLES D. BILLINGS 

was born in W'arren, but enlisted from Fayston. He was a son of C. D. Billings, a 
prominent lumberman of that mountain town. He was only .5 ft. 4 in. in height and 
slender at that and was hardly equal to the hardships of army life. Still he bore them 
verv well till attacked by measles which left him in such a weakened condition that he 
could not rally and he died May 19, 1863. This was the second death in our company 
on that day. The other was Cyron G. Thayer. 

Charlie was a general favorite with his comrades, and it was hard Indeed for 
them to part with him but he was only one of many thousands whose young lives 
full of promise were cut short by the war. 

ALBERT D. BARNARD 

private. Company B, 13th Vermont, was born at Waitsfleld January 27. 1842: enlisted 
August 18. 1S62; helped organize company August 2.i. He was never in hospital and 
did good service through his entire term of enlistment, but like so many others, those 
last marches and the battle proved to be more than he could endure, and he reached 
home sick and died August 12. 1863. He was an only son and his life was a costly 
sacrifice for his parents to make, but their patriotism is fightingly expressed by this 
simple inscription placed upon bis tombstone. 'We have laid thee on our country's 
altar." E. A. F. 

WILLIAM E. BACKUS 

enlisted from I-ayston but was born in Biidgewater. Vt. He was 6 ft. 1'/-. in. in height, 
sandy com|)lexion. red hair and blue eyes. Although only 22 years old at the lime of 
enlistment he was married and had two children. During all his service he was a 
great hand to scout around on his own hook and find out the lay of the land around our 
camps, and where all the roads led to. and after the capture of our teams in May he was 
detailed, with one or two others to act as a scout, with the object to prevent, if possible 
a repetition of such depredations. 

In after years he told a good many stories about his adventures during that 
period and I will relate one which he told me shortly before his death. 

"One day he was scouting around south of the Occoquan when he stopped at a 
house and got into conversation with a fair Rebel who did not hesitate to avow her 
principles. The siege of Vicksburg was then in progress and she said very confidently. 
■Grant can never lake Vicksburg.' Backus was a great lover of poetry and before 
he came away he borrowed a book of Tom Moore's poems and said in parting, 'When 
I bring this book back 1 hope to bring you a paper containing an account of the 
capture of Vicksburg." 

"But the looked-for news was long delayed and one day the regiment had orders 
to march the next morning; then Backus thought that it would be dishonorable not 



BuHji-al^liical and Histovical of Co in puny B. 459 

to return that boiTowed book and started out with it. When he had nearly reached 
the house he saw all at once a squad of Rebel cavalry, who also saw him and gave 
chase. He sprang over the fence, leaving the book on it as he went and took to the 
woods. The rebels fired at him and followed a short distance but he struck swampy 
land and gave up the chase. After a time he came out on the banks of the Occoquan 
where it widens out towards the Potomac. How to cross was a puzzle but he found 
an old barn from which he pried a large door and constructed a rude raft and paddled 
himself across though nearly upset by wind and wave. He soon came to the house 
of a Union man where he had stayed before and stopped for the night. The next 
morning early he came into camp, reaching there just as the regiment was falling into 
line for that long march. His comrades gave him the name of 'Scout of the Occoquan'." 

Comrade Backus was twice married. His first wife was Mary Whittlesey, who 
died about 18S0. By her he had a large family several of whom died in infancy. Those 
who lived to maturity were William, Fred, Mary, Annie, Eva and Calvin, who has 
served five years in the Xavy and is now in the arsenal at Springfield. His second wife 
was Elizabeth Baird, who survives him. They were married March 4, 1882. By her 
he had one son, Carl. 

Comrade Backus lived in various places after his discharge, but finally located 
in South Fayston where he died December 7, 1888. 

ALONZO J. BRUCE 

enlisted from Duxbury. in which town he was born April 1, 1842. His great-grand- 
father, Moses Bruce, was one of the first settlers in Newburyport, Mass., and was 
quarter-master in the old Continental Aimy under General Wolfe when he made his 
raid into Canada. His grandfather, also Moses Bruce, born in Newburyport, moved to 
Barnard where his father. Moses Bruce, was born who afterwards settled in Duxbury. 
His grandfather was six years old and could remember the battlt of Bunker Hill and 
often told about seeing the red coats cross the Charles river. 

Comrade Bruce was a good soldier but came through his term of service without 
special incident to mark it from others. He was sick and in regimental hospital a 
few weeks about December but was soon on duty again, and was with the company 
to the end. 

He married Mary Fairman, of Greenfield, Mass., in 1865. She died February, 
1900. Children, Mary Helen, born in Duxbury, .January 1, 1866, married James R. 
Dunkerson, of Kentucky, has two children: Alice Martha, born in Deerfield, Mass., 
December 15, 1869, married James Hanlan, has three children: Howard Percy, born in 
Deerfield, Mass., December, 1871, married Gertrude Robinson, has two children; Myrtle 
Maud, born May 2, 1S78 in Town 5, Ranch 6. Elm Island, Nebr., married Chas. G. Fair- 
man, assistant editor of the Springfield Union, one child; Edna Atha, born in Elm 
Island, Nebr., January 5, 1882; Georgia Viola, born in Gibbon, Neb., July 20, ISSa; Hazel 
Adella, born in Burdette Springs, Colo., Sept. 20, ISSS. 

Mr. Bruce lived in Vermont till he entered the army, after which he lived in 
Greenfield and Deerfield, Mass., from 1866 to 1876, when he went west and took a 
homestead on old Fort Kearney Reservation and remained there till 1887 when he 
went to Burdett Springs, Colorado and filed a preemption and tree claim and lived 
here till 1889 when he came to Montague, Mass,, and bou.ght a farm in the Connecticut 
valley where he lived till 1900 when he removed to Greenfield, since which time he 
has been connected- with the Montague City Rod Co. 

ROLAND T. BULKLEY 

was born in Duxbury, enlisted from Moretown August 26, at the age of 25. He was 
with the company from its organization through all its movements till the middle of 
December and did his full share of the duties that fell to his lot. At that date he w-as 
detailed to serve in the ambulance corps and continued in that place through his term 
of service and was mustered out with the regiment. During most of his term the rest 
of the company saw but little of him on account of his being on detached service, 
though for a time at the last he was stationed near us but our acquaintance with him 
was sufficient to convince us that the detail was that of a capable and faithful man to 
an ini])ortant place. He removed to Illinois soon after the war and engaged in farming. 
Sold his farm a few' years ago. Present address. Minonk, 111. 

JOHN BOWEN 

was born in Charlotte, Vt., but enlisted from Warren. He was 42 years old. but strong 
■-ind healthy, and he endured the hardships of a soldier's life better than most men of 
his age. I think that this was largely because he knew how to take care of himself 
and did not expose himself or use his strength unnecessarily like too many of the 



4(10 The Tliirtccnth Rcyiiiiciit I'cnuoiit I'uliintccrs. 

boys. While we were lying behind that bieaslwoik of rails duriiiK that leirilic cannon- 
ade on the last day at Gettysburg, Comrade Howen thought he would peep over and 
see what was going on. .lust then a round shot came bounding along and just ticked 
a rail only a few inches from his head and on it went. Heads along the line kept low 
for a time after that. Comrade Bowen re-enlisted December 10, 1863 in U. S. Sharp- 
shooters. Died May 1.^, 1864, of wounds received at battle of Wilderness. 

JOHN BAIRD 

was the son of William and Isabella Baird. He was l)orn in New York City. Enlisted 
from Fayston at the age of 20 years. He was a sturdy hearty boy of Scotch-Irish 
descent and made one of our best soldiers. He was always genial and pleasant and 
ready for any duty, and was thus a general favorite with his companions. I think that 
he was seldom sick enough to be off duty but the hardships of our march to Gettysburg 
together with the experiences of the battle and the march that followed it were too 
much for him and he reached home in a debiliated condition. Once or twice he seemed 
much better and was ambitious to go to work, but overdid, and was worse than before 
and died September 19, 1S6S. 

MATTHEW BLAIR 

was born in Ireland and had seen .serviie in the English aimy. He enlisted from Fays- 
ton and was 27 years old and married. He passed through his term of service in fair 
health and re-enlisted in .SB Massachusetts and was killed. 

WILLIAM W. BARNET 

enlisted from Middlesex and was born in that town. He was 28 years old and married. 
He was with the company through all its experiences doing service to the best of his 
ability. Of his life since his discharge we can learn nothing. 

CHAUNCEY CARPENTER 

enlisted from Fayston. He was 6 ft. 1 in. in height. 34 years old and married. He 
was a faithful soldier, passing through the varied experiences that fell to the lot of 
..lost members of the company with credit to himself. After our return he re-enlisted 
in the 17th Vermont. He has since resided in Granby. Vt. Died in Brookfield, Vt. 

FRANCIS V. CRAIN 

enlisted from Moretown. his native town. He was 19 years old and 7, ft. 'iVz in. in 
height. While the company was drilling at W'aitsfield Comrade Crane got hold of a 
large cucumber nearly ripe and ate it all down. This gave him the name of "Cucum- 
ber" which stuck to him till we came home. He participated in the hard march and 
the battle though well used up at the last and was mustered out with the company. 
He re-enlisted and was killed in the battle of the Wilderness. 

JOHN C. CANERDY 

enlisted from Duxbury, his native town at the age of IS. He was one of the first to 
succomb to disease. While we were encamped at Fairfax Court House, he was attacked 
with typhoid fever and died at the post hospital January 20. 1863, the day the regiment 
moved to Wolf Run Shoals. 

GEORGE S. CHAPMAN 

was born in Stockholm. N". Y.. and enlisted from the town of Moretown. He was 3.5 
years old and married. He was -5 ft. 10 in. in height and well proportioned. He made 
an excellent soldier, one of the best. He was kind hearted and true and ready for every 
duty as it came along. He was a farmer and resided in the easterly part of Moretown 
both before and after his army service. He married Miss Strong, two children. Lizzie 
and .Addie were the fruit of tliis union; second wife, Amelia Alexander, 1 son. Perley. 
He died in Northfield. February 24, 1899, but had lived most of the time since his dis- 
charge in Moretown. 

ALBERT H. CHASE 

enlisted from Middlesex and was 18 years old. He passed through much the same 
experiences as his comrades until we came to Gettysburg. Here on the second day of 
the fight he was hit in the side of the head by a piece of shell, probably a part of the 
same shell that killed Colonel Randall's horse. He fell and those who saw him thought 
that he was killed but he soon began to crawl away and was helped off by his comrades. 



Biographical and Historical of Company B. ' 461 

He went to the hospital but when we reached Brattleboro he had so far re- 
covered that he was able to come back to the company and was mustered out with 
the rest, and it was then thought that his wound would not prove so very serious after 
all. 

He lived some twenty years after this and shortly after his death his brother 
told us that ever after that wound he had had a great many headaches, and that 
during his last sickness there came a running sore upon his head at the very point 
where he was struck by the shell, so that he thought that there was no doubt that 
the wound was the cause of his death although it was so long delayed. 

MYRON M. DAVIS 

enlisted from Warren, his native town. He was G ft. 1% in. in height and thus 
belonged to the tall squad on the right of the company. Early in our service he 
received an injury which incapacitated him for long marches and as his difficulty grew 
worse rather than better, he was sent to the general hospital the 6th of January, 1863, 
and was discharged for disability at Mount Pleasant hospital February 4, 1863. After 
a long struggle he was able to establish his claim to a moderate pension. He is a 
blacksmith by trade and resides in Moretown but has not been able to be in active 
business for some years. He married Laura Palmer and they have one son, Julius D., 
who carries on an extensive tin and hardware business at Waitsfield. 

WALTER C. DIMMICK 

was born at Woodstock, Vt., and enlisted from Warren. His age is set down at 44. As 
a rule those who had nearly reached the age limit did not endure the hardships of army 
life as well as the boys who were under 18 even. Rut Comrade Dimmick seemed to be 
an exception as he "stood the racket" very well and did good service. Some time in 
the winter his home in Warren burned and he was very anxious to get a furlough 
but did not succeed. He married Mary Tyler. He had one daughter, Kate. Soon after 
the war he went West and we are unable to trace him further. Died at Fort Collins, 
Colo. 

JEROME FISK 

was born in Stowe, Vt., and enlisted from Moretown. He was 20 years old and 5 ft. 
9 in. in height. He was of rather slender build and the army duties proved too much 
for him. Early in January, 1863, he was sent to general hospital and discharged for 
disability February 1st. He has since resided at Crown Point, N. Y. 

EDWARD A. FISK 

son of Anson Fisk, was born in Waitsfield. February 1, 1842. My father was of the old 
Puritan stock, his ancestors coming to this country and settling in Salem, Mass., about 
1637, and he traces his lineage back more than 200 years further to one Lord Lymond 
Fisk of Suffolk County. England. My great-grandfather was one of the early settlers 
of Waitsfield. 

I was married November 28, 1876 to Lillian A. Ramsay, of Waitsfield, who was 
born in St. Johnsbury, Vt. Children, Annie L., born September 2, 1878, Charles E., 
born March 25, 1880, Anson H., born November 5, 1882, Harold H.. born November 
24, 1890. 

1 enlisted August 18, 1862, and helped to organize Company B. I was never 
sick enough to be in the hospital, or off duty for any length of time. 

At Gettysburg I was slightly wounded by a piece of spent shell, which struck my 
right knee, just as the regiment started on its charge of July 2nd. Though bruised 
and lamed I did not leave the field and took part in all the movements of the 
regiment to the last. 

I was utterly exhausted by these hardships and was sick at Brattleboro with 
what proved to be typhoid fever when I reached home. This nearly cost my life but 
careful nursing brought me through. 

I am a farmer and resided in Waitsfield till 1895 when I removed to the neighboring 
town of Fayston where I lived till 1906 when I returned to Waitsfield. I was selectman 
six years in Waitsfield, also school director three years. Chairman of school board 
in Fayston seven years, also auditor. I represented Fayston in legislature in 1902. 

Present address, Waitsfield, R. F. D. 

You ask for stories and incidents and I send you the following which you can 
use if you see fit or not as you please and I shall not feel aggrieved. E. A. F. 



4^)2 The 'l'liirti\'iilli Rciiiuiciit I'cntiont I'ohiuU'crs. 

NOTES FROM A SOLDIER S DIARY 

Feb. 20, 1863. I wciu on pirkct. Was stationed at what we call "Sally Davis's 
Ford." about two iiiilcs down the Ofcoquan t'loni our eanip. 

This is an iiniiortant post and there are some twenty men to guard it. though 
there is not much danger of any one crossing the river to-day as the water is nearly 
bank high owing to heavy rains. It is a pleasant day. but cold — almost like a bright 
winter day in Vermont. 

We have a cavalryman at this post to act as messenger in case of need and about 
noon the new detail came from down the river. The i)ath led across a little brook 
or "run." as they call it here, just below our post. Usually there is not much water 
in it. though near the river it has a sunken channel with rather steep banks, but 
now the water had set back from the river so that it was quite deep in the center. 

At first as the horse stepped into the water the i)ath semed all right, but the 
water was roily and as soon as he was beyond the bank horse and rider were in 
the water all over. After swimming a short distance the feet of the horse caught 
in some bushes and the man was thrown off but he struck out boldly and soon 
reached the shore, a distance of several rods, although encumbered with arms and 
accoutrements. The carbine, caitridge bo.x. belt and revolver, .saber, etc.. weighed him 
down so that it made one think of the Roman knight who swam from the Tiber with 
his armor on. The horse was rescued at length, by means of a long pole with a 
hook which we managed to catch into his bridle. 

It was a bitter day for such a bath, but we had a good fire and got the man to it 
as soon as possible, where he wrung out his wet clothing and hung by the fire all 
he could spare, while he dried the remainder by turning first one side and then the 
other to the fire, but he was one of the sort that could not be kept still long at a 
time and soon without coat or boots he was riding his horse back and forth to prevent 
his taking cold. I often wondered what effect this exposure had upon this man but 
1 never heaid from him again. It was such hardship and exjiosures as this that 
cost us more lives than the bullets of the enemy. R. A. F. 

DAVID GLEASON 

enlisted .August 2.'). 1862 in Company B, 13th Regiment, and was mustered out October 
10 of the same year, and was discharged August 21, ISti:!. lie was in the hospital a 
large part of the time during his enlistment. He went to general hospital in April. 
He returned to Waitsfleld and later w-ent to JIassachusetts to reside finally returning 
to Waitsfleld where he lived for a number of years, moving to Waterbury. Vt.. w^here he 
died May 26. 1S99. Mr. Gleason was a carpenter by trade and was fairly successful 
financially. He leaves no family. 

DAN GRANDY 

enlisted from Waitsfield and was born in that ttnvii He was 21 years old and nearly 
6 ft. high, but rather slim. For some reason he did not seem to endure hardships as 
well as some and was sent to general hospital in March. .Mustered out with the 
regiment. He married Laura Parker of Waitsfield who survives him. He died at 
Waitsfield June IS. 189.i. Children Nellie. Angle. Fred and Frank. 

FRANKLIN D. GRIFFITH 

enlisted from Duxbury. his native town. He was 21 years old. .') ft. 9 in high. He 
was a strong, well built man capable of great endurance. The 27th day of December 
he was detailed to act as brigade teamster and he continued in this jiosition until 
captuied by Rebel guerillas wtih our teams in May. an account of w'hich Sergeant 
Boyce gives en another page. 

Mr. Griffith married Sallie Oillett, of Duxbury, who died some years ago. Children, 
Kmmie, married Ed Tracy; Betty, married .Merrill Childs: Birney. married Mr. 
Sleeper; Eunice, married ,Ied Haskins, ,Iosie, married Chandler McAllister. 

WILLIAM H. HATHAWAY 

was one of the boys whose age is set down at is but who was iirotiably considerably 
under that. He was a small, slender light-haiied l.oy. plea>ant and patient under hard- 
ships which he was not able to cope with successfully. He was universally liked by 
his comrades who tried to favor him as mu(h as possible. He was taken sick and went 
to general hospital in March. I think that he was one of those who had measles. He 
lived to ccme home but died a few months after our dischaige. He enlisted from 
Moretown, his native town, and was a son of Hiram Hathaway 



Bioijvaphical and Hisfurical of Coiiipnuv B. 463 

ROYAL S. HASKINS 

enlisted from Faystoii. his native town. He was 21 years old at tlie time 
of enlistment and w-as about tlie smallest man in the company. His height 
is given at only 5 ft. l-l in. When he enlisted he had scarcely recovered 
from a serious illness and looked very pale and thin so that it was not 
strange that the sarcastic remark should be made by an observer, "Well! that fellow 
will make a bully soldier." And yet that funny looking boy made an excellent soldier 
and possessed an endurance equal to the best of them. The pale color soon changed 
to a healthy brown and one would hardly have been able to recognize him as the 
same boy. The name the boys gave him was "Little Skip." Comrade Haskius married 
Mary J. Wheeler, of Fayston. soon after his discharge and emigrated to Wisconsin, 
where he remained till some ten or twelve years ago when he sold out his farm there 
and went to Western Nebraska where he invested largely in land, hoping that the 
value of real estate would increase and give him a competency, but those seasons 
of doubt, which spoiled so many similar plans, come on and he had a hard struggle 
for a time but he still continues to reside in that State. Post office, Bertrand, Nebr. 

EATON A. HEATH 

was born in Waitsfield, enlisted from Warren. He was a son of Lyman Heath. He 
was a tine appearing soldier and did excellent service with but little sickness till near 
the last when he was taken sick and was sent (with others who were not judged equal 
to a long march) to general hospital on the day that the regiment started towards 
Gettysburg. Comrade Heath has since resided in Warren, for the most part, where he 
has been a prominent manufacturer and dealer in lumber. He represents his town in the 
legislature during the present term. He married Adaline Dumas. He has held the 
office of town clerk, constable and various other offices in town. 

JOHN HINES 

enlisted August 25, 1862, mustered in October 10. 1S62. mustered out .July 21, 1S63. Died 
April IS, 1S79. He was a good soldier, always doing his duty. He married Mrs. Sarah 
(Dana) Jones. 

CHARLES C. INGALLS 

enlisted from Fayston in which town he was born. He did good service as a soldier. 
He was ready for duty and was always good natured whatever the event that came to 
him. He went through his term of service in good health and re-enlisted in Company G, 
6th Vermont, September 1, 1S64. Since the war he has resided in North Fayston, Vt., 
and Northfield and other places in Vermont. He married Martha A. Johnson, of North 
Favston. 

STEPHEN JOHNSON 

was born in Fayston, April 1.5th. 1841, enlisted from Fayston. He was .5 
ft. 10 in. in height and well proportioned. He was among the number who 
had the measles at Wolf Run Shoals but soon recovered except that he lost 
his voice entirely for about two months, but during that time he had charge of the 
cook's stand and got along very well. Before our march to Gettysburg he was all 
right and was with the company doing good service to the last. He re-enlisted August 
26, 1864 in Co. G, 6th Vt. He enlisted for Waitsfield but by arrangement between the 
towns he was sent to the town of Weybridge, Vt. He was with the regiment in all 
engagements till it mustered out. Since the war he has followed the carpenter's 
trade and has lived in North Fayston. He has enjoyed the confidence of his fellow 
townsmen as shown by the fact that he has held some town office almost constantly. 
He has been lister for over 2.5 years. Also school director, justice of the peace, road 
commissioner and town grand juror for varying terms. He represented the town of 
Fayston in 1882. He married Jennette Boyce, of North Fayston, who died in 1906. He 
has three sons. James M.. Herbert and Martin L. 

Comrade Johnson is commander of Ainsworth Post, G. A. R., at Waitsfield, which 
office he has held for several years and he is seldom absent from a meeting although 
he lives five or six miles away. 

SAMUEL KEYES 

enlisted from Moretown, born in Middlesex, February 26, 1829. "Bloody Sam", as the 
boys called him, was only 5 ft, 3 in. in height, but rather thick set, red cheeks. He 
was a sturdy soldier and did good service. We remember that on that trying march 
to Gettysburg as we were all about fagged nut. all at once a clear laugh rang out, loud 



4^4 I lie Tliirtccnth Rc(jiinciit I'cniioiit I'olniitccrs. 

enough for half the company to hear, and we wondered what Sam could And to laugh 
at, but it acted like a tonic to us all and we felt refreshed and went on with nerw 
courage. 

Since the war Comrade Keyes resided in Moretown. He niaried Cordelia Clark, 
of Duxbury, November 29, 1852, and had by her two children. Ida and Lucy. He 
married for second wife Mary Campbell, of Berlin, one child, .Mary. He married for 
third wife, Lucy Cady, who died in 1906, one child, Agnes, born September 3. 1876, 
died in Montpeller, December 25, 1906. Samuel Keyes died November 4, 1905, !n 
Moretown. 

SYLVANUS KEYES 

brother of Samuel, was born in Middlespx. April L'lith. 1831. Enlisted from Moretown. 
He was 5 ft. S'/4 in. in height, had light hair, light coini)lexion and blue eyes. As a 
soldier he was one of the best. A man that could be relied upon at all times. Since 
the war he has resided in Moretown. P. O. address, Montpeller. R, F. D. 3. 

He married Rhoda Crain, September 11, 1852, four children, Chauncey W, born 
July 3, 1853, Mary ,T., born December 31, 1857, died December 31, 1857, Frank F.. 
born December 19, 1859, Elmer V.. born September 12, 1864. Comrade Keyes married 
for second wife Susan A. Smith, of Berlin. Vt., maiden name Susan Ayers. born in 
Claremont, N. H., May 10, 1847. 

JOHN LEE 

was born in Ireland, enlisted from Moretown at the age of 36. He passed through the 
various army experiences encountered by most of his comrades doing his duty faithfully 
and was discharged with the regiment. Present address, Worcester, Mass. 

CHARLES W. LISCOMB 

was born in .Jay, N. Y., and enlisted from Moretown. His age is set at 18. but this was 
probably rather a high estimate. He was 5 ft. 8 in., but rather slender. However, he 
bore the hardships better than some older and stronger built men and was present 
during the march and battle though well-nigh used up by these experiences, like many 
others. After the close of the war he went to Boston and was stationary engineer 
four years, since then nothing Is known of him. 

DARIUS MAYNARD 

enlisted from Duxbury. was born in Colchester, Vt. He passed through his term of 
enlistment without any serious sickness and was able, as well as willing to do his 
full share of the duties as a soldier that fell to his lot. He was discharged with the 
company and re-enlisted in Company L, 1st Cavalry. .January 1, 1864. 

HENRY MURRAY 

was born in Moretown and enlisted from that town. Most members of the company- 
did not become very well acquainted with him as he was detailed as provost guard 
No. 10, and did not return to the company till March 18. but he was with us at "the 
finish" and was discharged with the Company. Re-enlisted Company C, 1st Vermont 
Volunteers. Never married. Has since resided at Walnut Creek. Cal. P. O. address 
Oakley, Cal. 

WILLIAM McDONELL. 

was a sturdy little chap, one of the shortest in the company. He enlisted from More- 
town, but was born in Ireland. He was 30 years old and did good service through his 
term of service but was sick and sent to genera! hospital .June 24. Since the war he 
has resided in Moretown until 190fi; now lives with his son in Michigan. 

DeESTING S. MIX 

enlisted from Warren and was a native of that town. He was a little fellow only 5 ft. 
4 in. and 18 years old, but he made a good soldier and went through his term of service 
in good shape. He re-enlisted in Company A. .Sth Vermont. December 12, 1863. Since 
deceased. 

BARNEY McCARRON 

enlisted from Middlesex, born in Roxbury, Mass. He was only 18 years old but good 
size, 5 ft. 10 in. and well proportioned. I remember him as very pleasant and genial 
boy that ail his comrades liked and one that never shirked duty. He had the distinc- 
tion to be the first one in the company to have the measles. He was not much sick 



Biographical and Historical of Company C. 465 

and did not know what ailed him till he broke out. Thus being around with the Com- 
pany he had a good chance to scatter the distemper and improved it so well, that it was 
supposed that he gave it to some twenty or thirty of his comrades. He re-enlisted fn 
Company D, 2nd Regiment, August 16th, 1S64. Residence, Chicago, 111. 

STEDMAN D. MOULTON 

enlisted from Middlesex, born in Lyndon, age 30, 5 ft. 7 in. high, stout build. Comrade 
Moulton enlisted September 3rd, 10 days after the Company was organized. Army life 
did not seem to agree with him very well and he was sick a good deal and about the 
25th of March he went to General Hospital and was discharged for disability, April 
24th. After his discharge he resided in Moretown. He was a shoemaker by trade and 
for a time he owned a small farm and worked at his trade to fill out the time. Then 
he bought a large farm which he managed for a few years, after which he opened a 
shoe store in Moretown village and carried on the business for some years but died at 
that place. 

LEVI NELSON 

born in Payston, enlisted from that town. He was 5 ft. 9% in. high, rather slender 
and was not able to do very much service. December 12th, he was sent to general 
hospital and was not again with the company, and was discharged with the regiment 
July 21st, 1863. 

WILLIAM NELSON 

brother of Levi Nelson, enlisted from Fayston. He was 26 years old, 5 ft. 10 in. in 
height and was strongly built, and a man of good endurance. Some time in the winter 
while carrying fire wood he fell upon an axe and cut his hand In such a way as to 
disable him from duty for a long time. He is a farmer and resides in North Haverhill, 
N. H. 

EUGENE NICHOLS 

was born in Middlesex, and enlisted from that town at the age of 19. He was one 
of the liveliest boys in the Company, and his sense and non-sense often 
served to cheer the drooping spirits of his comrades and tide them over rough 
places. He was given the title of "Magus" presumably on account of his words of 
wisdom. He did good service and was discharged with the regiment. He re-enlisted 
February 4, 1865 in Company D, 2nd Vermont Regiment. After his return he had a 
law-suit with the town of Middlesex to recover the full amount of his bounty which 
was carried at last to the supreme court and decided in his favor. He has lived since 
the war in the West. His address is Evansville, Wis. He marled Miss Vie Lee of 
that place. He has one daughter, Grace. 

ROYAL ORDWAY 

born in Vershire, Vt., enlisted from Middlesex. He was 30 years old, medium size, dark 
complexion and black hair. He was a carpenter by trade. He was an able-bodied man 
and a faithful soldier. For a time he acted as Company cook. His residence is Wash- 
ington, Vt., where he has lived most of the time since the war. 

DANIEL PASNETT 

born in Ireland, enlisted from Fayston at the age of 49. He was only 5 ft. 41,0 in. in 
height and rather slim, though he bore the hardship of army life as well as could be 
expected considering his age and size. He had seen service in the British army. 
There were times when he was crippled by rheumatism to some extent but he was 
never away from the Company long and was with It at the last. He died in Fayston, 
November 25th, 1881. 

ALSON D. PAGE 

born in Barre, enlisted from Waitsfield. He was a tinner by trade. For a time he 
acted as Company cook. He was with the Company through its term of service. He 
went West, but present address unknown. 

DEXTER PARKER 

was born in Newport, N. H., February 7th. 1841; my father removed to Fayston, 

Vt, 1843. Occupation farmer, at enlistment, and since discharged. Married 

March 24th, 1868 H. Marva Hutchif.on of Lempster N. H. Children, Fred 

Carlton Parker, born July 16th. 1870, his occupation shipping clerk. He 



466 The Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers. 

married November 25th, 1899 Hallie A. Hinsilwood, of Liberty. Iowa. Children, 
Stanley Warren Parker, born September 6th, 1901 ; Vernon Geo. Parker, born November 
2l8t, 1904; Geo. Hoyt Parker, born November 21st, 1873, graduate of Newport High 
School, occupation book-keeping; Ida Marva Parker, born April 11th, 1876, graduate 
of Newport High School, occupation, teacher; .lessie Laura Parker, born November 
29th, 18S1, a graduate of Newport High School, occupation, stenographer; Angeline 
Lockwood Parker, born July 6th, 1888, a pupil of Newport High School; Ethel Madeline 
Parker, born September 11th, 1891, a pupil of Newport High School. I enlisted from 
Waitsfield, Vt.. August 22nd, 1862, served as a private in Company B, 13th Vermont 
Regiment, mustered in the U. S. Service in Brattleboro, Vt., October lOth, 1862. Mustered 
out. July 21st. 1863 with the Regiment. Wounded in the battle of Gettysburg July 3rd, 
1863. Left hand disabled by the bursting of a shell. It was found that a number of 
my company had been hit by balls, or pieces of shells, and only one killed, James 
Wilson, a good soldier and a fine young man while supporting me from the battlefield 
My wound was the most severe of any in the company. I neglected to say at first that 
Dexter Parker was the son of Stephen Carlton Parker, born in New^ Boston, N. H., 1813, 
died 1893; and of Angeline Lockwood Parker, born in Springfield, Vt., in 181.5, died 
1896. They had a family of ten children. Dexter being the second. I would like to 
trace the family, and in fact make a genealogy, but am not able to do so at this time. 
I have lived in Newport, N. H., (with the exception of one year) since my discharge, 
so think there are none of the boy's of the 13th in this vicinity. I cannot recall any 
of the incidents that happened in army life of particular interest except that mentioned 
as to my being wounded, as I have not been a citizen of Vermont since 186-}, and have 
had no opportunity to talk over and recall the events with old comrades. 

See page 104. DEXTER PARKER. 

LOREN B. REED 

enlisted August 25th, 1862. Mustered October 10th, 1862. Died in Hospital at Camp 
Carusi. Vt., May 3rd, 1863. Comrade Reed was a fine musician and was detailed 
to play cornet in the Brigade Band and was playing there when taken sick. He was 
born in Waitsfield. Vt., and was 21 years old when he enlisted. Son of Ben,iamin and 
Arethusa Joslin Reed. His body was brought hnnie for buriel by Ziba W. McAllister 

OSCAR C. REED 

a cousin of Loren B. Reed, enlisted in Company B, 13th Vermont Regiment. August 
25th, 1862; was 24 years old. He died in Hospital at Fairfax Va., December 26th, 1862. 
His body was brought home for luiiial. Son of Timothy and Susan Reed. 

WINFIELD S. RICH 

was born in Marilla, N. Y., and enlisted from Fayston. He was a sawyer by trade and 
24 years old. He was an excellent soldier, on hand for every duty, pleasant and kind 
in all his relations with others, and thus he held a high place in the esteem of his 
comrades. He was miustered out with the regiment. After his return he engaged in 
tin and hardware business in Waitsfield for several years and later removed to Hard- 
wick, Vt., where he carried on the same business, and where he died from the effects 
of the kick of a horse. He married Lucetta Lockwood. He had one daughter. Cora. 

JOHN W. RICHARDSON 

born in Waterbury, Vt., enlisted from Waitsfield. at the age of 43. He w-as with the 
Company from organization to muster out. He was a carriage builder at time of enlist- 
ment and conducted a thriving business at Waitsfield. He was a good citizen and a 
good soldier. About the middle of February. 1863. he w'as appointed regimental post 
master, which position he held till we started on our march towards Gettysburg. So 
far as we can learn he performed the duties of this office to the entire satisfaction of 
all. He was twice married. First to Eugenia Joslin who died shortly before he enlisted. 
By her he had 3 children, Cyrus of Montpelier; Flora Richardson Benton of Vergennes 
and Charles W.. a prosperous clothing merchant of Burlington. He married, second. 
Asenath Hadley. He held for some year.s offiir of constable. He died July 20. 1873. 
at Waitsfield. 

L. THOMPSON STODDARD 

was born in Waitsfield and enlisted from that town at the age of 18. He was a tough 
wiry little fellow, capable of great endurance. For several months he acted as laundry- 
man for the Company and did good work. Thus the boys were able to keep their 
clothing in good condition at a small cost while comrade Stoddard worked hard but 
added to the contents of his pocket-book to quite an extent, and his comrades were 



Biographical and Historical of Company B. 467 

willing that he should be excused from guard and picket duty so that he could do this 
work. At Gettysburg he was slightly wounded July 3rd. He re-enlisted in Company 
C, 17th Vermont and was appointed Corporal. Later he became one of the color guard 
of the regiment. Into that ill fated charge at the explosion of the mine in front of 
Petersburg, July 30th, 1S64, he went and was shot down while protecting the colors. 
He was taken prisoner but lived only till August 7, 1S64. He was one of four brothers 
who were soldiers. 

OSCAR A. STEARNS 

enlisted from Warren, was bom in Waitsfield. He was 20 years old, had dark com- 
plexion, black hair and black eyes. He was 5 ft. 7% in. in height. He was rather slim 
but stood a soldier's life well. Soon after the war he went West and located at Lone 
Creek, Nebraska, where he died. He married Janet Persons and left two children. 
He was a photographer by trade. 

THOMAS 0. SMITH 

born in Monkton, Vt., enlisted from Warren. He was nearly 6 ft. tall though not 
very heavy and for some reason he did not seem to endure as well as some. About 
the 5th of April he was detailed to act as safety guard and April 14 he was sent t» 
general Hospital. P. O. Address Bristol, Vt. 

LATHAM T. SEAVER 

born in Moretown, August 30th, 1844, and enlisted from that town. He was rather 
short but stocky and made an excellent soldier. He came through his term of service 
in good shape and re-enlisted in Company C, 1st Cavalry, August 17, 1864. After the 
war he lived at various places in this state, Montpelier being his last place of residence 
where he died, January 4th, 1900. He was twice married. First to Miranda M. Jones, 
daughter of Lieut. Nathaniel Jones, Jr., second to Hattie Palmer. Children, Edwin N., 
10.5 Pearl St., Middleboro, Mass.; Jennie M., Mrs. A. E. Carr, Montpelier, Vt; Lora 
May, Mrs. A. C. Palmer, Jonesville, Vt.; Lena Belle, Richmond. 

LEVI W. SEAVER 

enlisted from Waitsfield, August 25th, 1862 in Company B, 13th Regiment; was 
mustered in October 10th, 1862, and was mustered out July 21st, 1863, at Brattleboro, 
Vt. He also served in 96th Regiment, N. Y. Volunteers; enlisting in April 1865, and 
was mustered out February 15th, 1866. Since the war he has lived in Waitsfield and 
is engaged in the lumber business. He married Miss Katie Hoffman June 19th, 1870. 
Three children were born to them; Frank, Abbie and Clayton. Abbie and Clayton 
died. 

When our regiment was on its way to Washington, it reached Baltimore in the 
night, and all will remember that night march through the city and the weary hours 
of waiting for the train to take us onward and how we tried to sleep on the hard 
platforms, wind swept by chilling breezes from the bay. At length the train was in 
readiness and as the roll of Company B was called. Levi W. Seaver failed to respond. 
What could have become of him. no one knew, said Captain Wilder: "He has not 
deserted, I know." It was thought that he might be asleep but every corner was searched 
without avail and the whistle sounded "all aboard", but just as the wheels began to 
move, Levi appeared on the track in front of the train all out of breath, coming as 
fast as he could run. He said: "There were some passenger cars standing in the depot 
and I went into one of them and the seats looked so comfortable that I sat down, not 
meaning to stay there long, but the next thing I knew the cars were in motion and we 
were already out of the city. The conductor stopped the train and let me off and I 
hurried back as fast as I could, but I found so many tracks as soon as I got to the 
city that I had a hard time to get the right one sometimes." 

Levi had the measles while we were at Wolf Run Shoals and later had a relapse 
and came very near dying, but a strong constitution pulled him through although he 
was not much more than a skeleton after he could walk about. He was 17 years old 
at the time of enlistment. 

ALLADUREN STOWELL 

enlisted from Moretown, his native town. He was 20 years old, 5% ft. in height but 
rather light built. He got along very well however till attacked by measles. He had 
a relapse and a fever which nearly cost him his life. For days we expected any 
moment to hear that he had passed away, but the spark of lite still lingered and at 
length he began to amend very slowly. He was scarcely more than a living skeleton 
and had numerous bed sores caused by the hard cots of the regimental hospital. After 



468 The Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers. 

a time as he became a little stronger, Sergeant Thayer of our Company manufactured 
a crude reclining chair which was a great comfort to him that his position could be 
readily changed. 

Some time early In June It became apparent that we should probably have marching 
orders, and It seemed necessary to send sick ones to general hospital, and It did not 
seem possible that Stowell could endure to be carried in an ambulance, so his comrades 
to the number of 8 I think volunteered to carry him to Alexandria, a distance of about 
20 miles on a stretcher. This they did and he bore the journey very well, and soon 
began to gain more rapidly. At the end of our term of service he came home and was 
soon all right again and re-enlisted in Company C, 1st Vermont Cavalry, August 17th, 
1864. He lived some years after the war but died a good while ago. 

WILLIAM D. SMITH 

born in .Middlesex, enlisted from Morctown. lie was 21 years of age, .5 ft. '> in. In 
height, dark complexion, dark hair and eyes. 1 remember him as a quiet well behaved 
boy ready for duty and no grumbling. In the spring he was sick. (I think measles 
were the beginning of it) and was sent to general hospital June 3rd. Discharged 
with Regiment. 

JAMES SHANLEY 

born in Lowell, Mass.. enlisted from Moretown. He was 20 years old, 5 ft. 71/4 in. In 
height, solid built, light complexion, blue eyes and light hair. I do not remember 
that he was sick during his term of service or that there was any special incident to 
distinguish him from other soldiers who did their duty well. 

ROSWELL S. SCRIBNER 

born in Fayston, enlisted from Duxbury; 23 years old: 6V2 ft. in height, and the tallest 
man in the regiment. He was a strong, well built man and did good service. Dis- 
charged with Company. 

ALMUS STEVENS 

was born in Warren: enlisted from that town and has lived there ever since. He was 
30 years old at enlistment. I think that he enjoyed good health while in the service. 
At the battle of Gettysburg he had his rubber blanket rolled tightly and the ends 
were crossed on his breast and tied with a string. A single man in the Rebel ranks 
was seen to raise his gun and fire. The bullet struck the rubber blanket in front of 
Stevens' breast nearly at the point where the ends were crossed and made 19 holes 
through the blanket but Stevens was not Injured in the least. 

CYRON C. THAYER 

enlisted from Waitsfield, August 25th, 1862. in Company B. mustered with the Regiment 
October 10th, 1862. He died of measles May 20th. 1863. His age was 20 years. 

JAMES M. THAYER 

was born in Warren: enlisted from Waitsfield and was 21 years old. He 
was of medium height but rather slightly built. He had not been in good 
health previous to enlistment but he felt an ardent desire to have a part In 
the strife and hoped that army life might benefit him. He was accepted with some 
misgivings by the inspection officers, who admired his courage and hoped for the best. 
Soon after we reached Virginia, however, it became apparent that he could not long 
endure the hardships of army life, although bore up against the thought and did his 
best to keep up. January 6th, he was sent to general hospital and was discharged for 
disability January 31st. After reaching home he recruited somewhat and was able to 
labor for a time, but he soon grew worse and died November 29th, 1865. During his last 
days he was tenderly cared for by Mr. and Mrs. Wm. C. Barnard the parents of Albert 
D. of this Company who was an only son and only lived three weeks after he reached 
home. 

HORACE TRASK 

born in Braintree, Vt.. enlisted from Wai ren. His age is set at 45, but he was well 
preserved and it was hoped that he could do service. He was 5 ft. 9 in. in height, 
light complexion and blue eyes with hair already turning grey. After a few marches, 
however, he seemed to be breaking down and was detailed to assist in the regimental 
hospital, but even that proved too much tor him and he was sent to general hospital 
January 6, and was discharged for disability January 31st. He returned to Warren 
where he died. 



Biographical and Historical of Company B. 469 

WILLIAM H. TRASK 

son of Horace, enlisted from Warren. Age set at 18 years. He was 5 ft. 8 in. in 
height, but slim and immature and yet it was such hoys as these who often showefi 
great endurance and made the best soldiers, and comrade Trask was no exception to 
the rule. He came home all right. For many years he has been engaged in business 
In Lynn, Mass. 

GEORGE J. TRASK 

son of Horace, enlisted from Warren, born in that town. Both his age and that of his 
brother William are set at 18 years, but we are sure that they were not twins. George 
the younger one, was rather heavier than his brother, but was half an inch shorter. He 
endured army life well increasing in height, and in weight till that last march. Since 
the war he has in creased his stature in height and breadth so that he could scarcely 
be recognized as the slight boy who enlisted in Company B, in '62. For many years 
he was in business in Lynn, Mass., but a few years ago returned In broken health to 
his old home in East Warren, Vt. 

CHARLES D. TOWLE 

born in Duxbury; enlisted from that town at the age of 18. He was a dark coan- 
plexioned black eyed boy, 5 ft. 7Vi in. in height and solid built. He was a good soldier. 
He was mustered out with the regiment and died some years ago. See Roster. 

WM. M. TURNER 

enlisted from Duxbury and was born in that town. He was 29 years old, and nearly 
6 ft. tall. Though apparently rugged he was taken sick in December and was sent to 
general hospital January 6th, where he was discharged for disability March 6th. He 
recovered his health, however, so that on July 2Sth, 1864 he re-enlisted in Company G, 
6th Vermont. He represented Duxbury in legislature one term. He died at. See Roster. 

HARVEY M. WAITE 

enlisted from Waitsfield; was born in Warren; was 22 years old, 5 ft. 8 
in. tall and well built. For several months he acted as Company cook and 
he made an excellent man for the place. Once I recollect that while we were at 
camp Vermont the whole Company was ordered to report at Fort Lyon some miles away 
to labor on the construction of earthworks. We started early and were short of rations 
which would come later in the day. So we had the uninviting prospect of a meagre 
dinner after hard labor, but just as we were released at noon we saw an army team 
coming which proved to have on board a good supply of beans well cooked and other 
rations with comrade Waite to dish them out. He had hard work to get a team for 
the purpose but told those in charge that if the boys had to work they must have some 
dinner. Near the close of our term of service he was taken sick and just before we 
started on that long march he, with several others unable to endure the march was 
sent to the general hospital. Soon after his return he married Ella Parker, a sister of 
his comrade Dexter Parker, and purchased a farm in Waitsfield which by hard work 
and good management he greatly improved, building a fine barn and greatly increasing 
the production of the farm. Later he sold his farm and located in Waitsfield village 
where he owns a fine residence with land enough to furnish him some employment. 

JAMES H. WILSON 

was born in Warren and enlisted from that town. He was 20 years old 
and 5 ft. SVz in. in height, a fine well proportioned young man with light 
hair and blue eyes. He was prompt and active, and a boy who was universally 
liked by his companions. He was the only member of the company killed at Gettysburg. 
Dexter Parker received a very painful wound from a piece of shell which cut through 
one of his hands and he was in such agony that Corporal O. G. Miles and James H. 
Wilson started to help him to the rear, one on each side. They had only gone a short 
distance when a shell struck in a pile of stones and burst. All three fell to the ground 
and it was found that a small piece of shell had pierced Wilson's heart, killing him 
instantly. Parker was not further injured but Corporal Miles had splinters of stone 
driven into his back which were a great anoyance but not dangerous. Wilson's body 
was buried on the field with a carefully marked board placed at the head of his grave. ' 
Late in the fall of 1863, S. J. Dana of our company was sent to Gettysburg to bring 
his body home which task he successfully accomplished and he lies buried in the little 
cemetery at East Warren. Some of his comrades tell the story that while on the march 



47° I ^"^ Thirteenth Kegiment Vermont Volunteers. 

towards Gettysburg they said to Wilson "Our time will soon be out and we shall go 
home." To which he replied "1 shall never go home alive. We shall have a fight and 
I shall be killed." This story comes too direct to be doubted but It it had not proved 
so true we. probably, should never have heard of it. Again, the missile that pierced 
his heart, like cases without number in the war. slew also anotlicr in the home town, 
who was to become his wife on his return. She lived only a few months after tbe 
terrible news reached her. 

JAMES WILBER 

enlisted from Duxbury; was born in Canada. He was 45 years old but was 
a man of good endurance and was usually well until attacked by measles 
in march. Like most persons who have this disease at his age, it went very hard 
with him and left him very weak, but so many were sick that he was put on duty 
before he was really able to perform it. and but for a fortunate circumstance he might 
not have come out of it as well as he did. About that time while we were at Wolf Run 
Shoals, we practiced target shooting at stated intervals, and at least on one or two 
trials the best shot was excused from guard and picket duty for a fort-night. Comrade 
Wilber was an excellent marksman and succeeded in hitting the bulls-eye one day and 
thus gained the much needed rest at the end of which he was in good trim to resume his 
usual duties. He married Emily Shonio about 1S44. She died in 1888. Children, Eliza, 
born 1845. married Henry A. Miner, resident Waitsfield. Elvira, born 1847. died 1857. 
Almeda. born 1848. married Frank Pero. Althesa. born 1850, deceased. Arminta, born 
1853, married Sylvester Armington. deceased. Chester, born 1859. Willis, born 1862. 
Eldora, born 1864, married Sam Thompson of Barre. Cyrus, born 1867. Mr. Wilber 
died at the home of his son-in-law H. A. Miner in Waitsfield, April 16th, 1898. 

ALBERT WILLEY 

enlisted from Middlesex born in that town. He was IS years old. •") ft. 8% in. in height. 
He passed through his term of service without special incident and was discharged 
with the company. P. 0. address, Montpelier. 

LUCIEN WHITE 

born in Middlesex, enlisted from that town. He was 23 years old. He enlisted 
September 1st, being one of the few who .ioined the Company after its organization. 
March 21st, '63, was detailed to serve in a R. I. battery and we can find no record of 
his return to the Company. Present lesidence. Middlesex. He married Hattie I. 
Carpenter. 

EDMUND WHITCOMB 

born in Waitsfield, enlisted from that town at 19 years of age. Only 5 ft. 4i.j in. in height 
He was with the Company from start to finish doing good service. After his discharge 
he went to Northern N. Y., where he married and lived for some years. Then his wife 
died and he removed. Present address unknown. 

BURT JOSEPH CHAMBERLIN 

was born in middlesex, \'t.. August liHth, 1S42 and have always led a farmer's life 
in Middlesex, that being still my address. When President Lincoln's call for 300,000 
men came my father said to me, "One of us must go." I enlisted in Co. B, 13th Vt. 
Vol. from Middlesex. I remained with my regiment until we were mustered out at 
Brattleboro, Vt., July 21st, 1863. I was not absent from my company one day during 
the time. History tells of the part our gallant old 13th took at the battle of Gettys- 
burg and I have not forgtten the awful carnage of that battle. 1 was in the charge 
against General Pickett. 

March 8th. 1865. I married Miss Verona V. Vaughan. also of Middlesex, 
Vt., who was born in Pomfret. Windsor Co., Vt., January 4th. 1846. Four chil- 
dren were born to us (all of whom are living! as follows: Rufus N.. born January 
24th. 1869; Wells J., born December Sth. 1S72; Edwin B.. born March 3rd. 1875; Mary 
A., born May 1st. 1877; all born in Middlesex. Vt. My father. Solomon Wells Cham- 
berlin. was born in Greenfield. Mass.. March 21st. 1807. was a farmer; died November 
29th. 1871. My grandfather. Rufus Clesson Chamberlin. was born in Durham. Conn., 
August 31. 1770. Died in Middlesex, Vt., March 12. 1855. 

SAMUEL J. DANA. 

was born in Warren. Washington county. Vermont. May 18, 1833. When he was thir- 
teen years of age his parents moved to Fayston, where Mr. Dana still resides. October 



Bioyraphical and Historical of Coinpan\ B. 471 

5, 1853, he married Adaline W. Benton, of Fayston. They had seven sons, six of 
whom are now living. She died October 24, 1886. On January 10, 1888, Mr. Dana 
married Mrs. Miranda Davis, who died April 24, 1889. He was married February 27, 
1894, to Miss Mary J. Fisher, his present wife. August 2.5, 1862, he enlisted in the 
United States service and was mustered in October 10, 1862 as a private of company 
B, 13th Regiment, Vermont Volunteers. He was with the regiment all through its 
service except when it left Fairfax Court House. Being sick at the time, he was left 
In the care of Lieutenant McElroy and Harvey M. Wait until an ambulance was sent 
for him from Wolf Run Shoals. He was wounded in the left arm by a piece of shell 
at the battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863. At the expiration of his term, Mr. Dana 
returned to Brattleboro where he was honorably discharged July 21, of the same 
year. He was one of six brothers who served in the I'nion Army and came home 
with honorable discharges. His grandfather served in the War of 1812-1814 and his 
great-grandfather fought in the War of the Revolution. Mr. Dana represented the town of 
Fayston in the legislature of 1872-1873 and has held nearly all the town offices, acting 
as town clerk for 26 years. In company with his son, Henry W. Dana, he has been 
manufacturer of clapboards and shingles for several years, and is carrying on the 
business at the present time. He held the office of Assistant Judge of Washington 
County Court from December, 1902 to December, 1904. 

J. JULIAN DUMAS. 

It is with a full sense of my inability that I attempt to give you anything that 
will be of sufficient interest or worthy of a place in the history of the 13th regiment. 
Realizing to some degree the difficult task you have undertaken and doubting very 
much its accomplishment without the co-operation and mutual interest of every sur- 
vivor, I feel it my duty to assist, to the best of my ability, in making the enterprise 
successful and interesting to the present and coming generations. With this brief 
preface I will endeavor to give you in a condensed form my history before and after 
my enlistment. 

I was born in the town of Waitsfield, Vt., April 21, 1840, where I lived with my 
parents and attended the common district school until I was twelve years of age. I 
then commenced to work with my father, learning the carpenter and joiner's trade. I 
worked with him until September. 18.5.5. when I started out to make my way through 
this world, working at my trade in Vei-mont until December, 1859. At this time I 
went to St. Johns, P. Q.. where about two years after, in the fall of 1861, I was admitted 
as a member of a company of dragoons and drilled as a cavalry man until May. 1S62, 
when we were about to be enlisted and mustered into service; consequently I would 
have been obliged to swear allegiance to the English government. This I could not do; 
knowing of the conflict going on in my native land, and believing my duty (and life, 
if need be) was due to the defence and protection of the old Flag. I made my intentions 
known to the captain, (who recognized the fact that I was not bound in any way) 
and without further ceremony I packed my belongings and on the eve of May 6. 
1862, reached my old home in Waitsfield. On the 16th of August. 1S62 I enlisted in 
Co. B. 13th Regiment, and served my country the best I could until July 21, 1863, when 
we were mustered out and I returned home with all the honors of a private. I re- 
mained in Waitsfield until August 10. 1863. when I went to Boston. Mass.. obtained 
employment with Chickering & Sons, manufacturers of pianos and stayed with them 
until Jan. 1869. when my contract with the firm terminated. I then opened a small 
jewelry and notion store in Watertown, Mass.. where I soon learned at a cost of $2,000 
that I had made a sad mistake; closed out the business and started for a visit to the 
West. I wandered around the country but after a few months returned to Boston. 
Soon after I secured a situation with Geo. Woods & Co.. Cambridge. Mass.. manufac- 
turers of parlor organs, and remained with this firm until 1876. October 12, 1870 was 
married and made my home in Cambridge. In January, 1874, we were blessed with 
a daughter who is still with me. April, 1877, we removed to Bristol, Vt.. and I en- 
gaged with the Bristol Mfg. Co.. manufacturers of coffins and caskets, until in the 
spring of 1880 I severed my connection with this firm to take the position of superin- 
tendent with Baer Bros, of New York city, manufacturers of piano cases, with whom 
I remained until May, 1882. I returned to Bristol and entered into business for 
myself as dealer in house building materials. In 1888 my health failed and was obliged 
to sell out my business. In the summer of 1889. having regained to some degree my 
health, I entered the insurance business which I have followed to the present time. 

Thus, my comrades, in a few words I have given you my history, covering a period 
of sixty-two years. As to my success in life I have but little to say. only that I have 
in all these years secured a pleasant and comfortable home and a small building and 
lot on the business street in the town of Bristol ; but the greatest success I have made 
is that I have secured one of those mansions not made with hands, eternal in the 
Heavens to which I am looking forward with joy; and I recommend to all who have 
not secured one of those mansions that they do so at once for that is the greatest 



472 Tlie Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers. 

success any one can attain, ever bearing in mind that we shall pass through this 
world but once; any good therefore that we can do our fellowman, let us do It at 
once; let us not defer or neglect it for we shall not pass this way again. 1 enclose a 
recent photograph but have none prior to my enlistment. Died at Bristol, Vt., 1904. 

See page 110 and Roster. Fraternally yours, 

J. JULIAN DUMAS. 
JAMES K. HARTWELL. 

It is with none other than emotions the most pleasurable that I avail myself of 
the opportunity you so kindly offer to place myself on the "roll of honor" among 
those who will give their testimony as to the fidelity, the heroism and the soldier-like 
bearing that has always characterized the old i:Uh regiment Vermont Volunteers. In 
the summer of 1862 when on a visit (from my native city. Boston) to my family then 
sojourning in the town of Warren, Vt., I attended a war meeting, which had been 
announced to take place at the village church. I had no idea of becoming a soldier, 
but before the meeting closed my name was on the list, and from that time until we 
were mustered out at Brattlehoro I have never had occasion to regret taking the step 
that led me to don the blue. The reminiscences incident to our campaign, are many 
that might be recounted but "War Stories" have been told so "many times and oft" 
that they have become rather stale, and not a little threadbare, consecpiently in the 
little that I have to offer I prefer to confine myself chiefly to the mention of a few 
of the bright lights whose sterling integrity, whose fidelity to duty, whose fitness for 
the position they held have placed the old 13th on a pedestal to which every Vermonter 
can point with feelings of pride and pleasure. I am sure that I but voice the senti- 
ments of every member of the regiment when I say that no regiment in the service 
had a commander more gallant, more brave or more self possessed under the most 
trying circumstances than Col. Randall. It would seem invidious to particularize in a 
case where so many won distinction by an exhibition of noble, manly qualities, but 
I cannot omit to mention one who by his elevation to the best interest and comfort 
of those under his command, won the esteem, respect and confidence of every member 
of Co. B, Lieutenant McElroy. Let us cherish and keep green his memory until we 
meet him for an exchange of friendly and fraternal greetings on that 'eternal camping 
ground towards which our feet are rapidly hastening. All of the scenes and incidents 
of our campaign are still fresh in my mind, especially do I recall the event of December 
28, 1862, when the boys of the 13th regiment shouted themselves hoarse at the unex- 
pected and welcome appearanc of Col. Randall when we stood in line awaiting the 
threatened charge from Stuart's cavalry. Another episode to be remembered and 
never forgotten occurred at Fairfax Court House, when Col. Mosby favored us with 
his presence and bore away his unwilling captive in the person of General Stoughton. 
Never shall I forget what little regret was manifested when the announcement was 
made to us. Neither will I forget with what unbounded enthusiasm we welcomed his 
sucessor. Gen. Geo. J. Stannard and who so heroically led us to victory at Gettysburg. 
Again on the evening of our first day at Gettysburg. The firing had ceased for the 
day and nothing was heard save the groans and prayers of the wounded and dying. 
I espied a short distance from where I was standing four women on their bended 
knees with bandages and cooling drinks, doing all in their power to lessen the pain 
and prolong the lives of those who had fallen. God bless them for they passed none 
by. not knowing or caring where they were born, at what altar they knelt, or whether 
they were clad in blue or gray. It was enough for them to know that these suffering 
men needed help, and their prayer was tor sufficient strength to enable them to give 
the needed relief. Upon enquiring I learned that they were called (and rightly too) 
Sisters of Mercy, and if I ever breathed to Heaven a heartfelt, soulful prayer it was 
then, that their life of self-sacrificing devotion may be their passport as they bow 
before our Supreme Commander to receive the approving sentence. "Well done good 
and faithful servant." 1 might continue indefinitely to relate stirring scenes that we 
all witnessed on that gory field during our three days' struggle, but there are others 
better qualified to do it than I. and tor that reason will draw^ my rambling story to a 
close, thanking you tor the privilege of contributing to a work that will be an inspira- 
tion to the rising generation. 

JAMES K. HARTWELL. 

JAMES K. HARTWELL 

enlisted from Warren. He was born in Boston. Mass.. and was 36 years old at date of 
his enlistment. In the summer of 1.S62 when on a visit to Warren. Vt.. he attended a 
war meeting at the village church. He said that he had no idea of becoming a soldier 
at that time but before the meeting closed his name was on the list as a volunteer 
from Warren and from that time until we were mustered out at Brattlehoro. July 21. 
1863 none did better. Because of this visit by Comrade Hartwell, Company B gained 



Biographical and Historical of Company B. ' 473, 

an excellent soldier, ever ready at the call of duty and being more mature than some, 
his speech and action was worthy of imitation. Also his case was another example of 
the fact so often noticed in our late war that a clerk from a store endured the hardships 
of a soldier's life even better than a farmer's boy. 

Since the war Comrade Hartwell has resided in Cambridgeport, Mass., and has 
been an extensive dealer in hats, trunks, etc. His wife died some years ago. Children, 
James T., Sarah S., and Theresa R. Present address, 190 Green St., Cambridgeport, Mass. 

Of Mr. Hartwell Col. Randall wrote as follows and here is an extract from a letter 
dated at Montpelier, Vt., January 24, 1864. "I have a very distinct remembrance of 
Mr. James K. Hartwell and take pleasure in saying that he was one of my most faith- 
ful and trustworthy soldiers, displaying at all times those qualities so important in a 
good soldier, viz.: courage, fortitude and a ready obedience to and respect for superiors 
in office; and I regard him well qualified to hold an office in the line in any regiment." 

FRANCIS V. RANDALL, 

Late Col., 13th Regt., Vt. Vols. 
Because of a personal sketch by Comrade Hartwell, deem it wise to make no further 
comment. E. A. F., Historian, Co. B. 

EDGAR A. HASTINGS 

was born in Fayston, December 27, 1838. Enlisted from Waitsfleld, August 18, 1862. 
At Fairfax Court House Comrade Hastings was detailed from the company to act as 
brigade herdsman, and continued in that position sixteen weeks. Of that period he 
writes: "While acting in this capacity we found ample opportunity to enjoy the good 
things of this life. The larder was always kept replenished. Turkeys, chickens, eggs and 
honey forming a part of our menu, all of which was gathered by foraging. None of 
us went hungry or dry." He returned to the company March 12th, and continued with 
it to the end, doing such guard and picket duty as fell to his lot and taking part in 
the battle of Gettysburg. 

Since the war Comrade Hastings has lived in Waitsfield, Vt., in Ayer, Mass., and 
Lawrence, Mass., his present residence, where he is employed in the Farwell Bleachery. 
He was married March 15, 1864 to Addie C. Bodflsh, of Brandon, Vt., and has three 
living children, Albert Jerome, Cora Bell, and Estella May. 

ziBA McAllister 

was born at Waitsfield, Vt., August 27, 1841. Enlisted into the United States service 
August, 1862 at Waitsfield, Vt., and assisted the authorities of the town in raising their 
quota of nine months' men; were organized on the 25th day of August, 1862, served 
as private during the entire service with the company. When the regiment was at 
Brattleboro for muster into the service, he was detained at regimental head quarters 
to serve as the orderly for Colonel Randall and was kept there during his entire 
service with the regiment. He went with the regiment to Washington, D. C, to 
Camp Vermont in Virginia, thence Fairfax Court House to Wolf Run Shoals and to 
Gtettysburg, Pa. On the morning of the second days' fight he was ordered to take 
Jim (Francis V. Randall. Jr.) and the two extra horses and go to the rear and stay 
there until he was sent for, the Colonel then said, "Ziba, if anything happens to me 
you see that Jim gets home all right, for this is going to be a liot fight and I do 
not know what will happen." So in obedience to orders he went to the rear, back I 
think on the Baltimore Pike near a large red barn that was being used for a field 
hospital. There they remained during that day and night. On the morning of the 
third day, being anxious to hear from the regiment he left Jim there near the hos- 
pital with orders not to leave until he returned. Then he started in pursuit of the 
regiment and fortunately found them lying at the left of the cemetery, lying closed 
column by division and flat on the ground. The shells from the enemy's guns were 
dropping in there pretty fast, about this time Private Stoddard discovered his ap- 
proach and raising himself so that he could be seen, shouted, "No dodging there, 
Mac." The colonel came to him, made some inquiries, told him to send Asst. Surgeon 
Crandall (who was near by at the time) to the regiment, then go back and find 
Jim and to stay there until after the battle. On the morning after the Battle they 
.loined the regiment and were finally discharged with the regiment at Brattleboro, Vt. 
In November, 1863. he again enlisted, this time in Co. C. 1st Regt.. Vt. Cavalry, 
Joined the regiment at Stevensburgh. Va.. in January, 1864. Did picket duty on the 
Rapidan River, was with Gen. Kilpatrick on his famous raid to Richmond in February. 
Went with Sheridan across the rivers when the army moved for the Wilderness. Was 
with Sheridan when he with his cavalry passed around Lee's right and appeared 
In their rear at Beaver Dam station. Was with Gen. Wilson in his famous raid 
around Petersburg. Went with Sheridan into the Shenandoah Valley; was at the 



474 '^^'t' fliii'icciitli Rcgiincut I'crmant Vohtiitceis. 

battle of Winchester and all subse(|Ueiil inoveinents of his until Oct. 7, when he waa 
finally disabled by a pistol shot in the left side fracturing three ribs from which he 
did not recover in season to do further service at the front. Was in the hospital at 
Wilmington, Del., at 13rattleboro and Montpelier, Vt., and was finally discharged from 
the service with the regiment at Burlington, Vt.. in .luly, I860. He was in the West 
for three years after which he leturned to Waitsfield where lie has since resided. 
He was married to Betsey A. Jones of Waitsfield. December 7, 1870, had one son, 
Harry, who died December u, 189.^. He was constable of the town from 1880 to 1885; 
served on the school board; was assistant door l^eeper of the Vermont Senate Session, 
1882; was commissioned postmaster at Waitsfield November 29, 1SS9, and he is still 
at the work. He was associated with the Good Templars of the state for twenty- 
five years and served as (!rand Marshall of the Grand Lodge for two terms; is a Mason 
and a Knight Teni))lar: has been a niembei- of Ainsworth Post No. :'6. G. A. R. since 
its organization in 1871. See page 108. 

BYRON J. STOCKWELL 

was the son of Cephas and Clarissa (Perkins) Sioclvwell, was born in Moretown. March 
24th. 184,3. His grandfather David Stocl<well and his great grandfather Asa Stocliwell, 
were both in the battle of Plattsburg. Comrade Stockwell enlisted August IG, 1862 at 
Moretown and August 19 lie was married at Stowe to Lucia A. Turner, of Duxbury, 
who died December 11, 1899. A few days after his marriage came the organization 
of our company and then the military training at Waitsfield and Moretown and all 
too soon the leave taking, for the service for which we had enlisted. Comrade Stock- 
well was nearly 6 feet tall and was well proportioned. A strong, able-bodied man 
and one who was willing to render service according to liis ability. After his return 
from the army he purchased a farm in Duxbury and lived in that town till 1890. 
when he removed to Waitsfield. After the death of his wife he sold his farm and 
lived in various places till 1905 when he married Mrs. Bennett, of Montpelier. and has 
since resided in that place. He has four children, Harley. who married Emma Robin- 
son and lives in Richmond; Minnie, who married Frank Atkins, son of E. G. Atkins; 
Clara, who married Frank .lenkins, of .Montpelier; Lilla, who married ,Ioseph Stredo, 
of Waterbury. 

AUGUSTUS SHONTELL 

of Company B. enlisted from Moretown. He was 6 feet 1 inch in height and thus 
belonged to the tall squad on the right of the company. He enlisted in August. 1862, 
and was with the company through its term of service. He was a good soldier. I do 
not remember that he had any sickness of any account and he was always on hand 
for duty. At Gettysburg he had his bayonet taken off by a piece of shell. Capt. Wilder 
used to tell the story thus: "Shontell whirled around two or three times but finally 
stopped and called out, 'Captain they have shot my bayonet off. so 1 can't charge.' 
'You can shoot can't you?' 'Yes! I can shoot. Well, set back Into the ranks and let 
them have it as fast as you can.' This he proceeded to do in good shape." Augustus 
Shontell was born at North Hlaty, P. Q., Canada, January 12, 1841. He was a son of 
Augustus and Esther Shontell. His grandfather Augustus Shontell, was born in 
France. Comrade Augustus Shontell was married in January. 1860, at Middlesex, 
Vt„ to Mary Cole, who was born July 3, 1841, and died October 22, 1890. By this union 
were born 12 children, as follows: Joseph, born April 14, 1861, P. O., Highgate, Vt.; 
.losephlne, born March 5, 1862, died June, 1903; Frederick, born Nov. 5, 1866, P. O. 
East Hlaty, P. Q.; George, born Sept. 1, 1868, P. O. Usquepaugh, R. I.; Esther, born 
Nov. 15, 1870, wife of Henry Vendell. Plymouth. N. H.; Rosa, born Jan. 7, 1874. Pitts- 
field, N. H.; Lewis, born Feb. 15, 1S76, P. O., Montpelier, Vt.; Leander, born May 14. 
1878, P. 0., Montpelier, Vt; Benjamin, born Sept. IS. 1880. died March. 1882: ,Tohn, 
born May 23, 1882. Usquepaugh, R. I.; Mary, born Dec. 1, 18S3, wife of Jules Defoise, 
Old Mystic, Conn.; Julia born Jan. IS, 1885, wife of Oscar Gyer, Old Mystic, Conn, 
Augustus Shontell was married the second time to Miss Emily Prue, Sept. IS, 1891, by 
whom he has four children: Frank, born July 17. 1892. Usquepaugh, R. i.; Minnie, born 
August 20, 1895, Usquepaugh, R. I.; Leona, born June IS. 1897. Usquepaugh. R. !.; 
Vt., to Mary Cole, who was born July 3, 1841, and died October 22, 1890. By this union 
Charles, born Feb. 8, 1903, died Feb. IS, 1904; sixteen children. The fecundity o( his 
race, amply fulfilled and his example refutes the idea of race suicide. 

Comrade Shontell sends an account of our last march and the battl'* of Gettys- 
burg, which is practically covered by accounts already given but he has this additional 
Item of ai-my experience. "I remember at one time when I crossed the river (pre- 
sumably the Occoquan) in a ferry boat I came across a young rebel and made him 
prisoner alone. Returning to our camp delivered my prisoner to Col, Randall who 
sent the man to Washington. D. C. The prisoner informed me when I delivered him 
up that he wished he had shot me. About the same time we had 5 men taken prisoners 
by the rebels together with their mules, the animals unhitched from wagons which they 



Biograpliical and Historical of Company B. 475 

left, taking men and mules." Since the war Comrade Shontell has resided at North 
Hlaty, P. Q., Northfield, Vt., New London, Conn., and at Usquepaugh, R. I. He died 
suddenly at his home in Rhode Island January 17. 1907. The cause of his death was 
dropsy and heart disease. The burial was at Old Mystic, Conn. See page 104. 

CARLOS W. TURNER 

our boy fifer, enlisted from Duxbury. He was a slender, light haired boy only 16 years 
old, the son of Geo. W. Turner, of Duxbury. He was one of the first to succumb to 
the hardships of army life. Some time in December he was taken down with what 
proved to be typhoid fever and was sent to Alexandria, where he died at King St. 
hospital, January 4th, 1863. Thus was added another to the long list of names of 
young lives suddenly cut short by "this cruel war." 

OILMAN O. FOSTER, DRUMMER 

He was son of J. W. and Lucia A. Foster, born in Moretown November 15th, 1842. 
Was reared on a farm, attended district school, and also select school in Moretown a 
few terms. In the fall of 1861 a company of the 6th Regiment passed through More- 
town on its way to join the Regiment and Foster was very anxious to enlist at that 
time, but could not gain the consent of his parents. Taught school the next winter. 
When the call for nine months' men came, however, he enlisted as a drummer and 
was with the company in its organization and drills till mustered into United States 
service. 

Of the journey to Washington, comrade Foster writes: "I well remember the 
enthusiasm and generosity of the people along our line of travel through Massachusetts 
and Connecticut. Our train made a short stop at Hartford, when our car was sur- 
rounded and we were captured by the ladies, and presented by them the best that the 
city afforded in the line of eatables. We thanked them, but one of the boys said "You 
have done nobly, but not quite as well as the girls of Springfield.' They wanted to 
know wherein they had failed to do as well as the Springfield girls, the answer was, 
'They kissed us.' And the girls said, 'We will not be beaten by Springfield.' In 
February, comrade Foster contracted typhoid pneumonia and was taken to regimental 
hospital, ) 'Jt was soon removed to hospital at Fairfax Court House where he lay un- 
conscious for several days, and where he was at the time Mosby made his visit and 
carried off General Stoughton and others. He remained in the hospital till May, when 
he came to the company at Camp Carusi on the Occoquan. Here it was soon apparent 
that the rest of the drum corps of the regiment had, by their constant practice during 
the three months of his sickness, left him in the rear so far as musical attainments 
were concerned, but he strove manfully to recover the lost ground and events proved 
that Company B had no occasion to be ashamed of its drummer. 

From his account of the battle of Gettysburg we select the following: "As I 
belonged to the drum corps I had no gun. but was offered a pistol, which offer I de- 
clined fearing it might 'go off' accidentally. I went to a spring to get water for 
Company B, but before reaching them my canteens would be empty, as I could not 
resist the call of the wounded rebels, whom 1 had to pass before reaching my company, 
but necessity on the part of our boys soon compelled me to turn a deaf ear to the gray, 
and take water to our boys, and the most thirsty of them all was Colonel Randall. 
He took a drink and said. My good fellow, you have stuck by us all day.' The rest 
of the day I devoted to the cavalry artillery. I found in the rear of our line a house 
which had been vacated, and in the pantry some flour, so I mixed some of it with 
water, put the dough on my plate and backed it over a small fire which I had built, 
and when done I ate it and pronounced it equal to mother's cream cake. I repeated 
the operation, and took my product to the boys and they agreed with me that it was 
the best cake they ever ate.' " 

During the third day of the fight our drummer was still alert, doing what he 
could for the wounded, bringing them water and helping to carry them off the field, 
and making himself generally useful. He says: "I remember Lieutenant Kenfield 
who was wounded toward the close of the battle as a man of courage. I dressed hia 
wound the best I could on the field, as he would not leave his company. He says 'We 
are giving it to 'em.' His coat sleeve was covered with blood and brains of Sergeant 
Major H. H. Smith, who had just been instantly killed by a piece of shell. General 
Stannard was also wounded by a piece of the same shell. 1 think also that it was the 
same shell that killed Orson L. Carr of Company E." After the battle was over. Colonel 
Randall said. "That drummer of Company B who isn't much on music, was worth more 
than all the rest of the drum corps in the battle." After he returned to Vermont he 
ment to Stowe where he has remained ever since, engaged in the manufacture of 
butter-tubs. He was married October 11, 1875 to Mrs, Elvira J. Harlow Peterson at 
Waterbury, Vt. Wife born in Stowe December 6. 1844. One child, Ethel E., born 
September 14, 1883. Married Walter A. Sears November 28th, 1901. P. O., Stowe. 



4/6 The Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers. 

LESTER K. DOW 

Enlisted from Duxbuiy, In which town he was born, June 3rd, 1838. His father 
was born in Tuftonboro, N. H., and was killed on board the steamer Westfield In New 
York harbor July 30th, 1871, burled at South Duxl)ury. His mother Betsey (Phelps) 
Dow, was born in Colbrook, Conn., and died In Duxbury September 18th, 1830, burled 
at South Duxbury. Comrade Dow was promoted from private to corporal February 
25th, 1SG3, which office he held through his term of service. At the battle of Gettys- 
burg he was wounded in the foot by a piece of spent shell, just as the regiment started 
on its charge July 2nd. This same piece of shell after striking Corporal Dow's foot 
bounded and hit his comrade E. A. Flsk In the knee. Since his discharge he has lived 
In New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont. Present address, Plainfieid, Vt. 




WILLIAM ALLKX COOPER. 

Berlin. Vt. 
Historian Co. C. l^ltli Vt. Vols. 



Biographical and Historical 



CO. c 



Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers 



CIVIL WAR 1861-1865 



Dedicated in loving memory of Lieut. \\'illiam E. Martin, killed near Peterslnirs: 

Va., July 30, 1864, was at time of death ist Lieut. Co. E, 

17th Regiment Vt. Vols. 



Biographical and Historical of Coinpan\' C. 



THE CONDENSED HISTORY OF COMPANY C. 



THERE is no particular occasion for a preface to tlie liistory of Company C. The 
individual mention of eacli member of this company contains all, and likely 
more than should have been said. It is a difficult and embarrassing situation 
after the lapse of forty-five years to recall to mind even the names of many of one's com- 
pany associates and to write of the comparative merits of this company and its per- 
sonal, and be brief and accurate, is no small and easy task. The comrades who may 
read the company history of Company C must take into consideration that only a 
few facts can be recalled to memory at this time, even of the recruiting days, election of 
officers and drill before we started for Brattleboro, Vt., to be mustered in as a regiment. 
Berlin, Calais, East Montpelier. Marshfield, Plainfield and Worcester under the call 
of August for 300,000, were bound to respond by way of volunteers or submit to a 
draft. The situation was canvassed by the selectmen of the several towns and decided 
to call i)ublic meetings and arrange for recruiting volunteers and in this way avoid 
a draft. It was ascertained that a number equal to one full company would be required 
to fill the quotas of these towns and therefore the several boards of selectmen as 
agents of the town and by the authority of Governor Holbrook, commenced to recruit 
a company to join the 13th Regiment to be raised in Chittenden. Franklin, Washing- 
ton, Lamoille and Grand Isle couties. The selectmen and others in a few days secured 
volunteers for a company to be organized from such as had enrolled from Berlin, 
Calais, East Montpelier, Marshfield, Plainfield and Worcester. There was a very 
proper feeling of pride in these towns that a company should be organized and officered 
and known as from this group of towns. By mutual agreement and approved of 
proper authority a day was fixed and East Montpelier selected to meet and organize 
a company, and on the 29th of August. lSfi2, the volunteers assembled and a company 
was organized and called East Montpelier Company. The nucleus of this move and 
desire to have a company from this section was the old militia company called the 
Lafayette Artillery of Calais. This militia company had sown the seeds of pride and 
ambition among the young men and boys and the patriotic citizens which resulted in 
the enthusiastic organization of a home company, and all were proud and happy 
when the East Montpelier company was fully organized. 

Lewis L. Coburn, of East Montpelier, was enthusiastically chosen captain in suit- 
able recognition of ability and other important qualifications for such a position. East 
Montpelier also furnished more recruits for this company than any other town. George 
S. Robinson had been active and was educated at Norwich, and therefore well qualified, 
and also from the town of Berlin, that furnished quite a large number of recruits, 
hence properly chosen first lieutenant. William E. Martin, coming from Marshfield, 
which town furnished almost an equal number to East Montpelier and Berlin, was 
chosen second lieutenant. The non commissioned officers were distributed among 
the several towns, so as to recognize all, making selections upon consultation with a 
view of harmonny and suitable material tor the quite important positions. The organi- 
zation with very little friction or much disappointment was completed. All could 
not be officers, and but few, if any, enlisted because of office. I know that there 
was first class material among the privates of Company C, who served as such to the 
end that would have filled with credit and honor any of the official positions if they 
had been selected. No bitterness of feeling w-as manifested because of the selections 
made for officers. But little thought or care as to office; nearly all thought of the crisis 
that induced them to volunteer instead of office. This company at once commenced 
to drill, and make other preparations to leave for the front to take active part in the 
Impending struggle. It is proper as a matter of history to state that when the officers 
of all the companies that had been chosen assembled at Montpelier September 24 
to organize the 13th Regiment, some effort was made by the East Montpelier Company 
to secure recognition for position among the field officers to be chosen. The friends 
of Captain Lewis L. Coburn were anxious, and sought to advance him as a candidate 
for lieutenant-colonel. It was evident to all that Captain Coburn was in every way 
qualified for this position. The officers of the line fand only such had votes) were 
together for the first time and acquaintance of course limited, and there was no time 
to make a thorough canvass to ascertain the general failing, or if others were seeking 
the same position. Captain Coburn was a very modest gentleman and would not 
imduly urge promotion. He had been harmoniously chosen captain and was much 
attached to the boys who had loyally supported him and was averse to making a 
contest for lieutenant-colonel, and especially after he ascertained that Captain Andrew 
C. Brown, of the Montpelier and Barre Company, was a cadidate for the same ijosition. 
Though East Montpelier Company at the renuest of their captain with good grace 
withdrew from ur,?ing the advancement of Captain Coburn quite a good number sup- 
ported him on the first ballot. Some of the more enthusiastic friends of Captain 
Coburn were a little disappointed, and yet it was perhaps just as well. 



4^2 77(<' 'I'liirtcnilli Riyiiiu-iit rrniKnil I'oluntccrs 



CAPTAIN LEWIS L. COBURN 

volunteered from the town o£ Kust Moutpclior iu August. 18G2, and at the organi- 
zation of the East Montpelier Company (so called) was unanimously elected captain 
of Company C. A very suitable recognition for so responsible a position. While it 
was true there were quite a nunil)or among the recruits thai were suitable it was 
concluded that there was no one so well qualified lor caiJtain as Lewis L. Coburn. 
He was of ijroper age and education, and in physical appearance, military bearinK 
and other iniporlant essentials was a model person to take cliarge of and li-ad 
a company of volunteer Vermont soldiers, lie was of more than ordinary ability and 
courage and the peer of any captain of the line in the 13th Regiment. He demonstrated 
repeatedly the wisdom of his selection as leader. He was careful, cool, deliberate 
and determined, out-spoken on all questions of discipline order and the regulation of 
all questions eoncernini; tlie management and welfare of Ihe company and regiment. 

It is not too much to say that Company C was as well and as quickly fitted for 
the duties required as any in the regiment. Captain Coburn was a good disciplinarian 
and at all times commanded the respect of his company. His name was properly 
considered at the time of the organization of the I3th Regiment as a suitable person 
to be elected Lieiitenant-Colonel, and in the humljle opinion of the company liistorian, 
would have made good, had he been ))romoted to the position. Captain Coburn was 
of strong convictions and very sensitive and quickly aroused if any apparent slight 
or unfair treatment from any source: was at all times on hand and in command of 
his company. His conduct from first to last and especially at GettysTjurg was highly 
creditable. He was alert and led his boys in the several charges with such prowess 
as to command admiration and encourage the boys under him. His example was an 
Inspiration to the noble heroes of Company C. The regimental colors were in loyal 
hands not to be taken so long as one lived to defend and protect. With equal ex- 
perience co\ild have commanded a regiment as well as any connected with the 13th. 

The old boys of the 13th have been dei)rived of Captain Coburn's fellowship at 
our regimental reunions and it has been often spoken of with regret. He has for 
many years resided in Chicago and has been a very busy man. We sincerely believe 
that he has a kind regard and affectionate remembrance toward all his comrades of 
Company C and the ]3th Regiment. He gallantly did his i)art in securing victory 
at Gett.vsburg, which gave to General Stannard's Second Vermont Brigade unstinted 
praise and imperishable honor. Captain Coburn has become prominent in his pro- 
fession since the Civil War, but what he and his associates did in the charge against 
General Pickett's selected thousands was of greater moment and value in saving and 
perpetuating the union than all the battles from First Hull Run to Antietam. A 
picture of Captain Col)urn will be found on page 160 of this book. 

FIRST LIEUTENANT GEORGE S. ROBINSON 

■was a volunteer from the town of Berlin, and took a very active ]]art in raising East 
Montpelier Company and w^as elected first lieutenant at the organization of Company 
C. Was educated in the common schools and at Norwich University. He resigned 
February 16, 1863, and returned home to Vermont. Having recovered his health he 
enlisted as a veteran into the 17th Regiment and counted on the quota of Barre and 
for three years or during the war and was elected captain of Company E and with 
this company and regiment went to the front in the spring of 1864 and took part 
in all the battles of his regiment, being quite seriously wounded in the last one 
at Petersburg. Va., April 2nd, 1865, and was mustered out w-ith honor July 14, 1865, 
Since the war has been a worthy and respected citizen. 

FIRST LIEUTENANT WILLIAM E, MARTIN 

volunteered in August, 1862, and counted on the quota of Marshfield and at the organ- 
ization of the East Montpelier Company was elected second lieutenant, and promoted 
first lieutenant in same company February 23d, 1S63. He served with ability and 
credit until discharged with his regiment ,Tuly 21, 1S63. He was a popular officer, 
generous and kind, well equipped for the position he held. On the forced march to 
Gettvsburg was full of courage and cheer and in battle brave and alert every moment. 
Re-enlisted as a veteran into the 17th Regiment Vermont Vohmteers and was elected 
first lieutenant in Couipanv E and at Petersburg Mine, .hily :!Oth. ISlU. was killed. 
This was a sad event indeed that so many brave officers and men killed and wounded 
because of a blunder, but so it was many valuable lives offered as a sacrifice on 
account of mistakes. Lieutenant Martin gave promise of a brilliant career in the 
army and it was deplorable that death under such circumstances uided his patriotic 
ambition to serve his country. 



Bioyraphiciil tiini Historical nf Ciniipttny C. 483 

LIEUTENANT WILLIAM L. BLAKE 

was born in Milton, Vt., and counted on the quota of his native town. Volunteered 
in August, 1862, and at the organization of Company D, was made orderly sergeant 
which position he not only graced, hut filled with credit until promoted to second 
lieutenant in Company C. A sketch of him likely comes more properly from his own 
company and will be found in the company history of Company D. to which reference 
is made. His picture will be found on pages 161 and 224 of this book. 

WILLIAM A. COOPER 

was born in the town of Worcester, Vt., and volunteered and counted on the quota 
of the town of Worcester. Was active in promoting the enlistment of the East Mont- 
pelier Company and at the organization was at once made first sergeant and acted 
in this capacity with much credit until promoted to a lieutenancy in Company K, Feb- 
ruary 25, 1863. And the reader is referred to Company K history for further sketch 
of Comrade William A. Cooper see page 404. 

SERGEANT SULLIVAN FRENCH GALE 

I was born in the town of Plainfield, Vermont, February 11, 1842, and volunteered 
in August, 1862, and counted on the quota of my native town. Joined East Mont- 
pelier company, so called, and actively took part in the recruiting and organization 
of this Company. Lewis L. Cobum was elected captain and the company was now 
called Company C. The captain appointed me second sergeant and later when first 
Sergeant William A. Cooper was promoted to a lieutenancy, was promoted to first 
sergeant, in which position I served until the regiment was discharged July 21, 1863. 
Was a student at Barre Academy when the war cloud hovered over our fair country, 
working hard for an education. Was young Init coni|)rehended the impending disaster. 
Books and instruction lost their charm. Duty said volunteer and fight for home and 
country first, and education later. With faithful zeal gave at once my attention to 
the necessary preparation of becoming a useful soldier in the pending crisis. Was 
extremely ignorant of all matters pertaining to the life of a soldier. My position in 
the company commanded strict and careful attention that I might properly instruct 
and maintain discipline, and in all haste make ready for the march, camp, picket line 
and battle at the front, in the vicinity of Washington, D. C. I was only a boy of 
20, and hitherto with an ambition only -for an education. It was evident that my 
country was in deadly peril and it must be saved at any cost of life and treasure. 
I was young, active, able-bodied and nothing to hinder my responding to the urgent 
call of President Lincoln of August 4 for 300,000 volunteers to serve 9 months. It 
was said and all believed, with such an addition to our then great army the war 
would be over before the end of our term of service. Thence forward it was drill, 
study of tactics in manual of arms and military movements in battle. All were raw 
recruits fresh from the farm, shop, store and school, sturdy sons of horny handed, 
God fearing and loyal men and women, born and bred on the hills and in the valleys 
of the state they dearly loved, and with pride called home. The second battle of Bull 
Run had Just been fought and lost, Antietam too, was only an even drawn battle and 
General Lee was in the Shenandoah valley menacing Washington. President Lincoln 
and his cabinet and generals were extremely anxious for the capitol of the nation 
was In danger of capture. In a few brief days we were transferred to Washington 
and placed on the outer picket line to do duty as veteran soldiers. Company C boys 
were as I recall, large, strong and courageous and not afraid to meet the enemy in 
a fight. Our one thought was, save the Union, and to this we freely offered our lives 
as a sacrifice. Was mustered in at Brattleboro October 10 and November 10 were 
doing duty on the front picket Hne in Virginia between Mount Vernon and Bull Run 
battlefield, taking the places of veteran soldiers. Our officers to be sure (some of them) 
had seen service. Naturally felt that Company C was the best in the regiment but 
as a matter of fact and pride, all were much alike in the business that at hand. All 
seemed to have buckled on the armor determined to meet the foe and die if necessary. 
It Is with great satisfaction I call to memory the names of my comrades of Company 
C, brave and true, generous and kind. Who would care for better associates, more 
sympathetic men ready to stretch forth the hand to assist and serve than these noble 
heroes of Company C. 

A goodly number of Company C boys proudly and justly, no doubt trace their 
descent from those who were associates of Ethan Allen, Seth Warner and Remember 
Baker. AH were nuickly made into good soldiers, and the manner in which they dis- 
charged their duties in camp, drill, parade, march and especially on the seven days' 
march from Camp Carusi. Va., to Pennsylvania, and in the great battle of Gettysburg 
demonstrated their fitness for soldiers. They carried the colors on that wonderful 
and successful charge against General Pickett's advancing columns and did their part 



4!^4 '^ /'<■ Tliiilcciitli Rcyiiiiciii I'cnnniit I'oltintccrs 

ill securing victory over (Jeneral Lee and liis biiive lieroes. Tin- siToiid Vermont 
Brigade on tliis field of fame and glory and in this diarge turned the tide of battle 
and secured victory. The eagle eye of General Stannard saw the opportunity and the 
open space before him, and promptly sent his Vermont Brigade down Into the valley 
of Plum River against General Pickett's right flank, killing, wounding and capturing 
thousands and thus General Lee was vanquished and the awful battle of three days of 
desperate fighting ended, and General Mead and the Tniou army victorious. General 
Stannard and the Green Mountain Boys of his command at the close of this eventful 
day, July ,3d, IStJS, had won; not by chance or on account of circumstances, but 1)ecause 
General Stannard and his command were equal to the opportimity before them. Gen- 
eral Stannard was an intuitive military genius who saw, comprehended, decided and 
acted, and lu'nce the unique orders conceived, uttered and executed, that saved the 
day. Comrade Sturtevant in tiis circular letter as historian invited me to relate 
incidents of army life and give experiences while a soldier and write relative to any 
matters of interest while in the service and since the Civil War. Your invitation was 
generous and the subject fertile with happy, loving and glorious recollections of the 
days when we were following the Stars and Stripes, fighting for the Union. It is em- 
barasing to be personal but often proper in matters of history. I have with pride 
written of my company comrades in a general way, and what has been written of them 
applies to each as if mentioned by name. My old comrades have my love and respect 
and the memory of them has been cherished as among the dearest recollections of an 
active and public life as a minister of the Gospel of Peace. As a company they 
were kind hearted, honest, upri.ght and generous as soldiers, zealous, brave and pat- 
riotic. I loved and honored them and have ever been (justly I am certain) proud of 
the record they made at Gettysburg. I hesitate to mention my career since the Civil 
War and only do so because the historians earnestly request it. I delight to say that 
no company of the gallant i:Uh that at Gettysburg did better and more valiant fighting 
than Company C. They carried the colors and took special pride in protecting them 
from capture. I was alert and where I could see and hear. The 13th received the order 
first, to charge front and forward on first company. This order was first given to the 
13th Regiment and then to the 14th and 16th. The 13th was on General Pickett's 
flank, first at close range, causing fearful slaughter before the other regiments got 
into position. General Stannard and Col. Randall were standing near to each other 
when this unique order was born and uttered. Rah I for the gallant 13th. I consider 
myself fortunate that I served in Company C and the 13th Regiment, and that I was 
at Gettysburg. I returned home as soon as discharged and opened my books where I 
closed them at enlistment, graduated from college and was assistant principal at Barre 
Academy for two years, then in Theological Seminary, New York three years. In 
the Gospel ministry until 1S69; superintendent of the Conregational Home Mis- 
sionary Society, Florida, since 18S3. My calling has necessitated residence in 
widely separated places and most of the time outside of my native state. Have 
devoted my time and energy to the advancement of Christianity and education. 
.\m officially connected with several colleges and seminaries and other public insti- 
tutions. Was de\iartnient chaplain G. A. R., Florida, and chaplain of Florida Chapter 
of the Sons of the Revolution. I have been a very busy man and with all my might 
sought to advance the welfare of my country, and the kingdom of my Father in 
Heaven. Jly dear comrade excuse this disconnected sketch for it is not worthy of 
a place in the book of history where you design it. You have full permission to 
change it or lay it aside entirely. Circumstances have separated me from my com- 
rades of the 13th and thus have been deprived of association and calling to mind the 
dear faces of the old days when we marched side by side and with heart to heart 
disclosed our hopes and ambitions. The majority of those we served with have 
passed on and are at rest and waiting for you and I to join their glorious and increas- 
ing ranks. REV. SULLIVAN FREXCH GALE, D. D. 

GENEAOLOGY 

Rev. Sullivan French Gale, D. D., born in Plainfield, Vt., Feb. 11, 1S42; married 
Elizabeth Tavlor Felt, born in Temple, X. H.. in 1S47: their children, Frank Harvey 
Gale, married Julia Eugenia McMillan; Elizabeth or Bessie Gale, teacher of piano; 
Arthur Sullivan Gale, married Mary Cotton Walker Luke; Louisa Pisk Gale married 
George Chester Bedell: Laura Taylor; their grandchildren, Elizabeth and Abbie, 
Harvey and Robert, children of Frank and Eugenia; Francis Marland, son of Arthur 
and Mav; Chester, son of George and Louise 'Bedell. 

Sullivan French Gale, son of Sullivan Boutwell (and Rhoda Athelia French Gale,) 
son of John (and Rebecca Boutwell) Gale, son of Josiah, Jr.. (and Elizabeth Rice) Gale, 
son of Josiah (and Elizabeth). Josiah made the campaign to Sheffield for the relief 
of Fort William Henry. August, ITiJT, with his brother, Lieut. Isaac Gale. Josiah was 
son of Abraham Gale, Jr., (and Rachel Parkhurst) son of Al"-<ham (and Sarah 
Fiske) son of Richard and Mary Gale, the founders in 1640 in W.uertown, Mass, of 
the Gale family in America. 



Bioyrapliical and Historical of Company C. 485 

DURHAM A. MARBLE 

was first a volunteer in Company P, 1st Regiment Vt. Infantry, and served his term 
of enlistment and received an honorable discharge August 15, 1861. He re-enlisted 
as a volunteer in September, 1862, and enrolled in the so called Bast Montpelier 
Company, which on organization, took the letter C, and was appointed by Captain 
Coburn 3rd Sergeant and counted on the quota of the town of Berlin, which was 
his place of residence. He was 24 years of age in 1862 and understood full well the 
situation and importance of serving his country. His patriotism, devotion and stand- 
ing secured the quite honorable position of sergeant. He served with credit to himself 
and honor to state and nation, and was discharged after serving his full term of enlist- 
ment, July 21, 1S63. He stood well with all his comrades. 

His picture taken in 1896 indicates a man of character and from all that can be 
learned of him since the war, has never disgraced the uniform with sergeant's stripes 
on the sleeves that he wore during his brave and gallant career as a soldier of the 
13th Regiment Vt. Vols. Comrade Marble was living in Putnam, Conn., in 1906. 

J. HUDSON KIBBE 

was born in Morristown, Vt., April 9th, 1828. He was brought up on a farm and went 
to a common country school. When he was twenty-one he came to Leominster, Mass., 
where he was married Oct. 3rd, 1849. We lived there three years and then moved to 
Marshfleld Vt., where we lived when he enlisted the 29th of August, 1862, in Company 
C, 13th Regiment, Vermont Infantry, as sergeant under Captain Coburn. They soon 
made him company quartermaster. He staid with the company until some time in 
December, when he was detailed into the Regimental Band. He was stationed at 
Fairfax Court House a great part of the winter of '62 and '63. He was at Gettysburg 
at the time of the battle and was detailed to help care for the wounded. He left a 
wife and three little boys at home, Eugene H., aged 11 years; Elbridge C, eight years; 
and George A., aged six years. He was homesick in the army as were a great many 
others. In April while in the army he was quite sick but he would not go to the 
hospital. He staid with the band and they did what they could for him until he got 
better; was not off duty long. He was mustered out July 21st, 1863, and came home 
to Marshfleld, where he staid until 1865, when we moved to Worcester, Mass. He 
worked for the Bay State Stove Co. five years. This company bought up all the old 
ammunition pouches and he found his own initials on one of them. He cut it up and 
afterwards was sorry that he hadn't kept it as a souvenir. In 1882 we moved to Etna, 
N. H., on a farm. In 1889 our house was burned and a lot of keepsakes destroyed, 
among them being his picture taken in the army, so I have but one picture I can 
send you which was taken between 1870 and 1875. After the fire we went to Bridge- 
port, Conn. December 13th, 1898 we moved to Worcester to his son, Eugene's, where 
he remained till his death which occurred December 22nd, 1903. He was a strong 
Republican and very much interested in the news of Congress. I would have to read 
the news to him every day while Congress was in session. He was not able to read 
or write for the whole five years he was sick, and the last two years of his life 
he was confined to his bed. He was buried in Hope Cemetery, Worcester, Mass. 

I will send you a picture. I wish I had a later one. I would like a book when 
completed. Yours truly, 

MRS. J. H. KIBBE, 

50 Alvarado Ave., Worcester, Mass. 
On page 170 will bo found a good picture of Comrade Kibbe. 

SERGEANT LORENZO D. CUTLER 

volunteered for and counted on the quota of the town of East Montpelier and when 
Company C was organized was appointed 5th sergeant, which position he filled with 
credit and honor during his term of service. On his return to Brattleboro, Vt., to 
be mustered out was obliged to go into the hospital and there died July 24, 1863. 
The Gettysburg campaign was too strenuous for his rather delicate constitution . It 
is said that he was buried in the Cutler Cemetery, East Montpelier, Vt. He gave up 
home, ambition, friends, everything, even life, that his country might not pass away 
without accomplishing the ends secured by the heroes of 1776. See page 166 for Sergeant 
Cutler's' picture. 

SERGEANT ELI S. PITKIN 

was a native of the town of Marshfield and volunteered and counted on the quota of his 
town in August, 1862, and joined the East Montpelier Company commanded by Lewis L. 
Coburn. He ■was on the organization of Company C appointed first corporal and sub- 
sequently January 12, 1863, promoted to Sergeant, in which capacity he served untU 



4'"^'> / III- I hirti'citth Kcyiiiiciit I 'cniiont I oluntccrs 

the company and regiment were mustered out July 21, ]8(i3. His age at enlistment 
was 34, a vigorous, able-bodied man, weU calculated in every respect for a soldier in 
time of war. Was on hand and ready at all times to perform his duly to the utmost, 
active, zealous and faithful in camp, on the march, picket line, and in battle. He 
tool< rank as among the resolute non-commissioned officers of the regiment. His 
manly appearance attracted attention and he was looked upon as a model officer and 
Boldier. After being discharged he resumed his occupation and continued an upright, 
valuable citizen of Vermont until .\pril 1st, 1.S94. He died in Marshfield and was there 
buried, and is remembered by his old comrades as a brave soldier and a respected 
citizen. He was a tyi)ical Green Mountain boy and made good the record of Vermont 
soldiers on the field of battle at Gettysburg. His death was untimely and his com- 
rades sincerely regret that he could not have longer enjoyed the glorious land he 
so ardently fought to save from hostile foes of liberty and union. To only a few 
mortals is given the privilege of successfully standing in the breach where the weal 
or woe of national existence depends on devotion and genuine patriotism. In the 
crisis at Gettysburg Sergeant Pitkin and his comrades of the Second Vermont Brigade 
met and vanquished General Pickett, making a desperate charge with ten thousand 
of the flower of General I.ee's mighty army, and won the day and battle and turned 
the tide for the cause of the union. Too much cannot be said in praise of such. The 
generations of the future will more fully realize and appreciate all that was accom- 
plished in saving this land from destruction in the war of 1861-6.5. A fine picture of 
Comrade Pitkin is on ]iage 161'.. 

CORPORAL EDGAR A. KELTON 

volunteered in August, 1862, at the age of 19, and enrolled under Capt. Lewis L. 
Coburn of Company C. He was born in the town of Calais in 1843. He was made 
corporal as soon as the company was organized and later as soon as a vacancy oc- 
curred was promoted to sergeant February 2S, 1S63. This single act w^as an exhibi- 
tion of his good standing and high appreciation with the officers of his company. He 
did not disappoint those responsible for his promotion but made good their faith in 
him on all occasions. He was an enthusiastic boy and soldier, anxious to discharge 
his every duty no matter how exacting and laborious. Few indeed, in Company C that 
gave better promise of fulfilling to the letter the required responsibilities and duties 
of a soldier in time of war than Sergeant Kelton. His pictures on page 166 of this 
book fully justifies unstinted praise for the manner he performed his duty throughout 
his strenuous service. He was a sober, thoughtful and careful young man, indicating 
observance of moral training and watchful care and love of a devoted Christian 
mother and patriotic father. His education was in the district schools of Vermont, 
where in those early days boys were not only taught to read, write, spell and cipher 
but a code of moral conduct that governed their actions in whatever calling or occu- 
pation in life they might be placed in. It need not be mentioned here that he ac- 
quitted himself with great credit on the battlefield of Gettysburg. Not one returned 
to his home in Vermont more thankful for having served his country, and in the 13th 
Regiment Vermont Volunteers. 

Comrade Kelton resumed his place for a period in the home he loved. Init soon 
he was grown up and ready to grapple with the responsibilities of civil life, circum- 
stances changed his surroundings and while home, the hills and valleys and streams 
were dear, the far West beckoned him to wider fields and greater opportunities to 
make for himself a home and reputation, and therefore left the scenes of childhood, 
bid good bye to friends and comrades and settled down in the Golden West. He was 
living in Portland, Ore., in 18S6. The author has not been able to ascertain whether 
living or not. His last visit to Vermont was in 1S69, and his picture on page 166 was 
taken in Oakland, Cal., on that date. Nothing definite has been heard of him of late. 
He is supposed to have joined the silent majority some years ago. His manly quali-. 
ties and comradeship is still green in memory among his surviving associates of 
Company C. 

CHARLES E. SHEPARD 

I was born in Marshfield. Vt.. .\pril i;2, 1S37. My education was poor and obtained 
In the common schools of my native town. I grew up with and like most of the boys 
I associated with. Nothing very remarkable in my youthful career prior to my enlist- 
ment August 29. 1862. This was the commencement of my hitherto uneventful life. 
When the news eame_of the fall of Fort Sumter by rebel shot in .\pril. 1S61. 1 was. a 
young man at work at my trade in Marshfield. making boots and shoes and was the 
village cobbler, and my shop was the resort of yoimg and old and the news of the 
war was the principal subject we talked about. I became interested and awakened 
and soon began to believe it my duty to enlist and my thoughts by day and dreams 
by night were about the pending conflict between the North and South. My first vote 
had been cast for Abraham Lincoln for president and when he called for volunteers it 
appeared to me like a personal invitation to enlist and go and help put down the 



Hiotjraj^hical and Historical of Company C. 487 

wicked rebellion. My conviction was volunteer and join Uncle Sam's great army and 
fight for the right and freedom. My young wife held me back for said she, "You will 
never return alive and I cannot let you go." It was indeed hard to leave wife and 
home and friends believing it quite probable that I should never see them again. 
The battles up to the time 1 enlisted were all against the Union army and many thous- 
ands had been killed and wounded and thousands more had died in the hospitals, and 
surely the prospect of returning was doubtful ;and yet my country called and patriotic 
devotion said volunteer and help save the life of the government then struggling for 
existence. That parting day when we left for Brattleboro on our way to Washing- 
ton was sorrowful and could not and have not forgotten it. 

The opportunity came and 1 signed the roll to go with Lewis L. Coburn. who was 
recruiting a company for the 13th Regiment and on organization Lewis L. Coburn was 
elected captain of the East Montpelier Company and given the letter of Company C. 
It was a fine company and our captain was as good as any captain ever sent from 
Vermont. Some of us thought he should have been elected Lieutenant-Colonel when 
the regiment was organized, but a majority of the officers thought different and 
elected Andrew C. Brown, of Montpelier. He was all right and made a good officer. 
I was made third corporal on the organization of the company, but in January when 
the 2nd Vermont Brigade Band was organized was on my own request reduced to the 
ranks and was then detailed in the band at Fairfax Court House January 12, 1863. I 
was taken sick at Union Mills with a fever but soon recovered and joined the band 
which I enjoyed much. My wife came to see me six days before we started on the 
march in pursuit of General Lee and his army, June 25, 1S63. She returned home 
and I went to Gettysburg. Here is one incident of army life in camp. Comrade 
Woodcock came Into camji one day with a pig under his arm. Colonel Randall 
saw him and called him to account and asked him if he had forgotten the order about 
shooting pigs, and he said no, but this is no pig, but a rabbit. The colonel said "no fool- 
ing, and you may report to headquarters immediately." The result was that the colonel 
had some of that rabbit for his dinner the next day and asked the cook where he 
got that fine pig and ordered him to send for more. This illustrates one side of the 
colonel's character and why the boys thought so much of him. I have two children, 
Burt M., of Montpelier and JNIrs. Geo. F. Bliss, of Marshfield. Since the Civil War 
I have resided in Marshfield. The majority of the old boys of Company C have re- 
sponded to the last tattoo and one by one passed over that silent river into the great 
beyond where in a few brief years the last of the immortal heroes that fought at 
Gettysburg will join that great army now bivouacked on the Elysian fields of heaven. 

CHARLES E. SHEPHARD. 
Sept. 24, 1904. 

CORPORAL ELI T. MARSH 

I was born in Montpelier, Vermont, 1834, and enlisted Into the East Montpelier 
Company C, and on the organization was made corporal, but acted as sergeant with the 
color guard much of the time and was on duty all the time except two weeks wlien in 
hospital at Fairfax Court House. A good many were sick at this place and the hos- 
pital was full of sick with fever and lung trouble and an officer by the name of Lieut. 
Marsh was very sick while I was there and a man by the name of Bliss from Company 
G, died on the cot next to me — quite a large number died at this camp. Our regiment 
moved from this camp January 20, and marched some ten miles and camped at a 
place called Wolf Run Shoals. I was glad to go to the Shoals for so many of our 
regiment had been sick and quite a number had died. When at Wolf Run Shoals 
camp we had many days and nights out on the picket line up and down the Occoquan 
River. The Rebs often came down to our line to see what we were doing and who 
we were. Bushwhacker Mosby and his gang were out most every night to break 
through our picket line somewhere and that kept us on the watch day and night. 
Mosby got over a number of times and stole some forage and other stuff that had been 
sent to us from Alexandria on the cars, but he was off before w-e could catch him. 
He and his men knew where to go and hide and we did not know wliere to find them. 
We had a hard, cold, long winter here and it was snow, mud and rain and cold 
wind and all kinds of weather most all the time in this camp. Most of the boya 
were sick and many had measles and here too, some of the boys begun to "itch," 
scratch, and on looking over themselves found body lice on their person and in the 
seams of their blouses and shirts and drawers, and it was a hard job to get rid of 
them. There w-as a comrade, an old man of Company K by the name of Sunderland, 
that was the washwoman for the regiment and he knew how to fix the busy, crawling 
graybacks (as we called them) and so we hired him to wash and kill the graybacks 
in our clothing and in this way we were soon rid of them. I was happy to leave the 
miserable camp of Wolf Run Shoals for we had a hard time here, many were down 
sick; hospital full all the time, and many sick remained in the company tents and 
were taken care of by their tentmates. It was now April and the coming of spring 
cheered up all. We marched down the Occoquan to our new Camp some 6 miles on 



488 The Thirteenth Rcgiinent I'eniiuiit I'oliintcers 

the 1st and 2nd day of April. It was a lovely place and all about was beautiful and 
interesting. It was only about ten miles to Mount Vernon and many of us planned 
to go and see the place where President Washington lived, died and was buried. There 
were a good many old mansion homes in this section, evidently before the war it was 
inhabited by the F. F. V. of Old Virginia. Our duty here was still on the outer picket 
line. It was now warmer and pleasant and the boys roamed about and had a good 
time. We stayed in this camp until .lunc 2^>, and then we took up the long march 
in pursuit of General Lee and his big army. This was a great march, 7 days from 
early morning to late night but we reached Gettysburg the first day of the battle 
just at night, and though played out and hungry, were ready for a fight. We could 
hear the cannonading, and see the smoke long before we reached the field and just 
as we arrived on the southwestern side of the battle ground west of Hig Round Top we 
met wounded soldiers fresh from fighting and they told us what had occurred and 
how they had been compelled to retreat. We halted for orders and then marched across 
the Emmitsburg road and up on to Cemetery Hill, where we remained all night, ex- 
pecting the enemy any moment. The next day as soon as light the cannon began 
to talk and the shell to come over and explode all about. We got behind Cemetery 
Hill, but the shell came from different directions so we were hit just the same. In 
the afternoon of the second day the Rebs broke our front battle lines and our brigade 
was sent on a charge. General Hancock came galloping on his foaming steed and 
asked our colonel if he could go down in the valley (pointing in the direction) and 
get those guns that the Rebs were hauling off. Colonel Randall looked in the direction 
and replied, "Yes sir. here are the boys that are ready to try and will do the job or 
die." Then Colonel Randall gave the order. "Forward, double quick, march," and 
the way we went down the hill and across the valley with a cheer and yell for the guns. 
We did not keep a very straight battle line for all seemed anxious to get there first. 
Company C boys were all good runners and were in the lead with the flags waving. 
About the time we reached the cannon the rebels dropped the cannon. Captain Coburn 
was in the lead of our company. Captain Lonergan and his big, tall Irishmen, could not 
run as fast as Company C, so we were first at the guns. The Rebs started on the run 
just as we got to them; they fired at us a few times and we at them and they skedad- 
dled and got behind the fences and houses out of danger and we drew the cannon 
back up the hill within our lines. General Hancock came up and thanked Colonel 
Randall and said, "That was well done! Give me Vermonters for a charge." Colonel 
Randall's horse was shot on this charge but he was soon up at the liead, sword in 
hand, pointing the way and urging and encouraging the boys on. Who took hold of 
the guns first I can't tell for we were all there about the same time. I saw Captains 
Coburn and Lonergan and others at the guns and we drew them back part way up the 
hill and turned them over to the cannoneers, to which they belonged and then Colonel 

Randall said, "Boys, those fellows are firing at us; we will drive them d Rebels 

out of those buildings or kill them — about face charge," and then we went again 
and surrounded the buildings and captured some prisoners. Colonel Randall sent 
Captain Coburn with his Company along the road south towards the place they called 
the Peach Orchard, after more cannon, but when we got there what we supposed was 
rebel cannon was caissons that had been hit by our guns and blown up. so we returned 
back to our position in the front battle line that the Rebs had broken through when 
they captured some of our cannon. It was now almost dark. But this charge was 
nothing like the General Picket charge on the next and last day of the fight. I was 
acting as sergeant with the color guard and five out of eight of the color guard were 
woimded. I had five bullet holes through my clothing and a flesh wotmd on my 
neck that drew blood and that was near enough to satisfy me. Webster Benjamin was 
hit and I cut oft the straps to see where and how bad he was wounded. He was hit 
In the side and had to be taken off the field to the hospital, but he was up in a few 
days so he went home with us and was mustered out. It was a close call for him. 
Henry Wakefield and Willard Snow were wounded in this battle. On the 4th of 
July I helped bury some of our dead. This was a sad duty, but had to be done. Of 
all the sad sights I saw was the battlefield next day after the battle, 20,000 killed and 
more than that number wounded, many of them mortally and died before assistance 
could in any way care for them. In many places the dead and seriously wounded lay 
side by side, some wore the gray, but the larger part in that part of the field had on 
the blue. The bloated corpses and stench and moans of despair and pleadings to be 
taken off the field were awful to bear. I have complied with your request, but I guess 
It would be just as well to leave it out of the book. 

ET.T T. MARSH. 

COT?POEAL NORRIS W. FLINT 

was a volunteer from the town of East Montpelier, counted on the quota of his town 
and enrolled in Company C and on the organization of the company was made one 
of the corporals and served in this capacity until discharge. .July 21, 1863. His age 
was 2o. and in all appearance physically prepared for soldier life. He w^as a good. 



BiograHiical and Historical of Coinpaiiy C. 489 

faitliful man, made good every expected requirement and secured and enjoyed the 
confidence of his superior officers and associate comrades. A man of few words, of 
upright conduct and ready and willing to do his full duty on all occasions. He made a 
good record and returned home at the end of his term of service and again took up 
his occupation where he left it when he enlisted. He is supposed to be dead, but no 
definite information have we been able to secure of him of late years. We can bear 
testimony of his good and valiant conduct while a member of Company C. His 
age was 25 at enlistment and was looked up to as one of our company whose example 
we were to copy. 

CORPORAL SERENO W. GOULD 

volunteered August 29, 1S02, and counted on the quota of the town of Marshfield, 
joined East Montpelier Company and when fully organized was made corporal. His 
age was 39, and a robust, well preserved man; just the kind for a military life in time 
of war. Evidently endowed with courage, health, endurance that made him an ideal 
person for soldier life. He was no brag, nor did he court danger or opportunity to 
demonstrate prowess on the battlefield. It was evident from his general appearance 
and careful speech he would not run at the sound of the first cannon or retreat imtil 
ordered. He volunteered because his country called and for no other reason. He did 
well his part from first to last, making a good record. He lived a number of years 
after the close of the war and often referred to his career as a soldier, as the only 
act of life worthy of particular mention and this was the pride of his life. He 
moved to Medford, Mass., and there died quite a number of years ago and is buried 
in the public cemetery. His picture may be seen on page 170. 

CORPORAL ROLLIN D. STEWART 

enlisted August 29, 1862, and counted on the quota of Berlin, and enrolled in Company 
C. His age was 23. After the election of company officers was appointed a corporal, 
in which position he served until discharged July 21, 1863. His education was in the 
common schools of his native town. He had grown to manhood surrounded by in- 
fluences that made him respected, a useful citizen and upright in all his relations to 
society. He was just the age for army life and when President Lincoln called for 
volunteers he responded cheerfully, willing to serve his country and lose his life 
if required. He made a good record and returned home happy that he had volunteered 
and served in Company C, 13th Regiment, Vermont Volunteers. He resides in Berlin, 
Vt., and his picture is on page 168 of this book. 

CORPORAL AZRO A. PLATT 

was born in East Montpelier, educated in the common district schools and grew up 
to manhood like the most of the boys of Vermont, brought up on a farm. His age 
at the time of firing on Port Sumter was 28, hence fully realized that the country 
was in danger and war was sure to come. After due consideration, volunteered into 
East Montpelier Company under Captain Coburn and because of age and other good 
qualifications was appointed Sth corporal. He was not a natural born soldier, but 
still acted well his duty during his term of service. He died at Waterbury, Vt., No- 
vember 22nd, 1906. and is buried at Barre, Vt. 

CHRISTOPHER H. WAKEFIELD 

I was born in Montpelier, Vt., September 3rd, 1838, son of Ellas and Relief Eddy 
(Ornisby) Wakefield. Enlisted from East Montpelier August 29th, 1862 in Company C 
as fifer and on the organization of the regiment at Brattleboro was placed on the 
right of drum corps which place was held by me during my term of service. I well 
remember our leaving Camp Vermont at 9 p. m., November 25, marching through rain 
and mud for Union Mills, and our return December Sth through a storm of snow and 
sleet. The appearance of Camp Vermont that night was anything but pleasant for 
camping. Several of us secured lodgings in a negro shanty on tne plantation of Mr. 
Johnson near by exchanging coffee for hoecakes which the negroes baked. After a 
hearty supper we had a fine night's sleep on the floor. I married Mary E. Warren, 
of Middlesex, May 28, 1864; of this union there are three children, all of whom are 
living, Fred J., Nora E., and Jennie W. C. H. WAKEFIELD. 

Comrade Christopher H. Wakefield resided in Swanton about ten years and there- 
fore had an opportunity to know him quite well in civil life and often talked over 
the old days when camping and marching and doing duty on the picket line between 
Bull Run Battlefield and the Potomac river. He was a fine musician and good car- 
penter and joiner, of good habits, a genial disposition, a quiet, peacable and reliable 
citizen. His only daughter married the only son of Hon. Henry A. Burt, of Swanton, 
and is now living in the town of Pickerel, Neb., as the widow of H. A. Burt, Jr. 



490 I he Tliirtci'iitit Kccjiiiiciit W-ninnit I 'oliintccrs 

Comrade Wakefield died in Montpelier Vt 190.. His brother, W. 

H. H. Wakefield, of Company C, died May 3, 1905. They freely offered their lives for 
the preservation of the I'nion. All honor to these brave sons of the Republic. May 
the generations that shall dwell in our beloved state emulate the patriotism of her 
brave sons that volunteered at Country's urgent call to fight the battles of the Union. 
For pictures of Christopher .sec page 1G8. K. <J. S., lOdt. 

WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON WAKEFIELD 

He was born in the East part of Montpelier, Vt., in the Morse neighborhood, so 
called, May 24, 1840. He was a son of Blias and Relief Eddy (Ormsbee) Wakefield. 
His education was in the old district school. He remained at home until he volun- 
teered in August. 18G2. There was to him no place like home. He was a good musi- 
cian and belonged to the regimental drum corps. He served his country in two regi- 
ments, the 13tb, Company C, and the ITth Company E. He was once wounded in the 
ankle by a bursting shell. Comrade Wakefield was born the same year of General 
Harrison's election as President and hence was as boy and man called "Tip." He 
resided in Montpelier for many years but failing health compelled him to seek out- 
door work. Was a first class painter and w-as employed in the cab shop. He bought 
a farm on Gould Hill and sought health on account of diseases contracted in the service. 
He was twice married. His first wife was Elizabeth Ripley of Middlesex and one 
son was born to them. Dr. L. C. Wakefield who died suddenly May 24, 1904. His 
second wife was Emelia Jones, to whom he was married about "0 years ago. Com- 
rade Wakefield was very much liked by his old comrades in arms. He has gone to his 
reward and is missed by all who knew him. Aud thus it is, one by one the hoys that 
fought for home and country are rapidly passing away. Comrade W. H. H. Wakefield 
died May 3rd, 1905, and buried in Green Mountain Cenieteiy, Montpelier, Vt. See 
page 170 for pictures of Comrade Wakefield. 

JOSEPH B. SILLOWAY 

was born in Berlin, Vt., in 1835 and to the occupation of a farmer. Educated in the 
old district school where opportunity was poor and schools generally, in the winter 
season. Volunteered in August, 1862. and counted on the quota of Berlin, and joined 
Captain Lewis L. Coburn's company designated as Company C. He was made wagoner 
and hence with the wagon train bringing rations to the regiment and drew tents, etc., 
when the regiment moved from place to place. It was anything but a pleasant job. 
Might as well be hit by a cannon ball as kicked by a mule. Comrade Silloway held 
down his job rendering faithful and satisfactoiT service. Was mustered out with the 
regiment July 21, 1S63. He resumed his place on his return and never forgot his 
comrade teaniisters. He died July 4, 1893. at Montpelier. and was buried in his native 
town, Berlin. See page 206 for engraving. 

HENRY R. AUSTIN 

was one of the noble volunteers from the town of Berlin. Vt., and counted on the quota 
for that town. He was at the date of enlistment. August 29, 1862, 19 years old and a 
vigorous, active, vivacious youth, handsome and robust, just the kind of boys from 
\vhich to make the very best of brave soldiers in active warfare. He was likely, more 
scholarly and refined than others of his company. Was diligent to acquire the pre- 
liminarv information that would fit him for the duties necessary to make him useful. 
Never found fault and was prompt and willing to take his place for duty when called. 
It is said, and true it is, not one of the fellows of Captain Coburn's Company C was 
more popular and deserving than Comrade Austin. In camp, on the picket line, on 
the march, and in battle fulfilled every expectation. His good behavior reflected care- 
ful training and instruction at home and hence was not inclined to do some things 
under the license of being a soldier. He served his full term with credit and was 
discharged without a stain or mark against his soldier character, returning to ciivl 
life as clean and upright as on the day he left his home to battle for his country. 
Since the war has been an industrious man, respected by neighbors and acquaintance'', 
kind and generous, living always as it responsible to bis Creator for his conduct during 
his sojourn on earth. The latch string of his modest home hangs invitingly on the 
outside especially to his old comrades of Company C, and the old 13th Regiment Ver- 
mont Volunteers. He moved out West quite a number of years ago, and now resides 
in Forest Grove, Oregon. If any doubt as to what is here said look on page 212 for 
his pictures. 

WILLARD M. AUSTIN 

enrolled \ugust 29 1862, as a member of Comiiany C and was present at organiza- 
tion of the East Montpelier Company. His age was 32, counted on the quota of Marsh- 
fleld and at once commenced to drill and make ready for leaving home for the seat 



Bioc/raphical and Historical of Company C. 491 

of war. No one more able-bodied and physically qualified for soldierly life in active 
campaigning than this bold volunteer from Marshfield; was of proper age and in- 
clination and in every way equipped for the arduous duties of marching and lighting 
and he proved to be active, useful, on hand and ready for duty night or day, picket 
line, or march, raid or battle. The sound of cannon and rattle of musketry, the Rebel 
yell and bayonet charge did not frighten him beyond control or hinder " courageous, 
manly duty on the field of battle. He served his term with credit and was mustered 
out with an enviable record as a soldier from the Green Mountain State. His present 
post office address is Plainfield, Vt. His picture may be seen on page 192 of this book. 

GEORGE C. BAILEY 

Agreeable to the notice of the historian of the 13th Regiment, Vermont Volunteers 
Infantry, that "assistance of each and every survivor is earnestly requested," will say 
that I was born in Berlin, Vt., April, 1S42. My father was a farmer and my work 
previous to enlisting, except when in school, was helping him coax a living for him- 
self and family, from a very unproductive hill farm. Enlisted at Berlin Corners in 
August. 1S62, to help fill the quota of my town for nine months and served as private 
of Company C. Prior to enlistment I had never been 40 miles from home and the 
many scenes of army life made a lasting impression upon my youthful brain. I never 
was homesick an hour, and couldn't understand how a man of mature years could 
lie down and die, as some did in Company C, of pure homesickness, no disease what- 
ever. Far abler pens will record the marches, sojournings, etc., of the regiment 
and the part it took in the battle of Gettysburg is history already written. I will say 
that I was in employ of "Uncle Sam" as clerk in the forage department. Army of the 
Potomac, after my discharge till the end of the war. In the fall of '65 I canie West 
and have lived in Illinois and Iowa most of the time since. My life so far has passed 
without any incident of moment or interest to any one outside of my family which 
consists of my wife and five children. I belong to the great middle class, who are 
neither very rich nor very poor, except the last few years have spent most of my time 
behind a counter, as manager of store for non-resident owner, have lived in this city, 
Lanmark, 111., part of 19 years, and a member of Shiloh Post No. S.5, Department 
of Illinois, G. A. R. 

I visited the "old folks at home" twice since I came West in '65, and nothing 
would have given me more pleasure than to have been one of the many wandering Ver- 
monters who returned to the "scenes of their childhood" last summr and enjoyed the 
"Old Home Week" and "Freedom of State," so kindly tendered by Governor Stickney. 
I can hardly realize that 40 years have elapsed since those "stirring times," that "tried 
men's souls," and yet the constant reminder (rheumatism pains) that I am not young 
any longer, warns me that another decade and I will reach the allotted age of man, 

GEORGE C. BAILEY. 

JOSHUA MERRILL BAILEY 

was one of the patriotic, stalwart, young men that willingly enlisted from the town 
of Berlin, August 18, 1862, anxious to serve his country In defense of Old Glory and 
the Union. He was just 21 when enrolled in Captain Lewis L. Coburn's Company C. 
Naturally enthusiastic gladly accepted the opportunity to assist in the suppression of 
the Rebellion and save the land that gave him birth from passing away because the 
hot heads of the Southern States could not extend and perpetuate human slavery 
and dominate and control the affairs of the general government. Young Bailey was 
quite a student and more than an average among his associates in education and fore- 
saw the end of freedom unless the Rebellion was put down and peace established in 
accordance with President Lincoln's platform as set forth in his inaugural address. 
Slavery and freedom both could not long live side by side, and if the arbitrament of 
the sword must be invoked to settle so grave and important a question; the time was 
ripe and better not be longer deferred. This raw recruit from the hills and valleys 
of his much loved and adored state had breathed the pure air of liberty inherited 
from the heroes of 1776. and gallantly went forth that he might do his part in defence 
of the Union of states. Though young and modest and reserved, he acted well his part 
as a soldier, faithfully discharging every duty in camp, on the picket line, march and 
In battle. He served his full term and was mustered out July 21, 1863 with a record 
that his relatives and comrades have reason to be proud of. It is sad indeed that 
such cannot live to enjoy the blessings of the land bought at so great a cost. Our 
dear comrade passed away and joined the silent majority January 20. 1899, and once 
a year on each recurring Memorial Day his sorrowing comrades and patriotic citizens 
assemble in the city of the dead. East Hill Cemetery, Barre, Vt., and scatter the 
flowers of spring and raise the stars and stripes above where sleeps this noble volun- 
teer. Would you see this young hero as he looked as a soldier and just before his 
death, turn to page 184 of this book. 



492 The I'hirtccittlt Rcyimcnt I cnnont I 'oluntccrs 

JEROME E. BALLOU 

was a native born Vermonter inheriting lii.s full share of that kind of love of home 
and native land that artuated the Green Mountain Uoys of old to fight for liberty and 
freedom. Hardly had the awful news of firing on Fort Sumter been read at the flre 
Bides of the loyal homes in Vermont before this hero of 20 had volunteered into Com- 
pany F, Second Vermont Regiment, Under Captain PVancis V. Randall. Though yoing 
was appointed by Captain Randall as a sergeant which was the best indication of his 
fitness for a soldier and officer. In thirty days from muster in was desperately fighting 
in the battle of First Bull Run. The campaign of the summer and fall was too strenu- 
ous for his constitution and he was taken sick, sent to a hospital and discharged for 
disability February 23rd, 1S62. He returned home, recovered his health and again 
volunteered into Company C, of the 13th Vermont Regiment, commanded by F. V. 
Randall, who was bis captain in Company F, 2nd Vermont. He was brave and fear- 
less and determined to fight for his country regardless of danger, of diseases and 
battle. He was initiated on the plains of Manassas July 21. 1S61, and experienced the 
scenes attending that deplorable battle and yet when health restored as freely volun- 
teered again to fight for the Union. He who has once passed through one great battle 
and freely volunteers again is entitled to be called a hero. And unless brave, useless 
as a soldier. He served his full term and was mustered out July 21, 1863, with a 
good record. After the war he went West and died in Cincinnati. Ohio, January 24, 
IST;'): was brought home and buried in Green Mount Cemetery, Montpelier, Vt. 

LUCIUS H. BARRETT 

was a volunteer from the town of East Montpelier. enlisted September 1st, 1862, and 
mustered into the army at Brattleboro, Vt., October 10, 1862. He joined Company C, 
and served with credit until discharged July 21, 1863. Was a good soldier, genial and 
full of life and ready for duty at all times. Was brave and faithful and devoted, 
obedient to discipline and cheerfully responded to every call. Was alert on the 
picket line and courageous under fire. Was a fine looking soldier boy and every 
thing about him was neat and tidy. He now resides at West Derby, X. H., and is a 
substantial citizen. His comrades in Vermont have not known much of him of late. 
See page 202 for his pictures. 

HARVEY BATCHELDER 

was from the town of Marshfield, Vt.. volunteered in August at the age of 25, and 
enrolled in Company C. Was mustered into the United States service October 10, 
1862, and on the next day left with his regiment for the front to take part in the pend- 
ing conflict. He was a quiet man of few words, obedient and courteous, ready and 
willing to fulfill every required duty. Was able to do duty most of the time and as a 
soldier made a good record. Evidently in the ranks because of conviction of duty to 
do his part in suppressing the pending revolt against President Lincoln's adminis- 
tration. He remained until his term of service expired and then returned home, re- 
sumed his former occupation. leading a quiet life and ever proud of the fact that he 
answered the call and enlisted and served as a soldier and fought for the preservation 
of the Union. He was born in 1837 and died in 1876, January 13th, a young man, the 
life of a soldier, no doubt, led to a premature death. None could pass through a cam- 
paign like Gettysburg and live as long. He ever expressed pride that he responded 
to country's call and performed his dutv. He is buried in the Bowles Cemetery, Plain- 
field, Vt. 

BENJAMIN BUSZELL BENJAMIN 

was one of the loyal volunteers from the town of Marshfield. enlisted Augu.st 29, 1862, 
and united with Company C. He was a married man and well along in years and 
yet a vigorous, active, robust man, fairly well fitted for trying and exacting and dan- 
gerous duties of a soldier at the front where raids and battles at this date were almost 
an every day occurrence. He seemed impressed with the idea that duty to town, 
state and nation had made a personal call, and though past 37. and with wife and 
children dependin.g on his daily toil. President Lincoln had made an urgent call 
for troops and he was in duty bound to make the sacrifice of home, loved ones, am- 
bition and all future plans of life that the land that gave him birth might not be 
destroyed by a rebellious foe that slavery might be the chief cornerstone of a govern- 
ment sought to be established by the hot heads and leaders of the Southern side. He 
was a quiet and faithful soldier, attentive to duty always respectfully obedient, ready 
for duty, regardless of exposure or danger. He was one of the reliable men of Com- 
pany C and shared the confidence of the officers to the end that in the hour of battle 
he would be found in the battle line fearlessly and cooly discharging the duties he vol- 
unteered to perform. Comrade Benjamin fulfilled the expectation of his officers and 



Biographical and Historical of Company C. 493 

comrades and served with credit and honor to the end and was mustered out and 
returned to his home and family thankful he had responded to country's call and 
helped to save the day on the gory fields of Gettysburg. Since the war he has been 
a farmer, and conducted himself so as to have won the good opinion of his friends 
and acquaintances and was for years a happy man, surrounded with children and 
grandchildren. He died respected and will long be remembered because he was one 
of the noble heroes of this grand and mighty republic. Comrade Benjamin died Sep- 
tember 12, 1894. See page 188 for his pictures. 

SAMUEL W. BENJAMIN 

I was born in the town of Berlin, Washington County, Vermont. May 1st, .1842. 
My boyhood days were like most of the boys brought up on the hill farms of my 
native town; attended district school when I could and worked when I could not 
avoid it. I was just 19 when Fort Sumter fell and my young manhood was aroused 
and at once began to think, read and consider what I ought to do. There was only 
one subject, the all absorbing topic of the war around every fire side and when two 
or more met at the post office, country store, church, on the roads leading to Mont- 
pelier, and in fact all seemed anxious as to consequences as my father and most of 
the neighbors thought that President Lincoln's proclamation for 7.5.000 volunteers would 
put down the rebellion and restore order in less than 90 days. Those who responded 
to President Lincoln's first call were of the organized militia of the state and such 
only seemed to be called. I was young and knew- nothing about the requirements of 
a soldier. After the battle of First Bull Run and the success of the Rebel army I 
began to see that serious war was at hand and many would be needed to save the 
Union from destruction. During the first year of the war my patriotism said volunteer 
and go, so at the first opportunity, August 21, 1862, I enlisted and joined Company 
C, 13th Regiment. Vermont Volunteers, and after a few days of drill went with my 
company to Brattleboro, Vermont, and was mustered in as a full fledged soldier and 
started for Wasliington. I was proud that I was a soldier and glad to do all I 
could to help put down the Rebellion. As I recall I was only an average soldier, but 
performed my duty as well as I could in camp, on the picket line, the march, and in 
battle. Our regiment after we left Washington crossed Long Bridge into Virginia 
and was placed on the front picket line and called upon at once for the strenuous duties 
of veteran soldiers. We were drilled and prepared for encounter with the enemy as 
rapidly as possible as there was danger of a battle any day. We moved often during 
the fall and early winter of 1862. camping down on wet and frozen ground for days 
without tents or other protection from rain and snow. Many were sick and sent to 
the hospital and some died. We soon realized that the life of a soldier during an 
active campaign in northern Virginia in the winter time was severe and active duty, 
which only the more hardy and robust could endure. I recollect the old camps and 
what occurred at them very well, some of them we loved and some we hated. The 
hospitals at Camp Fairfax Court House and Wolf Run Shoals were filled with the 
sick and many of our comrades died from fever, measles and the diseases incident 
to army life. Camp Vermont and Widow Violet were delightful and much enjoyed. 
Winter was over and General Hooker and General Lee were down on the banks of 
the Rajipahannock preparing for battle and all along the line there was indications of 
an active spring campaign and the better informed seemed to believe our brigade would 
have plenty of fighting before their time expired. The timid were down cast but 
nearly all were thoughtful and courageous and ready to meet the foe at any time. I 
remember that eventful 2.5th day of June, 1863, when in early morning we bid good 
bye to our lovely camp on the banks of the Occoquan and commenced that seven days' 
march up the valley of the Potomac towards Maryland in pursuit of General Lee and 
his great army of Northern Virginia. We met him and his veterans at Gettysburg, 
July 1st, 1863. That march, and all that pertained to it, is still fresh in memory. And 
the battle too, and its mighty struggle, carnage and slaughter, the awful scenes on 
the battlefield, the sound of cannon, explosion of caisson and bursting of shell, the 
roar of musketry, the screeching shrapnel and hissing ball, the stifling air, surcharged 
with powder, smoke, grape and canister, the rebel yell, the clash of arms, the moan- 
ing of the wounded and dying, the dreadful charge we made against General Pickett's 
advancing columns, the hand to hand struggle, the numerous dead all about us, all 
still indelibly fixed in memory. I have special reason to recall General Pickett's 
famous charge and how Colonel Randall led us out against the coming foe, for it was 
in this charge just after we returned to position that 1 was wounded by an iron ball from 
an exploded shell in the right side of spinal column, supposed at the time to be mortal. 
Was taken from the field and placed in a barn, which was used as a hospital. Re- 
mained there six hours, examined by the surgeons and they ordered me sent to Balti- 
more for surgical treatment. Rode all the way on top of a freight car lying face down 
and did not arrive in Baltimore until the next day about eleven o'clock. Was taken 
to the Soldiers' Relief and remained until the next day and then sent forward to 
Philadelphia. Remained over one day and was sent forward to New York City and 



4'M II<^' I'hiytccntli Rcijimciil I'crmoHt I'ohintecrs 

plact'd in a liospital and 1k-iv reiuained until about the IL'tli. \\v day our fefiiment ar- 
rived on their way home, and there joined my regiment and wont with them to Brat- 
tleboro, and was placed in the hospital where I remained until July 21, and was mus- 
tered out with the regiment and went home to Berlin. Was not able to walk but was 
anxious to go home and with the assistance of my dear comrades reached home 
thankful that I was not numbered with the dead on the gory field of Gettysburg. The 
ball remained in my side until August 30, 1899, and it was a source of pain and dis- 
ability for over thirty-six years. It was taken out SU' inches below the place where 
it entered my body. It was indeed a close call, but it was in the service of ray 
country in a glorious cause and I am satisfied. 

SAMUEL W. BENJAMIN. 

WILLIAM BLAIR 

was the youngest recruit that volunteered into the East Montpelier Company, being 
only just IT at the date of enlistment, as ai)|iears on the print<'d reports of P. T. Wash- 
bum, Adjutant and Assistant General of Vermont. Others may have been younger for 
as a matter of fact some of the young fellows thought that unless they gave their 
ages IS. would not be accepted, and such were anxious to join I'nclc Sam's army and 
fight for the Union. Young Blair was an enthusiastic boy, on hand at all times, night 
or day. march, camp guard, police duty, drill, on the picket line, any duty he responded 
to cheerfully and did his best every time. Served his full term and was discharged 
at Brattleboro. Vt.. July 21, 1863.. He made a good record, never disgraced his uni- 
form or failed of duty. He was one of the youthful heroes that stood in the line of 
battle and with manly courage faced the belching cannon in that sanguinary struggle 
for right and victory, of such were the gallant volunteers of Colonel Randall's Green 
Mountain Boys. Our dear comrade answered the final call January 7, 1S73, and is 
buried in the Catholic cemetery at Montpelier, Vt. On pages 192 and 220 of this book 
will be seen the pictures of William Blair. 

CHARLES H. CARSON 

enrolled into the East Montpelier Company August 29. 1S62, tmder Captain Lewis L. 
Coburn and counted on the quota of that town. He at once commenced to drill and 
being young and quick to learn was ready for muster into the service when the regi- 
ment arrived at Brattleboro, Vt.. September 29. He was a stalwart, robust young 
man of 20 summers and in every way well calculated for the lite of a soldier. It is 
said of him that in battle he was cool, brave and in the front battle line regardless 
of shot and shell, and fired his gun with steady aim and as often as the Best. Was 
a good, faithful soldier and evidently well born and properly brought up. Vv'as a 
patriotic young man and glad for an opportunity to take share and part in defense of 
home and country. He made a good record and was mustered out with his regiment 
July 21, 1863, and returned to the hills and valleys and streams he loved so dearly. 
But this valiant soldier was not satisfied to resume the duties of civil life while there 
was yet need of volunteers, and hence he volunteered again as a veteran and joined 
Company E of the 17th Vermont and was made 1st corporal by Captain George S. Rob- 
inson, his 1st lieutenant in old Company C of the Bully 13th. He was killed on the 
second day of the battle of the Wilderness May 6. 1864, a noble sacrifice to the cause 
he loved most dearly. It was no idle curiosity that prompted him to volunteer as a 
veteran for he knew and fully realized the arduous duties of the battlefield. 

JAMES S. CASWELL 

was from the town of Worcester and it is said here he was born in the year 1843. He 
volunteered in August, 1862, at the age of 19, and enrolled with Company C. Was 
mustered into the V. S. service with his company and regiment, October 10. 1862, and 
out at the expiration of his term of service, .hily 21. 1863. He was a very lively 
young man, full of life and ambition, anxious to see and know and do his full duty. 
Was an enthusiastic patriot, who had of his own volition enlisted to do what he could 
to save the Union. Never .shrank from anv duty or luanifested any regret that he 
was carrj'ing a gun as a common soldier. He was a most excellent representation of 
the kind and character of the young hoys that made up Company C. Captain Coburn 
was justly proud, as he might well have been of the boys of his company. James w^as 
found in his place, brave and active in the fight at Gettysburg. He was wounded, but 
not seriously. He fulfilled the expectations of his officers and comrades and did him- 
self credit in the desperate charge against General Pickett's veteran heroes down in 
the valley of Plum Run. Because of such, victory was inscribed on mir banners at 
Gettysburg. The reader is invited to see page 216 as illustrating all that is said of 
this brave soldier. 



Bioyraf^hicd! ami Histdrical of i'l'iiif^diiy C. 495 

MARTIN L. CHANDLER 

was from Marshfleld and joined the East Montpelier Company August 29, 1862. Mus- 
tered into the United States army at Brattleboro, Vt., October 10 and started for 
Washington, to take share and part in the pending conflict on October 11, and went 
into Camp on East Capitol Hill on the 14, there drilled for a few days and then crossed 
Long Bridge into Old Virginia October 30, on the way to the front line for picket duty. 
Comrade Chandler was of the age of 28, and ripe and well fitted physically and men- 
tally for soldier life, the camp, march, drill, picket line and battle was ever ready 
and on hand to perform his every duty. He was a manly, brave soldier, and never 
complained when hard tack was wormy and rations short and duty hard and dangerous. 
Was a soldier of convictions and forgot not the lessons of propriety because a vol- 
unteer. His part was manfully done and returned to his home with a reputation of 
well done. He counted on the quota of Marshfield, Vt. Served out his full term and 
was mustered out with the regiment July 21, lSfi3. He now resides in Middlesex, Vt. 
See page 192 for his pictures. 

DON B. CILLEY 

was from the town of Berlin, Vt., and volunteered and enrolled into Company C Septem- 
ber 5, 1S62. His age was 21 and very well prepared in size and health, fortitude, courage 
and patriotism to be one of Colonel Randall's Green Mountain Boys. He sustained and 
made a good record as a soldier and returned to his native hills, streams and valleys 
proud of his share in securing victory over General Lee's great army at Gettysburg. 
But after being mustered out the fire of patriotism still remained in his heart and on 
the 16th of August, 1S64, again volunteered and joined Company C of the 9th Regi- 
ment as a recruit for one year. Was mustered out ,Iune 13. 1865, after the close of 
the war. His regiment took part in the battle of Chapin's farm, Va., September 29, 
1864, Pair Oaks, Va., October 27, 1864, and the Fall of Richmond, Va.. April 3rd, 1865. 
Comrade Cilley must have been happy indeed because at the fall of Richmond and a 
soldier when General Lee surrendered at Appomattox. He returned home and resumed 
his former occupation. A pastime in civil life has been hunting bears that infest 
the hills of his native county. He has captured many and won a reputation as a 
successful bear hunter. Comrade Cilley still lives in Berlin and enjoys the reputation 
of a valiant soldier and bear hunter. 

JAMES CLARK 

was a born soldier and at what appeared the first opportunity volunteered August 29, 
1862 and joined East Montpelier Company, and counted on the quota of Marshfield, 
Vt. His age at this date was 41. His attention, fitness and performance of duty, 
secured to him a promotion as corporal February 28, 1863. He was a strong, robust 
person with courage, prowess and endurance for the most arduous campaigning. 
Was perfectly adapted to the strenuous life of march and battle. Not one better 
equipped in Company C or the 13th Regiment. He remained at home a few days but 
was restless and anxious to return to the front and on the 14th day of September 
again volunteered and enrolled into Company E. 17th Vermont Regiment, under Captain 
George S. Robinson, who was first lieutenant in Company C, 13th Regiment and was 
appointed one of the Sergeants, which position he filled with credit to himself and 
approbation of his officers and associates. Was wounded at Spotsylvania Court House 
May 12, 1864, and killed in action July 30, 1864, at Petersburg Mine, Va., a brave soldier 
who loved his country better than life, gave up all freely that the land that gave him 
birth might still be the home of the free. 

He was at home in all the duties connected with soldiering, seemed to enjoy the 
picket line by night and the raids in pursuit of bushwhackers by day. None more 
alert and cautious and thence a valuable and model soldier. Long marches and pros- 
pect of battle stimulated his desire for a fight. He claimed that he enlisted to fight 
and was anxious to have one good chance before being discharged. His comrades ot 
Company C all know that shot and shell, charge and rebel yell did not hinder the 
best and most dashing conduct during the battle of Gettysburg. His example, so 
fearless and cool braced up the more timid in the line ot battle. His officers com- 
plimented his undaunted spirit and push in the charge against General Pickett's brave 
boys of many victorious battles. He was duly mustered out with his regiment and 
returned home exultant because of record made by the I3th Regiment. If you want 
to see a typical Green Mountain Boy of the glorious 13th See page 214 of this book. 

CHARLES C COLBURN 

One of the brave boys that volunteered from the town of Calais on the 29th of 
August, 1862, and counted on the quota of his native town at the age of 33 in the full 
bloom of early manhood. Joined Company C, 13th Regiment Vermont Volunteers. 



49<) I Iw Tliirtcciilh Kajiiiicnt I cnuunt / 'ohintccn 

He and his twin brother enlisted into this company, but which is the oldest, cannot 
tell, for was not present when boru. 1 am not sure which is which, it I am writing 
up Charles C. or Curtis C, but the pictures of them will disclose the true situation. 
Soldier life was too arduous for Charles and he was takrn sick and died January 26, 
1863. See page 186. 

CURTIS C. COLBURN 

volunteered from the tow-n of Calais August 29, 1862 into Company C, and counted on 
the quota of his native town, and was at this date 33, in the very prime of life for a 
serviceable soldier. His twin brother, Charles enrolled at the same time into the same 
company. 1 w-as told that Curtis was born first, therefore older, but cannot vouch 
for this report. They evidently were twins for were much alike in person, manner, 
and general make up. Both were good soldiers. Curtis met manfully every requirement 
cheerfully, discharged every duty and shrank not from exposure, drill, picket duty or 
battle. The raid of General J. E. B. Stuart on Fairfax Court House December 28, 
1862, in the dead of night was so unexpected and sudden that Comrade Curtis was 
just a little timid when up in the riflt- pits waiting tor the approaching cavalry coming 
up the pike 4,000 strong, as it was claimed. But when the music of our cannon ana 
rattle of musketry rang out the welcome invitation to come on, we were ready and 
when he heard the familiar voice of Colonel Randall as he came riding in was cool, 
brave, and ready for a fight. This fight was our initiation and the boys made good their 
fitness for a fight any time, spot or place, night or day. 

Curtis was a married man and left a happy home, wife and children that he 
might serve his country in its hour of extreme peril. He served his full term man- 
fully and well, making a record which was a credit to his town and stale, and of 
which he might justly feel proud. He was discharged with his regiment July 21, 1863, 
and returned to wife and family and resumed the occupation of civil life and has lived 
an honorable, peaceful life, ever happy that he served his country, and in the old 
13th commanded by that fearless, intrepid leader. Col. Francis Voltaire Randall. The 
latch string of his modest home hangs out and the old boys are more than welcome. 
If you would see the picture of a brave soldier see page 188. 

CLARK D. CRESSY 

w-as born in Berlin, Vt., in 1S49. volunteered August 29, 1862 and counted on the quota 
of his native town and enrolled into Captain Lewis L. Coburn's Company C. Was a 
fcright, active young man, and stood first class at home. Educated in the old 
district schools and obtained a fine common school education considering the sur- 
roundings and opportunities of the town in which he lived. He had been well brought 
up under the advice of a kind father and loving mother. Was not as robust as some 
and the expense and hardship of active duty undermined his rather delicate constitu- 
tion and yet he served his full time and returned with a good name as a soldier. His 
health was never good after his return from the war. He died in 1864 in Berlin, and 
is buried in West Berlin cemetery. He is not forgotten for on each recurring Me- 
morial Day his surviving comrades of Berlin and patriotic citizens scatter the flowers 
of spring over his grave and raise the flag he loved so well above his resting place 
as tokens of gratitude and respect for oni> wlio gave up all for his country. A 
picture will be seen on page 204. 

JOHN KIMBALL CROSS 

1 was born in .Montpelier. Vermont. December 17, 1S44, but enlisted from the 
town of Berlin. Was the son of Jonas Parker and Phebe Cross. I was brou.ght up on 
a farm and taught by my father how to do all kinds of farm work. 1 attended school 
winters and falls and worked on the farm summers and at the time of my enlistment 
had acquired an average common school education as well as a fair knowledge of 
farming. As soon as the war cloud aiipeared above Fort Sumter I was uneasy and 
began to wish tl;at 1 ctiUld be a soldier. There was nothing in the papers except news 
of war dow^n in the Southern States. Everybody was up in arms about the firing on Fort 
Sumter and the wicked and foolish conduct of the rel)els trying to secede and break 
up the Union. I was young and knew b\it little about war or the causes that led 
to it. M,y father and all of his neighbors were outspoken for President Lincoln and 
stood strong for him, and the course he had adopted, and favored war rather than sur- 
render principle. I listened and read the newspapers, attended war meetings and very 
soon decided to enlist if 1 bad a chance. From the way my father and mother talked 1 
believed thev would give their consent though 1 was not 21. It was about the 29th 
dav of August, I was in the field mowing oats, a young man called to me from the road 
and soon came over where I was and asked me if I did not want to enlist and go to 
war. His name was Geor.ge S. Robinson, of Berlin. 1 was quite well acquainted with 
him and thought him a good fellow to go in a company with to the war. I at once 



Biographical and Historical of Coiiipaiiy C. 497 

said I was ready to sign the paper and would go if my fatiier and mother would con- 
sent. They said, "Yes, go if you want to and do the best you can." I dropped the 
scythe, signed the roll and the next day went to Bast Montpelier, where we organized 
into a company called Company C. Lewis L. Cobum was elected captain, and my 
townsman and friend, George S. Robinson, first lieutenant, and William E. Martin 
second lieutenant. Here we drilled every day for three weeks and about the last of 
September started for Brattleboro to be mustered into the United States army and 
go to Washington to help guard the city from capture. We were mustered in Oc- 
tober 10 and on the next day started for the seat of war. We took the cars at Brat- 
tleboro, arriving at New Haven, Conn., in the night and went on board of a steam- 
boat and reached New York City the next morning in good season. None of the boys 
had slept much for it was all new and were all anxious to see the sights. We crossed 
over into Jersey City when we were told that a good breakfast would be served up 
in good style. It was awful and we never forgot it and never wanted any more Of 
the same kind. Those who served it called it soup, but the boys called it swill. It 
was served in the streets out of dirty looking barrels poured into our coffee cups hot 
and steaming. It did not taste or smell good and no one could tell what it was. We 
called it Jersey soup and the taste and smell we never forgot. We ate but little 
and threw it away. On our arrival at Philadelphia we were given a grand spread 
and a fine place to sit down and eat, and we did ample justice to the generous dinner 
set before us. We reached Baltimore in the night; the streets were dark, gloomy and 
slippery, and some of us were timid, for rumor said the city was full of rebels and 
fhey might shoot and kill at any time. We reached Washington the next day at 
night. We were marched about a mile east of the capitol building and a green flat 
of ground to camp on. After the regiment crossed over Long Bridge into Virginia 
the first night we camped at a place we called Camp Seward, some ten miles from Wash- 
ington, we received new orders and then marched to Alexandria, crossed Hunting Creek 
and camped down on the low. flat ground for the night and on the next day marched 
a mile or more south and located in the woods on a hill near a large spring, and this 
was a beautiful location, and we named it Camp Vermont. Here we did picket duty 
and worked on Port Lyon. The boys did not take kindly to the shovel and pick and 
said they did not enlist to build mud forts; our regiment was not a success at fort 
building. We now belonged to the defences of Washington and remained on the 
picket line near Washington until sometime in June, 1S6.3. I well remember the 
march we made in mud and snow in the night to Fairfax Court House called "Ran- 
dall's Raid." The day before Thanksgiving being anxious to have a chicken pie went 
out among the nearby farmers and tried to buy some chickens but none were sold, but 
the next day a number of good sized chicken pies were served up in good old Vermont 
style, and we were satisfied, but the natives were mad and came to camp, but no one had 
seen or heard of chickens though feathers in plenty could be seen about camp. The most 
of these nearby farmers were rebels and we had but little respect tor them or their 
chickens. We had a hard time on the picket line during the winter and suffered 
from cold and storm. Many were sick and quite a large number died before spring. 
As soon as spring opened we began to prepare for battle, for it was evident that Gen- 
eral Hooker was about to ci'oss the Rappahannock and strike for Richmond but Gen- 
eral Lee, always alert was on the south bank watching and waiting and making every 
preparation to give General Hooker a warm reception, if any attempt made to capture 
Richmond. About the time w^e started on the march for Gettysburg I was detailed 
to guard the wagon train, and therefore was in rear of the marching army. There 
were no thrilling events in my soldier life. I was mustered out with the regiment, 
remained in Vermont a short time, and then went to Clinton, Mass., where I have 
lived for some 38 years, being employed as an overseer in a woolen mill. I married 
in September, 1S6S, Sarah Elizabeth Soumby, and we had three children. Dr. Albert 
E.. born August 23, 1872, and now resides in Worcester. Mass.; Edward M., born 
February 20, 1876, now residing in Cambridge, Mass.; and also Mildred, born December 
21, 1890, and now living at home. I have ever been proud because I volunteered to 
serve my country at a very critical time and very thankful because I joined Colonel 
Randall's regiment. It was a good regiment and did good fighting at Gettysburg. 

JOHN K. CROSS, Company C. 

P. S. Dear Comrade Sturtevant: — Excuse this rambling sketch; I have compiled 
with your request as best I can. Our army days were many years ago. I have lived 
away from my comrades and have forgotten most of the funny incidents of my army 
life. Use this or throw it aside as you may judge best and I shall be satisfied J. K. C. 
See page 172 for pictures of Comrade Cross. Edt. 

SAMUEL CROZIER 

was from the tow-n of Berlin, and volunteered in August. 1862, and joined East Mont- 
pelier Company. His age at this time was 30. A ripe age for a soldier, but his phy- 
sical constitution was not equal to the arduous life and exposure necessary during an 



^yj< riu- Tliirtci'iilli Rt-yuiii-nt I'cniwnt ]'oUiiilccrs 

active campaign. He was discharged February 20, 1863. He is report.-d as having 
died quite a number of years ago but just when and where cannot say. He at least 
showed his anxiety and solicitude for the preservation of the land that gave him 
birth. 

HORACE P. DARLING 

was born in the town ot Elmore, Vt., .lanuary 28, 1840; educated in the common 
schools of Vermont and at the age of 22 volunteered into Capt. Lewis L. tobi'ms 
coninanv. called Company C on the 1st day of September, lSt>2, and from enlistment 
to musl'er out at Hrattleboro, Vt.. .July 21, )S6:{, was always with his company partic,- 
Dating in all its duties, hardships, marches, picket duty, drills and raids and battles. 
Was of the right age. 22. for a soldier. His physical and mental qualifications w'ere 
all right for the duties required at the front at this time of active warfare. The 
company record shows that Comrade Darling was on hand for duty at all t>mes not 
a mark against l.im; a clean r( cord, which tact goes to thow he was a good, laithtul 
soldier He returned home to Vermont with an enviable character as a brave vol- 
unteer' He counted on the quota of Worcester and, at enlistment, was a resident 
of that town. He returned and lived in Worcester, and on April 3rd, 1903, responded 
to the final call and joined the silent majority. He is buried in the village cemetery 
of Worcester. Pictures of this comrade will be found on page 109. 

CHARLES A. DAVIS 

volunteered from the town of Marshfield and counted on its <l»"|a. -^"fust 29 1SG2. and 
loined Company C. His age at this time was 18, so he claimed, but he looked 
voun^ei and vet was well developed in body and mind, and likely gave the correct 
date of birth "1844. He was a fine looking and appearing young man, straight as an 
arrow with a happv and cheerful disposition. Seemed to be thankful for an oppor- 
«-■ to serve his countrv in the then pending conflict. He was obedient, courteous 
ind readv ^r dutv at all times and performed it willingly. Made a clean record as 
a soldTer and returned home with the compliment of well done. He was brave and 
true He lived only a few years after the close of the war, but Vhile he did live 
was' exceed inglv proud of the fact that he served his country in Company C 13th 
Regimenf Vermont Volunteers, in time of peril. It is sad to «hink he could not ha e 
m Id longer to realize more fully what he helped to save-a mighty and glorious 
remrbl c He died March 2S, 1870, in the town of Marshfield, and his remains are 
at rest in the vUlage cemetery. His comrades at least once a year pay homage to 
fhis dead hero of The republic. May he never be forgotten. His pictures will be 
found on page 200. 

ALEXANDER DINGWALL 

passed his active life in Montpelier. He died December 5, 1903. at his home *" East Mont- 
nener whete he had resided more than thirty years, was born m Worcester May 21 
I'-lT his parents beTnL among the earliest settlers of that town. In IStU he married 
M^ v R daughter of X H. Dodge, who survives him. He leaves one son. Cortez A 
who'resideraf home and a dauglter, In-z B., of this city, also two brothers, Daniel of 
Worcester, and Thomas, who is at Cape Nome, Alaska. 

Tnd fiW sadiy past, all felt that the time was not far distant when there will be a 
"reunion" where parting is unknown. 

SARGENT R. EMERSON 



Bioyrapliiral and Historical of Coinf'anx C. 499 

again and joined Company E, 17th Vermont Regiment, and took the position of wag- 
oner, a quite responsible place. He was mustered in on his last enlistment March 
3rd, 1864, and discharged July 14, 1865, and is now residing at Barre, Vt. On page 
198 will be seen a picture of Comrade Emerson taken in 1897. 

RUFUS H. FARR 

I was born in Woodbury, Vt., March 21, 1839, attended the old district schools 
and succeeded in becoming fairly good in reading, spelling, writing and in arithmetic, 
also in geography and grammar. When old enough worked on a farm and attended 
school summers and winters until about 20 years old. Our schools were good and a 
large number of grown up boys and girls made our school days useful and happy. 
The spelling and singing schools and exhibitions were prominent features during the 
winter. I look back to my school days with pleasure and recall my school mates in 
loving remembrance. They are scattered and a majority have passed on. I was of 
suitable age when the first hostile gun was fired at Fort Sumter and very soon com- 
menced to consider if the calls for volunteers referred to me. When the call for 
300,000 nine months' men was made I at once enrolled on the quota of 
Marshfield, August 20, 1862. and joined Company C. We organized at 
East Montpelier and here drilled four or five weeks in preparation for 
soldier duties. We left for Brattleboro, Vt., to be mustered into the army 
September 29th, and on the 10th of October, as a regiment was mustered in 
and started for Washington on the 11th, arriving there the 13th and on the 14th went 
into camp on East Capitol Hill, a dirty, dusty part of the city, with hogs running 
about at will. It was now the principal camp ground for soldiers arriving each day, 
here to be drilled, inspected and organized into brigades and assigned to divisions and 
corps. We had a number of parades and passed in review before Generals Banks, 
Casey and others. Here we were organized into the Second Vermont Brigade and in 
a day or two marched over the Potomac River on Long Bridge into Virginia, passed 
just on our right General Lee's old home in the direction of Falls Church and Chantilly 
some ten miles, and halted for the night and named this place Camp Seward. Re- 
mained two days and took up the line of march in the direction of Alexandria passing 
through that dingy, dirty, quaint old city, though then surrounded with cotton tents, 
the homes of many thousands of soldiers and the city filled with military life and 
activity in hasty preparation for the defence of Washington: crossed Hunting Creek 
and halted on the elevated timber land about two miles south of the city overlooking 
the Potomac and its low, flat bank from Washington to Mount Vernon. This was a 
beautiful place, cultivated lands, and hills covered with pine, oak and laurel, remind- 
ing us of the green hills that surrounded our homes far away, and we named this 
place Camp Vermont. Here our life and duty as soldiers re^iUy commenced. We were 
placed on the front picket line. At Camp Vermont was detailed as cook for a number 
of officers and continued as such until we pitched our tents at Fairfax Court House; 
then returned to my company. Was taken sick out on the picket line near Centreville 
and sent to the hospital and had a run of lung fever. Recovered and joined the regi- 
ment at Wolf Run Shoals. This was a desolate, lonely spot on the banks of upper 
Occoquan, and here we suffered mostly with cold, duties on the picket line were ardu- 
ous, and many were sick, and there was necessity for vigilance. Mosby and his bush- 
whackers were frequent visitors along our line compelling us to be alert night and 
day. We left this camp about April 1st, and marched down the Occoquan River some 
eight miles to a lovely place we named Camp Widow Violet. It was near spring in 
Virginia everything teemed with life, the fragrant and bracing air in gentle breezes 
from the Southland animated our thoughts and bodies, and restored our hopes, re- 
newed our courage, and we soon began to look forward for the spring campaign and 
Impending battle and hoped for victory, and then peace, and home. We remained 
here till June 25th, and then took up the line of march that lasted seven days, reach- 
ing Gettysburg on the first day of the battle. On the second day we charged and 
recaptured cannon and took some prisoners. Colonel Randall took the lead on the 
run, his horse had been shot on the charge and his foot and leg caught in the fall, but 
the boys rolled off the horse and our Colonel, undaunted, hatless, with sword point- 
ing to the cannon, said, "Come on boys, I am all right." Colonel Randall, after we 
secured the cannon, sent Captain Coburn with his company along the Emmitslnirg road 
to take what appeared to be a battery, but turned out to be caissons that had been 
blown up by our guns. The Rebels must have thought we were marching within 
their line for not a shot was fired at us. The last day of the battle was awful, grand 
and glorious. We met General Pickett in the valley and slew many of his valiant 
officers and we captured many prisoners, and here the battle ended and the victory 
won by the Green Mountain Boys of the Second Vermont Brigade. We after the battle 
on the 6th of July started in pursuit of General Lee and his much disappointed army. 
Marched over the Catoctin Mountain into Antietam Valley. Maryland, and on the 10th 
our term of service ended, we marched back over the mountain to Frederick City 



500 The Tliirtccnth h't-yiincitt I'cniiont roliintccrs 

and Mouocacy Jiiiictiou and look the ears lor lialtiniore on our way to Brattleboro 
to be mustered out and then lor home, dear home. 

Since my soldier life I have been a farmer, comparatively successful aad happy, 
though of late my health has not been good and could do but little. I am thankful 
that I volunteered and served my country in Company C, 13th Vermont Volunteers. 
I am proud of the record we made and though a humble private shall leave a record 
more valuable and lasting than richo.s or honor in civil life. The latch string of my 
humble home hangs out to my comrades, especially of the old 13th. May the survivors 
live long and die happy, respected and in the hopi; of a glorious reunion on th" im- 
mortal fields of Heaven. 

1 was married to Almira H. Wood, August 21, 1862, who was born in Fairlee, Vt., 
September IS, 1S38. Two very important events in my life, enlisted for nine months 
to serve my country as a soldier on the 20th of August, 1802, and on the very next day 
enlisted for life and solemnly promised to love, honor and care for until death hould 
part us, into the happy army of conjugal bliss and joy. The fruit of this union was 
one daughter born in Northfleld, Vt., November IG, 1865, and we named her Alice D. 
My wife died in Cabot, March 14th, 1809. Was again married November 30th, 1S09, to 
Jennie M. Wood, of Rutland. Vt.. who was born in Orange, Vt., April 10. 1S42. The fruit 
of this marriage was five children, namely Teresa A., May 22nd, 1873; Annie S., in 
Glover, Vt., 1876; Clinton R., born in Hardwick, Vt., July 22, 1878; Ryle H. was born in 
Hardwick, Vt., March 19. 1883. My wife, Jennie M. Farr died January 10, 1892. In 
1894 I married Miss E. Bean and we are now living in Northfield, Vermont, happy and 
contented. My father. Hyconnis Farr, was born in Xewbury. Vt.. .\ugust 18. ISO.S. 
a captain in the Revolutionary War, and his old flint lock, just as it was flint on, is still 
a precious heirloom which hangs on the wall and seems to remind me of patriotic 
devotion and ancestral glory of the fathers of our country. 

RUFUS H. FARR, Xorthfield, Vt. 
MILAN L. FROST 

was one of the brave boys that volunteered from the town of Worcester on the 29th 
day of September, 1862, and counted on the quota of that town; joined East Montpelier 
Company commanded by Captain Lewis L. Coburn. He was young, only 19, as the 
company record shows, but surely looked and appeared much younger. It may be 
that he was fearful he would not be permitted to go if age given under 18. cases of 
this kind being common at this period of recruiting. This young man was anxious 
to fight for his country and was happy when he reached the front and was given duty 
on the picket line. His devotion, obedience and attention to duty commanded respect 
and gave promise of usefulness as a soldier. The arduous duties of march and picket 
line, sleeping on the damp, cold ground, often without shelter, was too much for his 
delicate constitution and he was taken sick at Camp Fairfax Court House and died 
March 0, 1803. His body was sent home and buried in the village cemetery of Worces- 
ter, Vt. He freely gave his life for his country. May his patriotic devotion never be 
forgotten. His picture will be seen on page 204. 

VICTOR GENAIT 

was from East Montpelier and volunteered in August, 1862, at the age of 21. En- 
rolled in Company C, and was mustered into the United States army and out with 
his regiment, the 13th Vermont. It is presumed he was a good soldier, because of a 
clean record made while a member of Company C. He was from a fighting race of 
people and likely did his duty in whatever place called upon to fill. Not able to give 
definite information whether living or dead, nothing of late heard about him. . 

CRESMON HANCOCK 

volunteered from the town of Worcester, Vt., August 29, 1862, and counted on the 
quota of that town and joined East Montpelier Company, commanded by Captain 
Lewis L. Coburn. He was a patriot of the old school and ever had been hostile to 
the institution of slavery that disgraced his country and now was an opjiortunity to 
not only fight for the country that s;ave him l)irth. but for the destruction of slavery. 
And though 50 years old was determined and devoted his life, if needs be, in the 
service of its defence for right and liberty. Was the oldest man in Company C, but 
he was equal to the duties and discharged them as well as the best. It is no wonder 
that he was patriotic and loved home and country, for he was born during the War 
of 1812-14. and likely was patriotic before his birth. He was an old man in years 
at this time but he asked no favors, and was on hand at all times ready for duty. 
One only needs to see his picture at this date and since to confirm my opinion namely, 
that a prospect of a battle alarmed him no more than a dress parade. He served his 
full term and was mustered o>it and returned home, but the battle of Gettysburg, 



Biographical and Historical of Company C. 501 

though the turning one did not end the war and our aged and enthusiastic comrade 
felt impelled to volunteer again and did, into Company I of the 11th Vermont Volun- 
teers, December 3rd, 1S63, and remained in the service until the mighty army of Gen- 
eral Lee surrendered to General Grant at Appomattox, April 9, 1S65. His devotion to 
principle and country was of the Ethan Allen quality. He remained steadfast until 
the foe was subdued and the stars and stripes again fluttered in the breeze above the 
ruins of Fort Sumter. He was discharged July 17, 1865, by reason of the end of the 
war. He returned home and quietly resumed his place in society and lived and died 
a respected citizen. He died at Berlin, Vt., February 1st, 1891, and was buried in the 
village cemetery of Worcester, Vt. Because of the patriotic devotion of this dead 
hero of the Republic, and those like him, a mighty and glorious land is still the in- 
heritance of the patriots of 1776. Turn to page 204 and you will be convinced of the 
truthfulness of all that has Ijeen said in praise of my esteemed comrade, Cresmon 
Hancock. 

HORACE L. HILL 

volunteered from the town of East Montpelier August 29, 1862, and joined Company C, 
at the age of 21. He was a clean, nice looking and appearing young man with a good 
character. Evidently well born and brought up. His ambition was satisfied when 
mustered into the army to fight for the preservation of the Union. He made a good 
soldier and returned home w'ith an enviable record on the march and in battle. Young 
men made good soldiers and were as brave and valiant as any. This youthful hero of 
1863 is now the old man of three score and ten, but still thankful that he volunteered 
when his country was assailed and in danger of being overthrown. May my dear 
Comrade Hill live many years to enjoy this glorious land he faced the belching cannon 
and the bayonet charge in the valley of Plum Run, Gettysburg, to save. See page 220 
for the pictures of one of Company C's valiant heroes in General Pickett's charge .luly 
3rd, 1863. His descendants will ever read with pride the record made and honor won. 

WILLIAM H. ROWLAND 

volunteered from the town of East Montpelier, August 29, 1S62, at the age of 22. and 
joined Company C. All of the boys of East Montpelier were made of the right kind 
of clay that quickly developed into first class soldiers. Their opportunities for an 
education were better than the average. They were intelligent and well informed as 
to the war and what was expected of them as soldiers. Young Howland in age and 
all other qualifications was adapted to the calling of a fighting soldier. He met every 
requirement and faithfully served out his term and was discharged with his regiment, 
July 21, 1863, and returned home but could not be content so long as the war was 
Btili pending. He re-enlisted as a veteran September 14, 1863, into Company E, 17tlii 
V'ermont Regiment and went again to the front in the spring of 1864. Was mortally 
wounded in the battle of the Wilderness May 6 and died May 10, 1864. Many of this 
regiment were killed and wounded in these battles of the 5th, 6th and 7th of May. 
Comrade Howland was a true son of Vermont and a brave soldier or he would not 
have re-enlisted. His picture may be seen on page 216. 

DAVID HUNTINGTON 

voluntered from the town of Marshfield and counted on its quota on the 29th of August, 
1862; joined Company C, serving the full term and was mustered out July 21, 1863. 
His age at the date of enlistment was 28. He returned and resumed his place in 
society and has ever been a good and respectable, law abiding citizen. The one act 
of life to which he often refers with pride was that of a soldier for his country when 
it was in peril. His residence in Plainfield, Vt. His picture will be found on page 178. 

GEORGE S. LAWRENCE 

was one of the Middlesex brave volunteers that enrolled on September 15, 1862, and 
joined Company C. His age at this date was 22. He was a robust, fine appearing 
young man and by his officers and associates considered well fitted for the arduous 
duties of a soldier in active w^arfare. He served with credit and returned with honor 
and heroism in battle. His patriotic heart led him to enlist into the Second Vermont 
Regiment in the summer of 1864 and became a member of Company D, where he dis- 
played unusual bravery in the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864, and Peters- 
burg, Va., March 25, 1865, in both of which battles he was wounded, and in one quite 
seriously. Was discharged July 19, 1865. He returned home after the war with a record 
that demonstrated he was one of the valiant sons of the Green Mountain State. He 
died April 29, 1892, at Middlesex. Vt., and was buried in the Lewis cemetery of that 



~,02 Tlic riiirti'cntli Rcqiinciit l\-niioitt I'oluntccrs 

town. His conirados and accinaintances were ever proud of him as a soldier and 
citizen, and sincerely mourn his loss and sympathize with relatives and friends. His 
death was too soon for only oO. For one who had served so well it is a pity thatj 
he could not have enjoyed the blessings of victory longer. It is not for us to reason 
why not. His pictures will be seen on page 186. 

WILLIAM E. LAWSON 

son of William and Eliza (Marshal) Liiwsoii. was boru in Kast Montpelier, Vt., April 
11, 1841; died at Montpelier, October 21, 1904. He enlisted in Company C, 13th Regi- 
ment Vermont Volunteers, August 36, 1862, receiving his discharge at Urattleboro, 
July 2], 1863, having served as private during the regiment's term of service. At the 
time of his enlistment he was 22 years of age. stood six feet one and three-quarters 
Inches in height and had followed the occupation of farmer. His mortal remains now 
rest in the family lot in the Cutler cemetery in his native town.. 

February 26, 1868, at Karre, Vt., Mr. Lawson was married to Miss Sarah M. Dodge, 
eldest daughter of Robert and Alma C. Dodge, of East Montpelier, who survives him. 
Mr. and Mrs. Lawson never had any children. He was a charter member of Brooks 
Post No. 13. G. A. R., of Montpelier, holding offices up to and including Senior Vice 
Commander, and a member of Vermont Lodge No. 2, and Thomas Wildey Encami)mcnt 
No. 11, I. O. O. F. "Ed" Lawson. as lie was known among "the boys," to the day of 
his departure from this life like many of his associates was fond of foraging, rarely 
missed an oi)portuuity to add a toothsome bit to the regular bill of fare. It is told 
of him that on one occasion while at Union Mills he was in search of poultry. Geese 
were scarce — and shy. Somehow "Ed" discovered a small flock in a farm yard, but 
as the owner was friendly to the Union cause, orders had been given not to molest 
them. "But if I should be passing and one of those geese should chase me into camp, 
no harm would come to me?" "Certainly not," said Captain Coburn, than whom no 
better man ever commanded a company. Late that afternoon "Ed" bethought himself 
of the days when he caught bull frogs in Sodom pond, and having a fish hook he 
secured it to one end of a small but exceedingly stout fish line, and baiting the hook 
with a kernel of corn he cast it among the flock of geese. An instant later a big 
white gander had swallowed the hook. Just as "Ed" started to leave the premises, his 
web-footed game following a few feet behind with outstretched neck, the good woman 
of the house appeared upon the scene shouting, "Don't be afraid of that old gander, 
young man; he always chases strangers out of the yard, but he won't bite you." That 
evening "the goose that chased 'Ed' Lawson into camp" was served "a la Virginia." 

Respectfuly submitted, P. C. DODGE. 

(Brother of Mrs. W. E. Lawson.) 
His picture will be seen on page 174. 

ROCK LEMWIN 

volunteered from the town of Plainfield, Vermont in August, 1862, and at once joined 
Company C. His age at this time was 42, and though well along in years was a robust, 
vigorous looking and appearing man and calculated tor the hardship and danger 
attending the life of a soldier during active warfare. He did in fact make good in 
the service on all occasions, and returned home with a good record. The war was 
not over and Comrade Leniwin still was anxious and again volunteered October 2nd, 
1863. and joined Company E. 17th Vt. Vols., as a veteran. Mustered out on the 3rd 
day of March, 1864, and died of disease March 7. 1864. These dates are from the 
Revised Roster of Vermont Volunteers. 

WILLIAM HENRY LEWIS 

I was born and bred in East Montpelier and from that town volunteered on the 29th 
day of August, 1862. and joined Company C, 13th Vermont Volunteers. I did not have 
a very good chance for an education and like many other boys did not improve the 
opportunity as I should. I was at the district school which was good. The date of 
my birth was .\ugust 20. 1S4.'{ ard hence just 19 when I enlisted My father was a 
farmer and as a boy followed that occupation. I was i)retty fresh at the time of enlist- 
ment and knew nothing about the duties of a soldier but was quite willing and anxious 
to go and do my part. I was healthy and strong and from all T could learn thought it 
a duty to volunteer and help put down the wicked w^ar. My father and mother were 
willing and I left for Brattlelioro with my company to be mustered in with a light 
heart, throbbing for a fight with those Southern cha))s who were trying to destroy 
the Union and establish slavery. Though soldier life was hard at times and we suffered 
much in the late fall and early winter of 1862, from storm and cold, wet weather and 
plent.v of snow, 1 never saw a day that I regretted my enlistment. Company C was 



Biograpliical and Historical of Company C. 503 

made up of a fine lot of boys and our officers were number one and notwithstanding 
the strenuous life of a soldier w^e had many happy occasions. Camp life was all right 
as a rule. Picket duty, building forts, midnight marches in mud and rain was hard, 
but seldom any of Company C complained. Captain Coburn was always on hand and 
was ever kind, and anxious for the welfare and happiness of his boys. We thought 
him the best captain in the line, and surely was a brave soldier and knew and per- 
formed his duties on all occasions as well as any. Captain Coburn, Lieutenants Robin- 
sou and Martin were as fine looking and appearing as could be found in our regiment. 
We were the company that carried the colors on all occasions and we believed we 
could guard and protect them better than any other comjjany in our regiment. 1 was 
detailed at Camp Fairfax Court House and sent out as special guard at the farm 
house of a Mr. Fox, said to be a Union man. I remained there six weeks and then 
joined my company in camp at Wolf Run Shoals. This duty of special guard was 
not to my liking for it was watching our boys to prevent any one taking any property 
that belonged to Mr. Fox. I suppose my experience in the Gettysburg campaign and 
our journey home to Vermont was similar to that of the other boys and I presume you 
have plenty of incidents of the battle by those who can tell of the final struggle far 
better than myself. I re-enlisted into Company M, First Regiment, Frontier Cavalry, 
January, 1864, and was discharged June 27, 1865. Nothing to mention in this last ser- 
vice only had a good time. The name of my wife is Addle P. Lewis, and we have 
one son, Ernest H. Lewis. 

WILLIAM HENRY LEWIS, 
12 Adams St., Worcester, Mass. 
See page 172 for his pictures. His. 

ABRAHAM LEZER 

volunteered August 29, 1862, and joined the East Montpelier Company, commanded by 
Captain Lewis L. Coburn. His age was 44, an able bodied, strong, vigorous man, 
just the kind and make up to meet every requirement of army life during an active 
campaign, but the camping on cold wet ground in the open and marching in mud, 
snow and rain soon undermined his strong constitution and was sent to the hospital 
where he died March 16, 1S63. He was sent home by his comrades and was buried in 
the Catholic cemetery, Montpelier, Vermont His picture will be seen on \m^f 214. 

OLIVER LUCIER 

was born as it is said in the town of Berlin, Vermont, and volunteered in August, 1S62, 
at the age of 21; joined Company C, 13th Vermont Volunteers, and was mustered in 
and out of the United States service with his, the 13th Vermont Regiment. His age 
build, character and general make up well 'fitted him for a soldier, and he had courage, 
devotion and pride and with all was not afraid to meet the enemy in any spot, night 
or day. These requisites he had and therefore was a valiant soldier and fought well 
at every opportunity. It is said he died quite a number of years ago, but when and 
where cannot ascertain. 

HENRY H. MARTIN 

volunteered from the town of Bast Montpelier and counted on its quota, on the 29th 
of August, 1S62; joined Company C and served his full term and was mustered out 
July 21, 1863. His age at enlistment was 20, and of a prepossessing looking and ap- 
pearing j'oung man. Was a bright, active and well behaved young fellow as carried 
a gun in Company C. Was intelligent, generous and kind and on hand for duty at all 
times. He seemed to enjoy the life of the army and the duties of camp, march and 
picket which were cheerfully accepted and performed. N'ever found fault and responded 
when called. He was wounded in the battle of Gettysburg and on this field he exhibited 
those elements of character that helped to win honor and fame for himself and the 
nation. Turn to page 196 and you will see the pictures of a valiant soldier and fine 
looking and respectable Vermonter. The 13th Vermont Regimental Association are 
proud of all such. 

HENRY A. MILES 

was one of the enthusiastic volunteers from the town of Berlin. His age was 20 and 
joined Company C. He was of fair complexion, and rather of a jovial disposition, in 
fact a good looking young man. He was a good soldier on hand at all times for duty 
or fun. A raid outside the picket line was a delight and generally returned with some- 
thing found among the natives near by — bought of course with a promise to pay as 
soon as the paymaster came. He endured the hardships and enjoyed the pleasures of 
army life day and night as they came. He was wounded in the battle of Gettysbtirg 
July 3rd. 1863. was mustered out and with his regiment July 21, 1863. returned home 



504 / lie 'I'liirti-cntli Regiment I'eniioiil I 'oliinteers 

and settled down to business. He died April 16, 1881, and was buried In the village 
Cemetery at Worcester, Vt. His picture will be found on page 180. 

LUCIUS D. NUTE 

enrolled from the town of Marshfield August 29, lSti2 and Joined East Montpelier 
Company commanded by Captain Lewis L. Coburn. He was an enthusiastic volunteer 
anxious to go to the seat of war and fight for the preservation of the Union. He 
was well equipped pliysically and mentally for the arduous duties of a soldier in ac- 
tive warfare. Had plenty of courage and had fully consecrated his life to the cause 
of defending old glory before lie enlisted. His associates from Marshfield, lierlin, East 
Montpelier, Worcester and Plainfield was a jolly brave set of men and boys that had 
volunteered because invited by old Abe as they called him, to come down to Wash- 
ington and defend his home, the capitol city of the nation and punish those who sought 
to destroy the mighty republic established by the patriots of 1776. Were happy to go 
under Colonel Francis V. Randall, who had shown himself a fearless and competent 
leader and fighter in the first battle of Bull Run. Our Comrade Nute was one of these 
and he made a fine record and returned home to Vermont thankful that he had ac- 
complished a little towards satisfying those gallant followers of General Lee that 
Vermonters were as bravo and fearless as any that had ever been born. See page 196 
for the pictures of Comrade Nute. 

ALANSON NYE 

I was born in Plainfield, Vermont, April 27, 1840. My grandfather was Joseph 
Nye, who came to Plainfield from New Bedford, Mass. In Plainfield he was a man of 
some influence, representing the town in the state legislature for six years when rep- 
sentatives were chosen yearly. His sons were George, Gerry and Vinal, the latter 
being my father. My mother w-as Betsy Crocksford. who was of Scotch descent. I 
enlisted from East Montpelier August 18, 1862 in Company C, 13th Vermont Volun- 
teers, leaving the plough to take up arms; was discharged in July 18C3, coming back 
to the tilling of the soil, which occupation I have ever since followed.- I w-as married 
in North Montpelier to Maria J. Town, of Montpelier, February 18, 1869. I owned a 
farm in Plainfield which I sold, lived a year in East Montpelier, and in 1872 bought 
a, farm in Calais on which w^e resided for over thirty years, when I sold, and we moved 
to East Montpelier, where we now live. Of our comrades Francis F. Stoddard lives 
flear me. William Ormsbee died some years ago and lies buried in the Cutler cemetery 
in East Montpelier. He left a widow who has since married, and a daughter, now Mrs. 
Burt Witham. of Calais. Alexander Dingwall died in December. 1908 in East Mont- 
pelier Center, where his wufe, Mrs. R. D. Dingwall, and son. Cortez A., still reside. 
Their address is Montpelier, R. F. D. His daughter, Miss Inez B.. is employed in Mont- 
pelier. Mr. Dingwall is buried in the Cutler cemetery. I could fill a book with remini- 
scences of that year's experience as a soldier, and hardly know what to choose to 
relate in this brief attempt. When we reached Gettysburg battlefield, the Cavalry 
had fought over the ground and pressed on to Cemetery Hill. We were tired with 
our long march the last day of which had covered perhaps 20 miles. I was wounded 
in the leg but did not know it until I tried to move with my comrades, when I found 
myself unable to get along, and looking dow-n. saw my boot leg torn to pieces. Then I lay 
down behind the breastworks, we had hastily thrown up, and from there fired four 
rounds. Two generals rode up. and one of them asked me why I was not with my 
regiment, I replied. "I am wounded. General, but I mean to do what I can here. As 
the close of the hot day drew near I was terribly thirsty, and hobbled towards the old 
barn on the hill, improvised as a hospital, near which was a well. On the way I 
heard a strange, loud noise like nothing I never heard before or since. I dropped to 
the ground; it passed on as it seemed. I arose and sought the cause. I found a horse 
■which a man was leading with its head shot off, and upon examination found the 
mlssle to be a piece of railroad track which had been fired from a cannon. It was 
embedded in the ground where it finally struck. I w^ent back and informed the Colonel 
who said. "If they're shooting railroad track, they're about out of ammunition, and 
will need a new supply to keep up the fight." While in the hospital I was able to 
help alleviate the sufferings of those who were more seriously wounded than myself, 
working certain hours, and when not thus employed, was able to go outside and look 
over the battlefield. Time and space will prevent me from writing more, but I have 
a mental store house where are many incidents interesting to myself of those war 
days and war comrades. I re-enlisted in the 17th but was thrown out by the exam- 
ining surgeon. ALANSON NYE. 
See page 182 for his pictures. 



Bioyrapliical and Historical of Company C. 505, 

HOSEA B. ORMSBEE 

enlisted August 29, 1862, from the town of East Montpelier, and joined Company C at 
the age ot 22, and was tlie older of two brothers in the same company. He seemly 
was a good soldier and on hand at all times for duty for was promoted to Corporal 
January 12. 1863. He served his term of enlistment and was mustered out July 21. 1863. 
He was a brave, dashing, courageous soldier and did himself proud in battle, flinching 
not a bit when facing General Pickett's charging thousands in the valley of Plum Run, 
Gettysburg, July 3rd, 1863. Any soldier, even if the hero of a hundred battles might 
have hesitated in the crisis of this charge when crossing bayonets. The scenes were 
awful and carnage great. But the Second Vermont Brigade led by General Stannard 
wa.s too much for General Pickett, destroyed his command, killing hundreds and cap- 
turing hundreds more. See page 206 for his picture. 

WILLIAM H. ORMSBEE 

volunteered from the town of East Montpelier and counted on the quota for that town 
August 29, 1862, and united with Company C. His age was 18. Though 4 years yoimger 
than his brother, Hosea, of the same company, was as brave and alert and ready for 
duty night or day as he and no doubt rendered acceptable service. He stood the test 
and returned home and was mustered out with his regiment July 21, 1863. The war 
was still raging and this young hero was eager to try again so volunteered in February, 

1864, and in Company E, of the 17th Regiment, under his First Lieutenant George S. 
Robinson, now captain of Company E, was promoted to corporal for bravery in battle 
and in this regiment experienced many hardly contested battles, namely. Wilderness, 
Spotsylvania Court House. North Anna. Totopotanioy, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, 
Petersburg and Petersburg Mine, Weldon Railroad. Poplar Springs and Hutchins Run 
and against Petersburg April 2nd, just before General Lee's surrender. It was fight 
from the Wilderness May 5th, 1S64. to Petersburg. April 2, 1865. all the time. This 
regiment, the 17th, likely saw more desperate fighting from May, 1864, to April 2nd, 

1865, than any other Vermont regiment in the same space of time. Comrade Ormsbee 
returned to his home with a record as good as any from Vermont. He died November 
3rd, 1883 and, was buried in the Cutler cemetery. East Montpelier, Vt.. The picture 
of this gallant hero will be found on page 178. 

GEORGE E. PIERCE 

volunteered August 29, 1862, and counted on the quota of East Montpelier and joined 
Company C. Served his full term and was mustered out with his regiment at Brat- 
tleboro July 21, 1863. His age at enrollment was 25. He was a substantial citizen 
and a man of upright conduct. He was well born and taught the difference between 
right and wrong. He served his country as a duty, anxious to defend and preserve. 
Was a good soldier and acted well his part on all occasions made a good record and re- 
turned thankful that he had volunteered and joined Company C and the 13th Regiment. 
He died at Cady's Falls, Morristown, Vt., April 10, 1S96, and was buried at Elmore, 
Vt. A picture of him appears on page 214. 

SAMUEL PRATT 

was a volunteer from the town of Worcester and enrolled in Company C under Captain 
Lewis L. Coburn on the 29th of August, 1862. His age at this date was 31. Comrade 
Pratt, like nearly all from Worcester was a substantial citizen and keenly realized that 
it was a duty to respond for the army in order to put down the wicked rebellion. He 
was wounded in the battle of Gettysburg July 3, 1863, but not seriously. He was a 
good loyal soldier obedient and cautious at all times on hand and anxious to do his full 
duty. At the end of his term of enlistment was mustered out and returned home feel- 
ing he had shown his devotion and done his share in the suppression of the Rebellion. 
He resumed his occupation and place in society, taking at all times a lively Interest 
in the progress of the war. He died in Worcester, Vt., December 18, 1892, and buried 
In the cemetery at Elmore, Vt. His picture may be seen on page 182. 

CALVIN W. RICHARDSON 

I was born in the town of Vershire, Vermont on the 12th day of March, 1842. My 
father's name was John, and grandfather was one of the first settlers. Was brought 
up on a farm but did not like the business — required too much hard work to get a 
poor living. As a small boy attended school summer and winter and could read and 
write and cipher as far as the rule of three. As I grew up I rather go to school than 
work on the farm. My father said, "Work in the summer and go to school In the 
winter," so I did. I enlisted August 24, 1862, in Worcester, Vermont, at the age of 20- 



50<) I lie 'ritirtcrnth Kctjiiiiciit rcniioiit I 'oliiiilccrs 

years and 5 months, and joined Company C. We elected Lewis L. Coburn captain and 
he was a good one. We comuionrcd diilliiiK after the company was organized and was 
at it most every day till we started for Urattleboro, Vermont, to be mustered into the 
United States army. We reached Brattleboro on the last day of September and was 
mnstered in on the 10th of October and started for Washington on the 11th. I was a 
high private in the rear ranlt and carried a knapsack and gun. We camped down on 
East Capitol Hill, Washington, U. C, a few days and were organized Into a brigade 
called the Second Vermont Brigade, composed of the 12th, i:Uh, 14th, 15th and 16th 
regiments. We had a few brigade drills and a grand review and then on the last day 
of October crossed the Potomac on Long Bridge into old Virginia to do duly on the front 
picket line. We passed a place on a hill called .\rIington Heights and some of the boys 
who were up in history said it was General Lee's old home. It was a fine looking mansion 
and in plain sight of Washington. We marched this first day some ten miles and 
stopped for the night and named the place Camp Seward. Remained here a day or 
two and then turned to the h-ft and marched through Alexandria just at night and little 
beyond (•am|)td down for the night on the low banks of a little creek. The day was hot 
and the roads dusty and our guns and knapsacks grew heavy long before night and 
we all were tired and hungry and glad o£ a chance to stop and rest for the night. 
The most important event of life happened just after I enlisted, namely: 1 was mar- 
ried September 13, just two weeks and one day after I enlisted. And on this occasion 
I enrolled for life, and promised to love and protect as long as I lived. The result of 
this happy marriage was five children, a boys and two girls. I made no mistake when 
I volunteered to defend my country nor when I enlisted for life in the holy bonds of 
matrimony. 

In the spring of 1863. while in that lovely camp on the banks of the Oc- 
coqiian there was every indication of a battle between General Hooker and Gen- 
eral Lee and rumor said that we should have orders to join General Hooker's Army 
of the Potomac now on the north bank of the Rappahannock on his way to caiiture 
Richmond. Many doubted this because our time of service was near the end and 
besides we had had no experience in fighting and General Hooker would not accept 
any raw troops when about to lock horns with General Lee. We then thought General 
Hooker was the best man and we had the largest and best equipped army and many 
of our boys were anxious to go, and it was only some 30 miles to Fredericksburg and 
we could make the march in a single day if nece.'^sary. I wanted to have one genuine 
fight before I returned home. Was not satisfied with the fight we had at Fairfax 
Court House when General J. E. B. Stuart attempted to capture us on that December 
night when Colonel Randall was down at Alexandria. We heard the cannonading 
at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville when Genera! Hooker started for Richmond 
but no orders came for us to go. We heard in a day or two that General Hooker and 
his mighty army had been badly whipped by General Lee and our army was obliged 
to retreat back to the north bank of the Rappahannock. In a few days the whole 
Potomac army was on the way north to overtake General Lee and his army, who had 
gone down the valley of the Shenandoah into Maryland on their way to cai)ture Wash- 
ington. Then we were sure that a great battle was at hand and our brigade would 
likely have part and share in it, and so we did. General Stannard was now our briga- 
dier General and w-e were willing to fight wherever he might lead. It turned out 
that the boys of Company C that reached Gettysburg had a good chance to fight to their 
full satisfaction. I know I did. The long march day a<ter day in the rain and through 
mud and water was pretty hard for me and had it not been for Captain Coburn giving 
me a ride on his horse now and then could never have reached the battlefield of Gettys- 
burg. I had been sick in camp with the mumps and was in bad shape when 1 started. 
My old army shoes got filled with mud and gravel and my feet were sore and blistered 
long before we reached Edward's Ferry, where we crossed on a pontoon bridge into Mary- 
land. The captain let his boys ride his horse and he went afoot, and in this way quite 
a number of us reached Gettysburg that otherwise would have been left behind. The fight- 
ing was terrible and I was a little scared at first. It was new biisiness and the cannon 
balls came all about us bursting in the air and the pieces flying in all directions.' Samuel 
Pratt who was close to me was hit in the leg. I thought it was a hot place and mighty dan- 
gerous. I soon became a little used to the noise and exploding shells, so when down in Plum 
Run Valley using guns and bayonets and ca|)turing General Pickett's brave boys 
I for,got ali abont the danger — must have been excited. The boys w^e captured seemed 
very willing to be taken out of that slaughter pen to the rear. Company C carried 
the flags and was near them and the two big boys that carried them never flinched 
or wavered on that charge. < ild Glory was to the front flutterin.g in the breeze and never 
was in the hands of braver boys than on this occasion. It was a glorious fight and I 
am glad T was in it. See page 212 for pictures. CALVIX W. RICHARDSON. 

PLUMMER H. RICHARDSON 

I was born September 5, 1844, and enlisted on the 19th day of August, 1S62, and 
was only a few days of 18. My father was a farmer and so was I. My schooling 
was in the little red school house in my native town. I cared more for play than 



Biographical and Historical of Company C. 507 

books and hence my education was below the average of the boys of my association. 
Work at the farm did not agree with my inclination, and my father found it hard to 
make very much of a farmer of me. I was full of life and fun and was glad of a chance 
to enlist, of course I was as ignorant of what would be required of me as a soldier as 
possible. I was anxious to go and father said. "Go and be sure when in battle not to 
be shot in the back but stand by the flag and do your best," and also said, "I would 
rather never see you again than hear that you ran to the rear in time of battle." The 
battle of Gettysburg was a good place to test the courage and fighting qualities of a 
boy of IS summers. My comrades of Company C can tell which way I ran towards or 
from the enemy. The fight was a hot time and I was expecting to be shot any mo- 
ment. I had heard my mother say that the fortunes of war were with the brave and 
cowards when on the run were liable to be hit. 1 was determined to make a good 
record in action or die. I did duty from muster in October 10 to muster out July 21, 
1863, and when I returned home my father said, "You have done well and may go 
again," and I did re-enlist into Company K, 6th Vermont Volunteers, and was mustered 
out at the close of the war. The name of my wife is Ellen Richardson; children are 
Ralph and Addie, of Worcester, Vt., Lyde, Carl and Arthur, of Hard wick, Vt., and 
Clyde, of Waterbury. Vt. I did my duty in the days of war to help save my country 
and since the war in civil life have done my duty to be ready for war should occasion 
require. I am satisfied with the record made in war and in peace and if my comrades 
have all done as well then all are entitled to a medal of honor. And now Comrade 
Sturtevant. if this will answer use it and if not throw it in the fire and it will be all 
right. I know the other boys of my company will tell the thrilling incidents of Gettys- 
burg battle especially General Pickett's heroic charge, and so I will not try. 

PLUMMER H. RICHARDSON. 
Pictures of this comrade will be found on page 210. 

JOEL E. ROBINSON 

enlisted from the town of Calais and counted on the quota of that town on the 29th day 
of August, 1862, and joined Company C. His age at this time was 28. He was one of 
the best of Company C for duty as a soldier. His figure was perfect, tall, straight, 
robust, good looking and every inch first class material tor fighting or any other duty 
required in the army. The record of his service shows him present for duty from first 
to last. The Gettysburg campaign and with its long march and the battle was too 
much even for his unusual physical ability and courage. It is indeed a wonder more 
did not die from the effects of march and battle, die long before their time came. Our 
brave comrade w-as mustered out with the regiment at Brattleboro July 21, 1863. He 
came home used up and died within a few days at his home in Calais, July 28, 1863, and 
was buried in the Robinson Cemetery at Calais. The unusual attendance at his funeral 
was a demonstration of high regard for this dead soldier of the Republic. His picture 
is on page 194 of this book. 

GARDNER P. ROWELL 

was a volunteer from the town of Berlin and joined Captain Lewis L. Coburn's com- 
pany organized at East Montpelier August 29, 1862. His age at enlistment was 20. 
Brought up to the occupation of the tilling of the soil. His education was in the com- 
mon schools of his native county and limited. But like nearly all farmer boys had 
the advantage of a careful moral training by precept and example at home, a valuable 
asset for a young man as a soldier in any walk of life. Young Rowell had ever been 
taught the difference between right and wrong and was old enough to know and 
appreciate his duty in the pending conflict between secession and loyalty to the 
Union. And because of these important pre-requisites was not only a valuable but 
quite essential addition to Company C, brave boys from among the hills and valleys 
of Berlin, Calais. Worcester. Marshfield. East Montpelier and Plainfield. He was a 
model young man and acquitted himself with credit as a soldier, on hand on all occa- 
sions when called, seldom absent from roll call or in any way endeavoring to escape 
duty. Was prompt, upright, honest and generous to a fault, his last hard tack willingly 
divided with any comrade His full term of enlistment was served and was mustered 
out July 21, 1863, with the record of well done. In civil life he maintained the re- 
spectable character earned in the army. He died at Montpelier September 19. 1905, 
and is buried in Green Mount Cemetery. On page 190 will be seen his pictures. 

REUBEN ROWLEY 

was from the town of Berlin and enlisted in August, 1862, and enrolled in Company 
C. His age was 40, and yet he looked and appeared much younger. Was physically 
and mentally equipped for the calling he was about to engage In, there being only five 
older recruits in this company. Comrade Rowley was equal to the demands the service 



5o8 'Jill- 'riiirtcciith Rctjiincut l'cr)iii»\t I'/ilitiitccrs 

required and acquitted himself well on all occasions. He served his full term and 
was mustered out with his company and regiment July 21, 1863. Returned home and 
resumed his usual avocation and his duties as a citizen, thankful that he had volun- 
teered and served his country when called. He has been dead a number of years but 
just when and where cannot say. 

ALBERT SARGENT 

volunteered from the town of Marshlield, VI., in September, 18G2, and joined Company 
C. His age was 20. He was a fair average of the boys who had enlisted into the 
East Montpelier Company. Was mustered in and out of the service with his company 
and regiment. He died in Soutli Royalton, Vermont, a number of years ago, and is 
buried in that town. 

HIRAM W. SCRIBNER 

volunteered from the town of Middlesex, Vt., Sept. 8, 1862, and joined Company 0. 
His age was said to be 18, but he did not look so old, certainly appeared too young 
for the life of a soldier. He was of sufficient size and height and was active and 
anxious to become a soldier and there was an urgent demand at this date, and most 
anyone that was anxious to go was given a chance. He was a clean, fine looking boy 
and enthusiastic to join and put on the blue, carry a gun and l)e a soldier, and 
therefore passed by the medical examination and accepted. Nearly all of these young 
boys made the bravest and best and endured better than those past 40. It is true that 
yoimg Scribner was a good boy as well as a valiant soldier. He served his full term 
and was mustered out July 21, 1863, having won an enviable record and gratified his 
youthful ambition to go to the front and help us save the Union. The patriotic 
devotion still controlled the loyal heart of this youthful soldier and he volunteered 
again in August. 18C4. and joined Third Battery, Light Artillery, commanded by Captain 
Romeo H. Start, and here served till the end of the war. He moved West some years 
ago and is now residing in Atchinson, Kansas. His pieture taken in 1862 is on page 206. 

GEORGE SHATTUCK 

enrolled into the East Montpelier Company in the summer of 1862, August 29, and 
counted on the quota of that town of Berlin, Vt. His age at this time was 22. A young 
man brought up on a farm and was rugged and well calculated to make a good soldier. 
He had ever breathed the mountain air of Vermont and had inherited honesty, sobriety 
and industry. Was brought up to do right and love home and country. He was a 
good addition to Company C and performed the required duties cheerfully and well. 
Was on hand for pork and beans, hardtack and coffee and for duty when called. He 
served his time and was mustered out with his regiment at Brattleboro, Vt., July 21, 
1863.. The carnage of Gettysburg though awful, only inspired this noble young man 
to volunteer again and this time enlisted as a veteran into Company E. the 17th Ver- 
mont Regiment and here he served until the end of the war. Was wounded in the 
battle of Spotsylvania Court House May 12, 1864, but recovered and returned to the 
hills, valleys and streams and became a useful citizen. His record as a soldier was 
first class and he died much respected by all of his acquaintances. The date of his 
death is November 13, 1905. and is buried in West Hill cemetery, Chelsea, Vt. His 
picture will be seen on page 180. 

DAVID C. SILLOWAY 

volunteered August 29, 1862, from the town of Berlin and joined Company C. mustered 
Into United States service October 10, and started for the seat of war October 11, 1862, 
and was on the picket line near Bull Run battlefield early in November and remained 
in this part of Virginia on picket duty until June 2.'>. 1S63. This volunteer was 35 
years old at date of enlistment. His general appearance indicated a man of character 
and fairly well equipped for active service in time of war. He was on hand and cheer- 
fully answered every call for duty. He served his country well and never found fault. 
His courage was good and bravery sufficient for the business then on hand. He served 
out his term of enlistment and was mustered out with his regiment at Brattleboro, 
Vt.. July 21, 1863, and returned home to family and friends with duty discharged and 
a clean, valiant record attached to his name. He quickly resumed the vocation of life 
and lived happy for many years. Was exceedingly proud of his soldier life. He died 
March 2nd, 1898 and was buried in Northfield, Vt., where his brave Colonel, Francis 
V. Randall and many of his old comrades are at rest waiting for the bugle call to 
summon the brave to everlasting peace and joy. His picture will be found on page 216. 



Biographical a)id Historical of Coinpan\ C. 509 

JOSEPH SIMMONS 

was a volunteer from the town of Marshtield and joined Company C on the 29th day 
of August, 1862. His age at enlistment was 40, was a rugged, sturdy son of the old 
Green Mountain State, full of fight tor the right, and for the Union, and was anxious 
to reach the seat of war to help defend the capitol of the nation and punish the Rebels 
for hellish conduct. He was eager for an opportunity to show his devotion for the 
life of the Union, and cause of freedom. He was a soldier for his country had called 
for help and duty said go. It was business that commanded his attention. The dis- 
solution of the Union was the price of anxious solicitude for its preservation, no matter 
how great the sacrifice. He had volunteered for a single purpose and could not be 
swerved from it by prospective hardship, prison pen or death on the battlefield; all 
had been anticipated and duly considered before he left home and family. Freedom 
and Country was hanging in the balance and unless loyal men responded to Abraham 
Lincoln's urgent call for 300,000 men, the glorious land that gave him birth would surely 
pass away forever. Comrade Simmons was alert on the battlefield and gave but little 
heed to shi'apnel shell or Rebel yell, but took deliberate and deadly aim at the ap- 
proaching heroes of General Pickett's command until mortally wounded. He died at 
Gettysburg July 4. and was buried in the national cemetery at Gettysburg. 

WILLIAM SLADE 

volunteered from Middlesex. Vt., September 10, 1862, and mustered into the United 
States service October 10. 1862. His age was 42, pretty old we younger boys thought 
for soldiering, but one in Company C older and but five in the regiment. Was one of 
the stalwart, substantial men of this company. He enlisted because called and was not 
able to answer his conviction in any other way. He was a good soldier and was in the 
army for one single purpose, to fight for the preservation of the Union. Was a man of 
character, never hesitating to do his full duty regardless of consequences. He was 
mustered out when his term of enlistment expired and returned home as clean and 
upright as when he enrolled. He died some years ago and is buried at Northfield. Vt. 
On page 184 will be found a picture of Comrade Slade. 

WILLARD C. SNOW 

volunteered from the town of East Montpelier and enrolled with Company C. His age 
was 22, rather slight in stature and not a vigorous looking young man, but was 
at all times able to perform duty and never grumbled when called on. He was re- 
served and quiet and inclined to rough or uncouth. Faithfully followed the wan- 
derings of his regiment during the fall and winter of 1862-1863, and was able to stand 
the long march from Occoquan to Gettysburg. This march and battle was the true 
test of every soldier in the 13th Regiment. On the battlefield was alert, cool and 
brave. Undaunted, he met General Pickett's veterans in the valley of Plum Run and 
won the praise of his captain and comrades. He was seriously wounded on the 3rd 
day of July and died from his wounds July 19, 1863. His body was returned to Vermont 
and was buried in the Cutler Cemetery, Montpelier, Vt. He died In a glorious cause 
for a glorious country, and no man can die with more glory than he who dies on the 
field of battle for home, liberty, right and to perpetuate the just government of a 
magnanimous republic. Comrade Snow freely offered his young life on the altar of 
his country; gave up all he had and passed over and is now waiting for the survivors of 
his old comrades. The picture of this noble patriot may be seen on page 198. 

WILLIS P. STEWART 

at the age of 19 volunteered and joined Company C. Was a fine looking young man, 
and of a good family, and entered soldier life anxious to do his utmost to subdue the 
■wicked rebellion and help defend his country. It almost seemed out of place to accept 
boys so young for the hardship, danger and awful realities of army life in times of 
active warfare. But in fact they made the very best of soldiers, perhaps because 
Vermonters and enured from early boyhood in the strenuous occupations of farming 
and lumbering. The young boys of C did their part on all occasions as well as the older 
one. He was from the town of Berlin where all men and women, boys and girls were pat- 
riotic and brave. No copper-heads born in Berlin. All were solicitous for the life of 
the Union. Our comrade was struck down with fever at Camp Carusi and removed 
Into a hospital at Alexandria, Va.. where he died and was buried in the national ceme- 
tery, Alexandria, Va. A picture of this young patriot taken shortly before his sickness 
■will be found on page 194. 



jIO / /'(• 'I'hirtccnth h'n/iiiiciit I ' crtnont I ' uluntccrs 

FRANCIS F. STODDARD 

at the ago of 22 volunteered uutler I'le.sidiul Lincoln's call of August, 1SC2, for the 
300,000 nine months' men and joined Kast Montpelier Company on the 29th of August, 
and at once took his place in line and commenced to drill. His education was princi- 
pally in the common schools of his native town. Was of the class of young men that 
enlisted, prompted only by the behest of duty. It was enough for this young patriot 
to know that his coimtry was being assailed by southern leaders that were bound to 
rule or ruin. He was tall, straight, active, robust and well fitted to endure all that 
might be recpiired of him as a soldier in active campaigning. His character was well 
founded and intrenched by early training and he did not depart from rules of propri<-ty 
and honesty though a soldier. His every duty was promptly discharged and the record 
he made was worthy of the state that gave him birth. Was mustered out with his 
regiment .luly 21. 1S63 and returned home proud that he had served his country in 
her darkest day and on the hills and in the valleys of Gettysburg helped to secure a 
signal victory that saved the life of the t'nion. .A fine sijecimen of Colonel Randall's 
Green Mountain Boys, developed into a manly man and if you would see him as a 
soldier and citizen look on a jiage of this book, about 21 n. 

ALBERT S. STOCKWELL 

volunteered from the town of Calais in August, 1862, and joined Company C. His 
age at this date was 30. He presented every appearance, as well equipped physically 
and mentally for a suitable man to engage in the arduous life of a soldier during active 
warfare. The medical board said he would answer and subsequent conduct in camp 
on the picket line and march and in battle fulfilled and made good every expectation. 
He was in fact equal for all that was required of him. His old comrades do not see 
or know much of him of late. 

ARTHUR W. TAYLOR 

volunteered from the town of Berlin in .Au;r\ist. isiij, at the age of- 19, and at once 
enrolled in Company C. It was claimed that Berlin was his native town. His educa- 
tion evidently had been confined to the district schools of his native town. He seemed 
to understand full well why and for what purpose he had volunteered and w-as ready 
to go to the front and do all in his power to defend the right and preserve the Union. 
He was a good, brave young man and discharged his soldier duties in a creditable 
manner. He served his full term and received an honorable discharge from the Gov- 
ernment and returned home thankful he had served his country when its life was in 
danger. 

FRANKLIN J. TAYLOR 

volunteered from the town of Worcester August, 1862, at the age of 19, joined Com- 
pany C, and was mustered into the army October 10, 1862, and started at once for the 
seat of war. He was young, robust, with a happy disposition and yet eager for the 
life of a soldier. His heart seemed to be on fire to fight for the Union. Had no ex- 
perience, but plenty of courage and patriotism. He was large and strong for a youth 
of his age. He fulfilled the expectations and did much good under all circumstances. At 
the expiration of his term of service received an honorable discharge and returned 
to his native state proud that he had been in battle in defence of the right and preser- 
vation of the Union. See page 200 for his pictures. 

FRANCIS F. TAYLOR 

was a volunteer from the town of Jliddlesex. Vt., at the tender age of IS. He counted 
on the quota of his native town and joined Company C. 13th Regiment. He was a 
smooth faced, bright looking young man, too young for such a hard and serious life. 
It almost seemed wicked to permit such to engage in the business of killing each 
other: but as a matter of history, the young men and boys made the very best soldiers 
and stood by the stars and stripes as valiantly as the best of them. Young Taylor was 
a born patriot, ready to fight with all his might and main for the land that gave him 
birth. It was indeed a pity that he was struck down with disease and had to die before 
his time. He died April 16, 1863, heart broken because deprived of the great duty of 
a genuine soldier to contend with the enemy in the struggle of battle. The nurse said 
his last words were of the dear ones he left at home. His picture can be seen on page 
200. He died in Virginia. 

ALBERT C. TEMPLETON 

was one of the brave boys from the town of East Montpelier and volunteered in 
August, 1862, at the age as was claimed of 18, and joined Captain Lewis L. Coburn's 



BiiXjnif'liiial and llistoncal of Coiiipaiix C. 511 

Company C. He was a bright boy with a happy disposition. Evidently had been care- 
fully instructed by loved ones around the fireside at home. By nature patriotic and 
enthusiastic, an.xious to take part in defending the right. He was quite a favorite and 
all were kind to him. So far as possible he discharged the duties assigned to him. 
He served out his term and received an honorable discharge. A picture of him will 
be found on page 206. 

JOHN S. TEMPLETON 

enrolled from the town of Worcester, and counted on its quota, and joined the East 
Montpelier Company, which was when organized Company C. Young Templeton at 
date of enlistment was called IS. but likely was younger. Was a twin brother of 
Albert C. Templeton, but one had volunteered from East Montpelier and the other 
from Worcester. According to the common course of events both were born in the 
same town, and yet it is possible one was born in Worcester and the other in East 
Montpelier. These towns join and the town line might have passed through the bed- 
room in the house where these rollicking young heroes were first brought to light. 
Stranger things have happened and therefore do not see in which or in both towns 
these boys were born, either could well afford to claim the honor. They were well 
born and of fruitful parents is self evident. Both were good soldiei's and reflected honor 
and fame on the state that gave him birth. .John S.'s picture will l)e found on page 
202. Residence, Wahoo, Neb. 

CHARLES C. TEWKSBURY 

was born as he claimed in Calais, Vt., in 1S42; volunteered in August, 1862, and 
joined Company C. Was mustered into the United States service October 10, and 
started for the seat of war October 11, arriving at Washington, D. C, on the 13th. 
His age at date of enlistment was 20 and therefore born in 1842. Company C was the 
name given the company he joined. All these Calais recruits were good, raw material 
to make fighting soldiers out of and it is evident Charles C was one of the best for 
he was promoted to Corporal January 12, 1863. Was well liked by the officers as well 
as the privates. Was proud of his position, but always kind and courteous to all. 
Was on hand for duty and never shrank from it no matter how arduous or exacting. 
Was fully equal to his associates on the long, weary march and in battle. Any soldier 
that could face General Pickett's desperate charge was brave and heroic. Corporal 
Tewkesbury gallantly performed his duty throughout his term of enlistment. Was 
mustered out July 21, 1863, and retui-ned home proud of the record he made and 
thankful that he had responded when called. He remained home for a season and 
then volunteered and this time joined Company I, of the 11th Regiment, being en- 
rolled and mustered in August 30th, 1S64, and here he saw plenty of dangerous service, 
namely, Opequan, Va., Sept. 19, 1864, Fisher's Hill, Cedar Creek and Petersburg, but 
said nothing like the battle of Gettysburg. The war was now over and our valiant 
comrade was mustered out June 24, 186.5, and is now living in Worcester, Vt. May 
he live many years in this glorious and bapjjy land he so freely offered his life 
to save. His picture will be found on page 184. 

MARCUS F. TUCKER 

volunteered from the town of East Montpelier in August, 1862, and at once united 
with Company C. His age at this date was 19. He was fair looking, rather slim, and 
hardy, robust and rugged enough for a soldier in active warfare. Was enthusiastic 
and anxious to join the army and take part in the pending confiict to save and preserve 
the Union. His education was quite limited though perhaps as good as his associates 
that had no chance only in the old district schools in his native town. He was apt 
and readily acquired sufficient knowledge of military duties to enable him to fulfil 
all requirements made on him. Though cheerful and ready for fun or duty, was not 
boisterous, profane or untidy. Evidently had been carefully brought up. Was a nice 
young man and a good, brave soldier. Served his term and was mustered out July 
21, 1863. Since the Civil War has resided in Washington County, and is a respected 
citizen. His pictures taken in 1S62 and 1S72 will be found on page 178. 

HENRY W. WAKEFIELD 

volunteered from the town of East Montpelier in jiugust, 1862, and enrolled with 
Company C. His age on this date was 20. Was one of the three brothers in this com- 
pany. Henry, like his older brothers, was well disposed, and of the same suitable, raw 
material out of which the very best of fighting soldiers was quickly and easily trans- 
formed into. Christopher and William H. were first class fifers, but Henry pre- 
ferred to carry a gun and did so, and soon was one of the best shots in the regiment. 
Henry was a quiet young man, apparently well brought up, and surrounded by good in- 



51-2 I III- Thirteenth Kc(/iinc)it I'crmoit Idluntccrs 

fluences at home and in the society where he lived. A genial dlsiwsition, kind hearted, 
respectful and obedient. Was loyal to his comrades and cheerfully divided with them 
when short of rations or scrip. Physically and mentally he was well equipped for 
the business of soldiering and was just as well satisfied when on the march as in camp 
waiting for orders to move. He ever responded to duty when called and fulfilled all 
expectatiiuis. Was mustered out with his regiment July lil. 1803, and returned to his 
home with a clean record and proud of having served his country when in need. 
Comrade Wakefield volunteered again in September, 18C3, very soon after his first 
discharge and joined Company E, 17th Regiment. Was taken prisoner at Petersburg 
Mine, September 30, 1861, and died in prison at Richmond, Va., February 20, 1865. 
It is supposed his remains were interred in some of the cemeteries near Richmond 
but no authentic Information was ever received. Thousands who died in Southern 
prisons ar<> still as to place of buriel unaccounted for. See page 180 for this valiant 
hero. 

FELIX VALLEY 

voluntered from the town of Plainfield, Vt., in August, 18t)2, at the age of 23, and Joined 
Company C. Mustered in and out with his company and regiment and was given an 
honoralile dischai'Ke. Me w.'is a vigorous, liealtliy youun man, well (lualilied for a 
soldier and only required training to fit him to be one of the best. None in Company 
C donned the blue with more pleasure and greater pride than Comrade Valley. Was 
fearless and bold, and the march, picket, or any other duty was accepted as a matter 
of course and he was on hand when called. He was an active, hustling, useful soldier 
Was obedient, obliging, kind and generous. His tentmates had food and money as 
long as it lasted. His comrades remember him because of his tidy looks and cheerful 
disposition. He returned home but the war was not over and he again volunteeved 
and this time into Company I, 17th Vermont Volunteers. Was mustered in July 6, 
1864; joined his regiment in front of Petersburg, Va., and in a few days was sent 
Into the Petersburg Mine assault where he was taken a prisoner with a few others 
that escaped death in this awful blunder and carried to Salisbury, N. C, where he 
died December 1, 1864, and was interred in the National Cemetery in that place. What 
a pity that so many lost their lives by uncalled for and useless mistakes, and then in 
addition to capture think of the horrors of the prison pen at Salisbury. We can 
forgive, but to forget, never. See page 214 for the picture of this hero who died not in 
battle but far from home and friends, literally starved to death and scarcely any clothing 
to protect him from the cold blasts of Decemlier in that open prison pen of Salisbury. 
N. C. 

AMOS A. WHITING 

son of Joseph and Susan (Jennings) Whiting, was born at Calais, Vt., June 24, 1845. 
I was married in Calais, Vt., the 3rd day of August, 1868, to Cora L. Ide, of Calais, born 
January 14. 1851. Died June 30, 1899. We were blessed with four children. Ella L., 
George J., Alice E., and Bernie H. Whiting. George died May 10. 1889, and Ella L. died 
February 19, 1896. Alice and Bernie reside in Burlington, Vt. My father was born 
in Nottingham, N. H., April 1. 1802, and one of the first settlers of the town of Wood- 
bury, Vt., going to Hardwick, Vt., by marked trees for his groceries, and I enlisted 
in Calais the 24th of August, 1862, in Company C, 13th Vermont Volunteers, Captain 
Lewis Coburn. After my term of service expired I enlisted in Company I, 11th Vermont 
Regiment, and served till the close of the war. Have lived in Calais and W^olcott 
most of the time since my discharge. Farming has been my occupation. When in camp 
at Alexandria, Va., a corporal and four privates were detailed as orderlies at head- 
quarters. General Stoughton was in command of the brigade. We soon moved to 
Fairfax Court House. The general and staff established their headquarters at a brick 
house owned by Dr. Gunnell. T was told by an old negro who had always lived with 
the Doctor, and was quite well informed, that at the first battle of Bull Run a Miss 
Ford acted as aide-de-camp on J. E. B. Stuart's staff, with the rank of major and pay. 
I well remember the night Stoughton was captured, it w-as the 9th of March, .^bout 
half past two in the morning when I was aroused by a troop of cavalry gallop- 
ing by should say 25 or 30, I looked toward the telegraph operator's tent, which 
was a few rods below on the other side of the street. The flap of the tent was thrown 
back and a gun set against it. It appears that Mosby first went to Stoughton's house, 
gave the guard the countersign, which was "Abercromby." Then went to his room 
and took Prentiss. Stoughton and his orderly. Colonel Asa P. Blunt of the 12th took 
command of the Brigade with headquarters at Fairfax Station. About the 1st of May 
the 12th Vermont was ordered to Warrentown Junction. A part of the regiment 
stO[iped at Catlefs Station and the rest three miles l)eyond Warrentown Junction. 
Mosby struck a detachment of DeForesfs cavalry brigade consisting of ISO men of the 
1st 'Virginia Loyal Cavalry. I was sent down to the 12th with orders from head- 
quarters. The train arrived there a short time after the fight and the wounded men 
of Mosby's command lay on the grass around a house. The man that guided Mosby 
In there wore a black suit and fine shirt. He was shot through the heart; close by him 



Biograpliical and Historical of Company C. 513 

lay a young lad not more than 16 mortally wounded; he begged to see his mother and 
sister, but with almost his last breath he cursed the Yankees. If I remember right 
there were 20 wounded ones lying around the house. They were the first wounded men 1 
had seen and I wished I was at home for they seemed to be very careless with fire- 
arms. It was my misfortune to be on the train the 30th of May, a supply train loaded 
with forage for the cavalry at Rappahannock Station at or near Catlet's Station. 
Mosby derailed the train; a young lad, I do not remember his name, had a supply of 
sutler's goods to sell the boys. We both jumped at the same time, but he broke his 
leg but crawled into the bushes and escaped being captured. He said they ate and 
took away all of his supplies, but forgot to pay him. Mosby destroyed the train, but 
was closely followed by the 1st Vermont Cavalry and 5th New York and the howitzer 
was captured. It was just right for a fourth of July celebration. Many of Company 
C have gone over the river. They sleep beneath the shadows of the clouds, careless 
alike of the sunshine or storm, each in the windowless palace of rest. 

A. A. WHITING. 
ORSON WOODCOCK 

son of Peter and Eliza Woodcock, was born in Danville, Vermont, January 5th, 1833. 
My father was born in Marshfield and my grandfather, Ebenezer Woodcock, was also 
an inhabitant of Marshfield. I was married to Ruth Austin, of Marshfield in 1857, and 
one child was born to us, a boy, who died at the age of three years. For the past 
thirty-seven years we have lived in Randolph, which is my post-office address. I am 
now 72 years of age and my wife is 65. I enlisted August 25th, 1862, from Marshfield, 
Vermont, and served in Company C, 13th Vermont Volunteers, being discharged July 
21st, 1863. Occupation at enlistment and for the past 50 years a carpenter and 
builder. Being a carpenter I was detailed to go to Brattleboro to help build barracks 
for the soldiers, then was sent back to my regiment, and went to Washington, where 
I was again detailed to work on hospitals part of the time and for the rest did camp 
and picket duty. I was on guard duty at East Capitol Hill a very rainy and windy 
night; the rain did not come down from the sky, but came sideways so I had my boots 
full of water in a short time. That night I caught a severe cold and at the time of 
the so called Randall's raid. I could not find the surgeon to get excused so I followed the 
regiment to Union Mills. I could not march the next morning and was taken to the 
hospital and when I was better I was detailed to work in the hospital and stayed with 
them until mustered out at Brattleboro, Vt., July 21, 1863. I well remember when 
20 of our horses were captured by Mosby's men, when we were on our way to Fairfax 
Station for supplies, leaving us without horses; we went down in Prince Williams 
county the next day and took 42 horses from the plows and harrows of the rebels. 
This giving us a goodly number I had one to ride to Mount Vernon. I was connected 
with the hospital nearly all the time until discharged. Though not in any battle I 
am sure I saw and experienced the saddest part of army life. Many were sick, re- 
quiring constant care and many died. ORSON WOODCOCK. 

WILLIAM W. WILLEY 

volunteered from the town of Berlin in August, 1862, and joined Company C, at the 
age of 45. He was too old, but a vigorous appearing man and stood the test of march, 
camping out doors, and picket line as well as younger men. Was a reliable, civil and 
a good substantial citizen at enlistment. He found no fault and fell into line promptly 
when called. Served out his term and received an honorable discharge July 21, 1863. 
His record was good and no fault to he found in any place. Was brave and cool, and 
not afraid to face death in a charge. The war was not over and Comrade Willey 
volunteered again and this time into Company H, 11th Vermont Regiment in January, 
1864, and counted this time on the quota of Marshfield. He had an opportunity to see 
plenty of fighting while in the 11th, and it is presumed he did. Was not in the 11th, 
BO cannot say If present in the battles of Cedar Creek and Petersburg. He was 
mustered out at the close of the war and returned home and settled down and re- 
sumed business as before. He died at Montpelier, Vt., September 15, 1880, and Is 
interred in the cemetery at Northfleld, Vt. A picture will be seen of him on page 208. 

EDWIN L. WRIGHT 

volunteered from the town of Middlesex, Vermont, and counted on its quota. Enrolled 
in Company C, in August, 1862, at the age of 27. He had duly considered the subject 
since the firing on Fort Sumter and keenly felt it a personal duty to join the army, 
and as soon as President Lincoln made his urgent call of August 4th for 300,000 men 
for nine months, hesitated no longer, made as far as he could all arrangements to 
provide for the future in case he did not return. The second Bull Run battle had 
been fought and General Lee had invaded Maryland on his way to capture Washington. 
There was occasion for serious apprehension and President Lincoln and his cabinet 



514 '■"''' I'liii'ti'i'iitli Nrijiiiii-iit I'riiiioiil roluiitrcrs 

were doing their utmost to summon troops to Washington to defend the Capitol City 
from capture. It was thought 300. 000 with those in the field woiild suddenly subdue 
the rebellious enemy and enforce peace. I'nder this call five Vermont regiments were 
quickly enrolled and eiiuipped and sent to Washington. The 13th Regiment was one 
and within GO days was recruited and on the outer picket line near Bull Run battlefield 
doing picket duty as full fledged soldiers. Enlistment at this time was slow for the 
war cloud hung over the land dark and forboding. Thousands had been slain in battle 
and thousands had succumlied to disease. Only the brave came forward under this 
call and hence the 12th, ]3th, 14th, l,^th and 16th regiments were made up from the 
best material in Vermont. Comrade Wright realized the situation, left home and 
family that he might aid in the suppression of rebellion and save the Union. He was 
of the type that was ready to fight for the right. He was in deed a faithful and valiant 
soldier and acquitted himself with much credit, received an honorable discharge and 
returned to his home very iiro\id of the fact that he had assisted in defending home 
and country. Comrade Wright moved West and died at Anamoose, North Dakota, 
June 7, 1901. Look on page ISO for the pictures of Comrade Wright. 

HARPER A. DENMAN 

volunteered from the town of Watt-rbury, Vt., in August, 1862, and joined Company I. 
But for some reason do not recall what, was on the next day after muster into the 
United States service, transferred from Company I to Company C. We of Company 
C knew nothing of him prior to muster in and it would have been better if Comrade 
William W. Holden. historian of Company 1, should have written of this comrade. He 
was at time of enrollment 42 and in fact too old for the business we were then about 
to engage in. Company I had more than its full complement in its ranks and likely 
this circumstance led to the transfer of Comrade Denman to Company C. Cannot say 
where born or comment on his early life or education. We of Company C cordially 
extended the hand of fellowship and gave an aged comrade a place among us. and 
endeavored to make matters pleasant and homelike. Comrade Denman was entitled 
to our respect because of age and his anxiety to take part in the pending conflict. 
He was a faithful soldier and performed his several duties acceptably and had an 
intelligent comprehension of the reasons that precipitated the war. Was patriotic 
in devotion to maintenance of the Union. Never faltered in face of danger or duty 
of any kind. Served his full term and was mustered out with the regiment July 21, 
1S63, and given an honorable discharge and returned home proud that he had had 
an opportunity to serve his country when assailed by a wicked force within. Of his 
career since the war I have no definite information. Has been dead for some years. 

CALVIN NOURSE 

was one of the stalwart young men of the town of Calais and volunteered about 
August 29, 1862, and joined East Montpelier Company on the day of its organization. 
His age was at this time 27, a suitable time in life to engage in any strenuous calling 
or vocation. He enjoyed good health, rugged nature, an even temper, generous dis- 
position and a liberal supply of inborn common sense. He was not changeable like 
the wind, but on all questions of right and wrong his views were as fixed as the hills 
of his native town. Was not opinionated and called no man a fool because he did 
not agree with him even on the all important questions of the impending conflict 
between the North and South. From youth he had been taught to revere the Constitu- 
tion and the inalienable rights it conferred, and because of the attempt of certain 
Southern leaders to overthrow the government and destroy the Union felt impelled to 
volunteer and fight for its preservation. Comrade Nourse took up the work and busi- 
ness of soldier life with energj- and determination to fit himself as well and quickly 
as possible, the better to be ready to meet the enemy in the crisis of battle' realizing 
that death was the awful price of the battlefield. He was a good soldier and yet 
loved peace and hated war. Would not be swerved from the path of right and duty, 
but with his life would defend the principles secured by the constitution. These views 
induced our brave comrade to enlist, and made him a valuable and valiant soldier. 
He was always on hand and ready and acquitted himself like a true man and patriot. 
Served his full term and was mustered out with his regiment and resumed the pursuits 
of civil life until his death. May 10, 1894, and is buried in the cemetery at Kent's 
Corners, Calais. May we never forget our brave comrade who gave up all to fight 
for the union. He fought not for glory, wealth, or renown, but only for the preserva- 
tion of the glorio\is Reimblic. 




SEROT. IlKNIiV 0. CLARK, 
icstiT. Yt. K.-ist (»r;iiitri'. X. J. 

Ilistoriiius of Coiupauy D. 13tli N't. \'iils. 



SEKGT. .TOIIX H. LYOX 
( 



Biographical and Historical 



CO. D 



Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers 



CIVIL WAR 1861-1865 



Dedicated to the loving memory of our brave hero, William March, slain 
in the battle of Gettysburg, July 3rd, 1863. 



Biogyaphical and Historical of Company D. 519 



THE CONDENSED HISTORY OF COMPANY D. 



WHEN the call of Abraham Lincoln came August 4th, 1S62 for 3UU,U00 men to serve 
tor nine months to fill the depleted ranks of the Union army, our state pro- 
posed to send a brigade of five full regiments. Immediately following the 
proclamation of the Governor, the towns of Colchester and Milton called town meet- 
ings, and appointed recruiting officers. These in two weeks enlisted forty-seven men 
in Colchester and thirty-seven in Milton. 

The recruits assembled at the village of Winooski in Colchester, elected officers 
and became Company D of the I3th Vt. Regiment. The Company was filled by the 
addition of ten men from Essex. Richmond. South Hero and Bolton. William D. 
Munson, of Colchester, was unanimously elected captain. He was twenty-nine years 
of age; a man of charming personality and a graduate of Norwich Military Insti- 
tute, consequently familiar with military tactics and regulations. The rest of the 
company, with two exceptions, were entirely ignorant of military drill, discipline 
or usages. Milton, having thirty-seven recruits, was considered as entitled to the 
second commission. On recommendation of the Milton boys, and in opposition to 
his wish, George Bascom was elected first lieutenant. He was thirty-one years of 
age, having been for some years a merchant at Milton he had had an opportunity 
to study human nature, which as a commander of a company of boys was a great 
advantage. While ignorant of everything military, he was quick to learn and far 
seeing to decide for the best interests of the company. He possessed sound common 
sense and grew in popularity as he became better known. Later as captain of the 
company he was a valued officer and on our discharge no one was more beloved 
by his men or respected by the regiment at large. John M. Rolfe, of Colchester, 
was elected second lieutenant. He like the rest was devoid of military training, 
but like all was quick to learn, and by his unfailing good nature became a popular 
member of the company. 

Those comprising Company D were mostly of Vermont birth and came mainly 
from the farm, though the professions of law and medicine were represented, as 
also the various trades. They averaged less than twenty-two years of age, ana 
they enlisted entirely from patriotic impulses. Promise of a large bounty, preferment 
in rank, or fear of a draft did not enter into the matter in the least degree. Young, 
resolute, fearless, in perfect health and filled with patriotic ardor, they entered the 
army with a fixed resolution to do their full duty under any and all circumstances, and 
this resolve remained with them till their discharge. After the formation of the 
Company it was quartered at Winooski awaiting orders. The days were passed in 
drill and instruction, and most of the nights in visits to their friends and newly 
formed acquaintances in the village and vicinity. When ordered to the State Camp 
at Brattleboro, the Company was in better condition as to drill, and the first lessons 
in soldierly conduct than probably any other of the regiment. The tew days there 
were spent in equipping in blue, obtaining the necessary arms and in battalion 
drill. 

October 10th the Regiment was sworn into the service of the United States 
and on the following day started for the front. Of its reception in Jersey City, 
Philadelphia and Washington, the regimental history will tell. Company D passed 
through the vicissitudes and privations common to the service, and which were 
endured with that cheerfulness which comes from the knowledge that such were to 
be expected in a soldier's life. 

Many amusing incidents, and some pathetic ones occurred, which can be said of 
all the companies. Company D did neither more nor less than others of the regiment. 
It was always ready when called and it was well understood by the officers commanding 
the regiment that it could be depended on in an emergency. 

The social life of the company was one of its best features. It was as one family. 
The interests of one was the interest of all. Dissensions and quarrels were unknown. 
Each helped his comrade and many friendships were formed that have endured to 
the present day, becoming stronger as the years pass away. To make Individual 
mention, when all were good, would seem improper. 

While there was more or less of sickness caused by change of form of living, 
exposure, etc.. the health of the company was uniformly good. AVhile it was not 
considered that the men were In better physical condition than those of the other 
companies, they were certainly more fortunate. The regiment lost by death, from 
disease, during time of enlistment, fifty-three men. Of these, one was from Company D. 
From the regiment there were discharged for disability seventy-three men. Of these 
five were from Company D, showing the loss from this Company to have been less 
than from any of the other nine companies. 



520 The Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers 

After the Gettysburg Campaign the regiment returned to Brattleboro and were 
mustered out July 21st, 1863. Company D returned the following day to Wlnooski, 
from whence they had gone, and were there met by the entire population escorted to 
the church, in the basement of which they were presented with a hearty welcome and 
a bountiful supper. Whether those assembled to meet them were more glad than 
those returning home from the campaign, would be difficult to determine. The day 
following, the members of the company returned to their homes. 

Of the survivors at this writing, forty-two, more than one-half remain citizens of 
Vermont. The balance are living in thirteen of the United States they helped to 
preserve. In nearly every individual case the survivors of Company D are prominent 
and respected citizens In the community in which they reside. 

Serot. Hbsby O. Clabk. 
GEORGE BASCOM. 

was bom in Milton, Vt., November 19. 1S3U. and was the only son of Lewis and 
Caroline Washburn Bascom. He was educated in the common schools finishing with 
a course at Fairfax Academy. His life was spent in Milton, excepting only the term 
of service in the 13th Vt. Regiment. In 1S62 he was engaged in the mercantile business 
at Milton Falls. At the call of President Lincoln for more men in July 1862, he was 
one of the first in the town to enlist. In the formation of the company some of those 
that knew him suggested to him that he take the office of lieutenant. To this he 
objected, claiming that he had no knowledge of military life or tactics whatever — and 
there were others who had some experience in the 1st regiment. His friends per- 
sisted, claiming that while he might be then ignorant of the requirements, he could 
learn, that he was older than many of the boys, and that he was possessed of cool, 
sound judgment, a qualification that might be of the first importance. He finally 
acquiesced and was elected first lieutenant, and. commanding the company during most 
of its time, fully justified all that had been claimed for him. Courteous to all, careful 
of his men. and to see that they were provided for. firm in discipline, and rigid in the 
full execution of his duty, he received and had the affection, and the respect, not only 
of his company, but of the whole regiment. He was promoted captain of company D 
In 1863. No better officer, or more perfect gentleman in the 13th Vt. than Captain 
George Bascom. 

After the discharge of the regiment he returned to Milton and resumed the busi- 
ness he had previously been engaged in. He married in 1S6.T Clara E. Clark, of Milton, 
and died February 17. 1874. leaving a widow but no children surviving. H. O. C. 

JOHN HOVEY LYON 

the subject of our sketch, was born In Colchester. Vt.. April 4th. 1840. His father 
was one of the substantial farmers of the town, and his boyhood days were spent, as 
were those of a majority of the members of the regiment, on the farm, where he fulfilled 
all the duties incumbent on the boy of that period, interspersed with the pleasures 
that belong to that favored class. He received a common school and academical edu- 
cation, and when the call came for 300.000 more soldiers, among the first to enlist 
with those, that later, were formed into company D. He was appointed corporal 
which place he filled so satisfactorily not only to his superior officers, but to his com- 
rades, that when a vacancy occurred he was promoted to be a sergeant and. as such, 
served till the regiment was discharged at the expiration of its term of service. Quiet 
and unassuming, but always willing and cheerful, he was one of the most popular 
men in the company and one of those who are more liked as they are better known. 

After his discharge he returned to his home, and December 9th. 1S63, was married 
to May A. Day, sister of his friend and tentmate, Mark Day, of company D. She died 
May 14th. 1877, leaving three children, only one of whom now survives. Some years 
later he married Clara E. Bliss, of Colchester, who with their three children now com- 
prise the happy family circle. Three years ago he sold the farm where he had lived 
so many years and removed to the village where within two miles of his birthplace 
he now resides a respected and honored citizen. In 1S92. soon after the organization of 
the 13th Vt Regiment Association he was elected its secretary and every years since to 
1906, he has been unanimously re-elected to that responsible position. His work in 
this connection has been arduous and untiring and to him especially, and more than 
to any other member, is due to-day. the standing of the Association as the best in the 
state. Two years ago he was elected assistant judge of the Chittenden county court, 
which position he now fills with honor, to the state and to himself. In all places and 
at all times his integrity, honesty of purpose, and loyalty to his friends, his state and 
his country, has never been questioned. 

The writer of this sketch, having known Judge Lyon as schoolmate, comrade and 
Intimate friend for a period extending over fifty years, may truly be said to know 
the "facts whereof he writes." H. O. C. 



Biographical and Historical of Company D. 521 

SERGT. HENRY 0. CLARK. 

Sergeant of Company D. only son of Orville M. and Martha (Pullam) Clark, was born 
In Milton, Vt., 1844. He was educated in the common schools of his native town, and 
in the academies of Swanton and Georgia, Vermont, He graduated in the Commercial 
College at Buffalo, New York, In 1861 he was a clerk in a store in Chicago. When 
President Lincoln called for more men in 1862, he gave up his clerkship and returned 
to Milton, Vermont. There, at a town meeting, he was appointed a recruiting officer, 
and enlisted a part of Company D, 13th Vermont Regiment. Upon the organization 
of the company, he was made a sergeant, and served as such until the regiment was 
mustered out. During the winter of 1862-3, the regiment was picketing the outer 
defences of Washington, on the line of the Occoquan river and its chief tributary. 
Mosby's guerillas had become very troublesome tliere; many of them resided in the 
vicinity and knew certain fords on the river, and all the by-ways beyond it, of 
which we were ignorant. The inhabitants were disloyal. Rebel guerillas could make 
their way through, and operate within our lines without our knowledge. It they were 
confronted or pursued by a superior force, they would evade it and scatter like young 
partridges, disappearing as if by magic, hidden in the homes of the disloyal inhabitants. 
The Second Vermont Brigade. Wyndham's Cavalry and other Union troops were kept 
out of winter quarters, and were on the qui vive during the entire winter, watching 
Mosby and his freebooters. Notwithstanding our utmost vigilance, they captured our 
Brig. Gen. Stoughton, who was twelve miles distant from us at the time, but within 
our lines, at the headquarters of Wyndham's Cavalry whose commander they were 
seeking to capture, when they got General Stoughton. They also stealthily captured 
our regimental teams, when on their way for supplies, within our lines. Under 
the military system then in vogue, the utmost sagacity and vigilance of the Union 
forces could not prevent their successful raids. Our government accorded the homes 
of these disloyal inhabitants during war the same rights that are guaranteed to every 
home within its boundaries in times of peace. The next year all this was changed. 
This section of Virginia was embraced in General Sheridan's Military Department. 
Martial Law governed. Every house was searched and every male inhabitant capable 
of bearing arms was arrested and treated as a prisoner of war. All forage on which 
guerillas could subsist their horses, was captured or burned, and Mosby's occupation 
was gone. 

Under the mistaken policy of the Government during our term of service in Vir- 
ginia, we were struggling with the impossible; but we did the best we could. Early 
in the spring of 1863. Colonel Randall appointed Sergeant Clark to command a party 
of scouts, carefully chosen from among those deemed best fitted to perform that duty, 
and sent them to operate within Confederate territory beyond the Occoquan River. 
They were ordered to report to him twice a week anytliing they saw or heard in respect 
to the enemy or his operations. Several of these scouts were soon captured, and Sergeant 
Clark's command was reduced to two — himself and one other — who had become a neces- 
sity to the natives by keeping their clocks in repair. When the spring campaign opened, 
Mosby and his guerillas were called to operate on other fields, and all that remained 
of the native population were old men, women and children. Sergeant Clark and his 
scout now enjoyed a greater measure of peace and safety. Mars had yielded the field 
to Venus. The scouts had acquired horses and spent their time in visiting among the 
natives and having a general good time beyond our linew. They organized riding 
parties, in the enjoyment of which the old men and children are not supposed to have 
participated; but they kept a keen eye out for anything suggesting danger to them- 
selves or their country, and the survival of these two boys, under conditions that had 
overwhelmed their comrades, demonstrated that they had keen eyes. 

M'hen the Regiment was ordered to change camps from Wolf Run Shoals to Occo- 
quan, Va., Sergeant Clark was notified. His tent, like all others, housed an accumula- 
tion of articles calculated to increase the civilizing comforts of life. He disliked either 
to abandon these or to carry them the required distance. Both camps were on the 
Occoquan River, and he conceived the idea of transporting them by water. He easily 
obtained tlie consent of his military superiors to his project, for no officer or soldier in 
his regiment had ever been known to refuse Sergeant Clark anything he wanted, within 
(or beyond) the bounds of reason. He now commenced the study of navigation. He 
had no boat and could neither buy, beg, borrow or capture one; tlierefore. he had to 
build one. He selected men for a crew who knew something of woodcraft, and could 
use an axe. He transformed them into ship carpenters, and his transport was soon 
completed. Her bottom was lier only deck, there were no cabins. Her architect never 
designed her as a home for luxurious indulgence. When liis regiment broke camp, his 
household divinities and those of his men, were put on board, and his transport started 
down the river, manned by Sergeant (now I Commander Clark and his crew. It was 
their maiden effort in navigation. They knew nothing whatever of the river below 
them — of its tortuous, treacherous channels, its rocks, shoals, whirlpools, cataracts, or 
falls, or whether they would encounter Confederates along its south bank; but they 
were as cheerful and reckless a lot of young dare-devils as ever sailed. 



522 The Thirteenth Regiment Vermont I'oluntecrs 

After a time these navigators disiovcn-d cavalrymen on a i)roniontory on the 
south bank. Confederates were often disguised in our uniforms; and when the boat 
neared that head-land, the troojiers ordered her crew to conic ashore. This order was 
not complied with. t)ut the "sailors" "talked off", and alleged one pretext and another, 
until the curi-ent carried them wiOl under the i)rojccting rocks of the shore; then they 
told the cavalrymen to go to a place more celebrated for heat than comfort. The 
current bore them along past the ledge where it veered to the south and nearly landed 
them upon the bank where the troopers stood with loaded carbines, cocked, aimed, and 
ready to fire; and they had to land. Their captors proved to be a picket of Union 
Cavalry, to whom satisfactory explanations were soon made, and our skipi)er8 were 
allowed to resume their voyage. Further on. the distant sound of falling waters broke 
upon their ears, and caused them to deliberate. None of them linew whether the river 
fell, there, ten or forty feet; they could only guess from its roar. The Commander 
and a minority of his crew projiosed to sail straight on and take the chances. The 
majority were exceedingly anxious to land above the falls. 

They said that, judging from the uproar ahead, there must be rapids and falls on 
which they would come to grief and lose their guns, baggage, boat and perhaps their 
lives. They proposed to land and unload the boat above the falls, and promised to 
carry the cargo over the hills to a point below, where the Commander and the only 
one of his crew who endorsed his views on navigation could go ahead with the boat 
and wait for them. The boat was accordingly put ashore and relieved of a majority 
of her crew and most of her cargo. During her voyage hitherto she had often been 
strained near to the breaking point, and her condition as now revealed made it plain 
to her occupants that she had not been modelled after the design of Russian Ice Break- 
ers, for service in Northern seas; but her Commander and his etiually reckless mate, 
seated in her stern, pushed her into the current, and started down the river. The 
swift flowing waters carried them quickly around a curve and into the rapids. There 
they lost control of their craft. They saw before them a perpendicular fall of about 
ten feet over a natural rock dam. They confronted the inevitable! But these daring 
spirits neither feared their fate nor attempted to raise any question with the inevitable. 
Each tried to keep the boat straight ahead, as they sped down the rapids, intending to 
take the fall "head on." But fortune, that is said to favor the brave, (and sometimes 
the reckless) averted the catasrophe that such sailing would have invoked. Just on 
the verge of the fall the boat hit a rock, swung half around, and went over, broad-side 
on, and right side up. Filled with water, she was swept down the rapids below-. Having 
taken that "drop"? our navigators made no further efforts to save their vessel. Such 
efforts would have been vain. Shipwreck was inevitable and imminent I As if a 
Virginian Sesesh River-God. angered because an unchristened Yankee Craft had "in- 
vaded the sacred" waters of the Occoquan. determined to end her voyage, had seized 
the helm, and after steering her safely past a dozen boulders in as many rods, ran her 
upon a rock "head on." and like Oliver Wendell Holmes' "One Boss Shay." she went 
to pieces in a second. The wreck, in many fragments, the Commander and his mate, 
went down the river separately. About twenty rods below the place where they had 
so suddenly and unceremoniously parted company with their boat, they managed to 
reach the shore. They were decorated with many contusions and wet to the skin. 
Except for these trifles their recent immersion seemed not to have affected them 
"spiritually" or otherwise, or even to have dampened their cheerfulness. They felicitat- 
ed themselves upon having water-proof match boxes, and were able to start a fire. 
Before the arrival of their over-burdened comrades, they had dried their clothes, and 
were ready tor any further adventure that might offer. Night coming on. they cooked 
a hearty supper to which they did full justice. They discussed their adventures of the 
day around their camp fire and finally, without posting any guard or taking the least 
precaution against surprise or danger, these fearless boys stretched themselves on the 
ground near their fire, in plain view of the Secessionist on the ojiposite bank, and slept as 
soundly and with as little concern for their personal safety as they could have done 
in the cosey and comfortable bed-rooms of their paternal homes in Vermont. After 
breakfast next morning they went back from the river to the road over which their 
regiment had marched, and found it making camp about a mile below. 

Several of their comrades went with them to the river and helped to bring in 
their baggage. They had. at least, succeeded in changing camps without heavy march- 
ing, carrying, or abandoning their baggage. And. from their view point, they had en- 
joyed a good time. 

Comrade E. O. Johnson who died in Colchester in the fall of 1902 was (except 
Colonel Clark I the last survivor of this boating party. 

Commander Clark's argonauts were disbanded, and he resumed the pleasures and 
perils of scouting beyond the lines. He continued to perform this service until his 
regiment started on its Gettysburg campaign, when he returned to duty with his Com- 
pany, participated with it in the battle of Gettysburg, and the hardships and sufferings 
incident to that series of desperate forced marches by which the 13th Vermont Regi- 
ment reached that battlefield. 



Biographical and Historical of Company D. 523 

There is elsewhere recorded, in this history, an account of the valuable and humane 
services Sergeant Clark rendered a disabled comrade on his journey from Baltimore, 
Md., to Brattleboro. Vt., where the 13th Vermont Regiment was mustered out. 

In the fall of 1S64 he went to New Orleans, and was for two years employed by a 
firm of wholesale grocers and cotton factors of that city. He then returned to Ver- 
mont and engaged in merchandising in Milton as a member of the firm of Ladd & 
Clark. He sold out his business in Milton in 1871; went to New York and became a 
member of the Importing House of Davis, Clark & Co., where he prosecuted a success- 
ful business until 1S86, when he retired. In 1878, at Jlilton, Vt., he was married to 
Miss Kate Clark Rixford, with whom and three daughters he is now living at East 
Orange, N. J. His loyalty to Vermont lias been as unvarying as her mountains. She 
has been the Mecca of all his pilgrimages. He has large property interests in the State, 
and always maintains a home in his native town. There is no more enthusiastic or 
devoted member among the survivors of the 13th Vermont Regiment than Colonel 
Henry O. Clark. He was president of the Regimental Association and of the Committee 
and of the sub-committee on Regimental Monument, the erection of which was largely 
due to his exhaustless energy and intelligent and persistent efforts and liberality, ably 
seconded by his co-workers on the subcommittee. He is a member of Lafayette Post, 
G. A. R., New York, and has held various positions in the G. A. R. and is now president 
of the Association of the 1st Army Corps. Two facts in this sketch must have attracted 
the attention of the most casual reader. No consent to navigate the Occoquan River 
was given to any other, and no general consent could have been given without in- 
volving results that no regimental commander could have sanctioned. Ergo, Sergeant 
Clark was a favorite with his military associates. Scouts wear their uniforms and 
are not disguised; but, except one other whose skill had made him a necessity to the 
natives, Sergeant Clark was the only one they tolerated. He was therefore a favorite 
also with Virginians. 

I shall attempt no analysis of this record, or comment further upon it. But, It I 
were to picture my own ideal of the best type of a Green Mountain Boy nearing his 
majority, I would present a healthy, vigorous, strong limbed, broad shouldered, full 
chested, strong spined, broad headed, rosy cheeked, stalwart, athletic specimen; clear 
eyed, patriotic, intelligent, honest, fearless, active and brave; endowed with fortitude, 
courage, invention, enterprise and strong common sense. 

A pessimist seems like one, who having a choice between two evils, takes them 
both. 

My Green Mountain Boy is no pessimist. He is cheerful, hopeful, confident, and 
always expects that good will come. If ill comes instead he makes the best of it. His 
politeness does not consist in the adoption of certain set rules and ceremonial forms; 
it wells up from the basis of all true politeness-natui'al goodness of heart. It is a 
pleasure to him to be kind and helpful to others. By the most eminent authority, 
therefore, he never lacks friends — "he shows himself friendly". Every survivor of 
the 13th Vermont Regiment will easily recognize one of the originals of this picture. 
It is for the general reader to determine whether it is discernable in the foregoing record. 

During the battle of Gettysburg there were none in his regiment who fought more 
bravely, or entitled themselves to more glory than Sergeant Henry O. Clark. And the 
13th Vermont Regiment fought desperately on that field, and history accords it much 
glory. 

S. F. BROWN. 

Note — While the writer was tracing this sketch (Feb.. 1903) Colonel Henry O. 
Clark wa"! enjoying a winter cruise on the Mediterranean with members of his family, 
but there is no data at hand to show that lie is commanding the shij). The writer 
sincerely wishes for him and his family Bon Voyage! in which all the survivors of the 
13th Vermont Regiment earnestly join. 

S. F. BROWN. 
J. F. DENSMORE. 

Among the killed or fatally wounded in Company D at Gettysburg, was Sergeant 
Julius F. Densmore. No better man served in the company than he, nor any that were 
more universally esteemed. He was a fine physique of about 170 pounds, rugged and 
healthy, abounding always in good nature and of a uniform sunny temperament. His 
age was about twenty-five. His intercourse with all the members of the company was 
most friendly and companionable, but especially so with Captain Munson and Lieutenant 
Rolfe in whose neighborhood he was raised and with whom his youth and early man- 
hood were spent. 

With the exception of an accident before Gettysburg was reached his service was 
in no way different from others. This accident in which he nearly lost his life was 
the accidental discharge of a revolver in the hands of Captain Basconi at Camp Carusi, 
Va. The ball took effect near the top of his forehead and ploughed a furrow across 
the head under the scalp. The wound under the skill of Surgeon Nichols soon healed 
and Densmore was able to march to Gettysburg with the regiment where he was 
destined to receive another wound of a more serious character. In the afternoon of 



524 The Thirteenth Regiment I'ennont I'olunteers 

the third day of the battle while the regiment was luoviug iu the execution of the 
order "change front forward on first eoniiiany". Sergeant Densuiore fell forward on his 
face. The writer saw Lieutenant Hlbbard raise him sufficiently to see who had fallen 
and heard hlni say "poor Jule" and we passed on. After the repulse of the enemy at 
this point he was seen to have raised himself to a sitting posture and leave was granted 
at once to remove him from the field. His wound was a shattered sliull by a fragment 
of an exploded shell. He was able after a few days to be taken home to his parents 
In Colchester, Yt.. where he died August 31st, 1S63. 

His funeral was attended by most of the members of Company D. An impressive 
service was conducted by his pastor. Rev. Samuel Whiting and his remains were borne 
to the grave by his comrades with sincere grief. And now each year as we place flag 
and flowers on his grave he appears in our meiuoiy as wo Ivnew him in his rugged man- 
hood and we say "poor Jule." 

JOHX H. LYON. 
LEON H. DRAKE. 

I received your letter requesting every member of the old Thirteenth Vermont 
Yolunteers to write something for the history you ai-e preparing, and take pleasure In 
sending you some memories of forty-one years ago. One morning in May. when we 
were encamped on the Occoquau River our wagons started out to go to Fairfax Station 
for rations. When going through a piece of woods our horses and men were captured 
by Jlosby's guerillas who bore them oflf into rebeldom, leaving us to go hungry for the 
want of hard tack and sow belly. This raised the wrath of our old fighting Colonel 
Randall and he vowed he would have as many horses from the rebels as they had; 
taken from us. He called for a hundred volunteers, ordered them to make a raid into 
the enemy's country and not to return until we had the necessary number of horses. 
Vfe left camp in the early morning on foot with a few cavalry lueu, traveled fast as 
possible, taking as many horses as we could find. About noon I saw a man working 
■with a team about a half mile from the road. Colonel Munson was riding near me — 
I asked permission to get the horses taking a young man with me — cannot remember 
his name or company. \Ye climbed fences, crossed fields and came up to our friend 
Johnny who was dragging in wheat. After passing the time of day to make it easy to 
approach him. 1 asked him to loan us his horses to ride into the country, which we 
knew he would not do. He said "No, 1 am late getting iu my wheat and besides you 
will not bring them back." 1 replied that we would return them if we came back that 
■way, that we were tired out and must have them. 1 then asked him to unhitch his 
team, which he flatly refused to do. 1 then handed my gun to my comrade telling 
him to watch Johnny while 1 look the harness from the horses, threw it upon the 
ground, climbed upon the fine bay mare and my comrade took the other horse. We 
bade good bye to our friend Johnny as we rode away — leaving him still hanging on to 
the lines and damning the Yanks from away back. I then rode up to his house and 
asked a woman standing In the door for their saddle, but she said they had no saddle. 
There was a small piece of carpet on the floor by the door, which she allowed me to 
take, but ■svith a look that nearly froze me to the horse. We then started over fields 
and fences as fast as the horses could take us to catch up witli the rest of the boys — we 
found them halted making coffee. By this time they had found quite a number of 
horses and mules, but the boys who were not so fortunate as to have any were well 
tired out — the Colonel said they could remain to await our return while we would 
press farther on into rebeldom. We dashed down the road as fast as we could go. I 
had been riding all this time with no saddle and must say 1 felt as though 1 were 
sitting on a lot of sharp pointed tacks. 1 looked at every plantation for a saddle — was 
bound to have one if it could be found. Soon 1 noticed a large plantation about a 
mile away, I asked Sergeant Henry 0. Clark of Company D. who was so fortunate as 
to have both horse and sjtddle to ride with me over to this place. We left the command 
and started across the fields. A man who was standing in the yard as we drew near 
ran around the house. We ran our horses up to the house, asked a little boy about ten 
years old where they kept the saddle, he replied, "up stairs." I told him to get it quickly 
which he did. As 1 was about to put the saddle upon the horse a woman appeared and 
grabbed hold of it — that meant war. Talk about F'icUetfs charge at Gettysburg, that 
was nothing compared to this woman's charge. She had hold of one stirrup. 1 of the 
other. She began to cry and said the saddle belonged to her dead husband who was 
buried on yonder hill. 1 told her he would have no further use for it in this war. however, 
she protested and 1 found the hot southern tears more effective than bullets and though 
I needed the saddle sorely, was willing to compromise. She said she would tell us 
■where there were eight or ten government saddles if 1 would leave her saddle. Then 
she told us that the Sunday before some of our cavalry had had a fight about four 
miles south of their place — several of our men were killed, and their saddles lay there 
beside the road. We did not take the bait, however. Comrade Clark and I held a 
counsel of war and decided to leave the saddles and join the boys along the road 
where we left them. By fresh tracks in the road ■vx'e knew they had turned back 
toward camp and we concluded that we too had better get out of the country, so w» 



Hiiii/rdpliiidl and JJistorical of Coiiifxiny J). 525 

Btaited al a Kood iiaco down tli rough the woodK. Clark (oiild outride im- aw he had a 
saddle. 1 felt aB If I were rldliiK on a red hot Ktove. Ah we came to a hend In the 
road Kotne one shouted, "Halt", I tliouRht Honie of the JohnnleB were taking Clark In, 
80 started my horse at full Hjieed, hoping to run through and eseape. 1 met Clark 
coming back after hlu gun which he had dropped in the road as he drew his revolver 
at a man who was standing in the road. Whi-n the man saw Clark he ran away toward 
a small settlement nearhy to take us Yankies in, we thought, so we let our horses fly 
overtaking the command as they had stopped lo make coffee. Our boys nearly ran 
Into a rebel camp of 10,000 on their way back. We found the rebels were on our trail 
and that was when the woman wanted us to go for the saddles. 

We rode all night after the twenty-four hours' hard ride, returned to camp with as 
many horses and saddles as the rebels had taken from us. We were a tired lot of boys. 
I couldn't sit down for a week. The fine mare that I captured on that trip was shipped 
to Vermont by Colonel Munson who wanted her for his private use. 

LRON DRAKK. 
JOHN NAY HARMON. 

was born In Milton, Vt., August 2\h\, 1S42, on a larnj m-ar the village of Checkerberry In 
said .Milton, Vt., received my education at district school No. 7 at said Checkerberry. 
Attended school one term at St. Albans In 1802. Henry Harmon (my father) was 
born In Belfast, Ireland. Emily (Nay) Harmon, mother, was born in MUton, Vt, 

.Tohn Nay Harmon married Helen Fay eldest, daughter of K. .1. Fay and Mary Ann 
(Peterson) Fay of Burlington, Vt. Of children there were four, three now living, 
Edward Fay born ./anuaiy 10th. 1874. now residing in St. Louis, Mo.; Ada S., born 
January 6th, 1876, teacher In public schools, Nashua, N. H.; Harry Wlllard, born March 
29th, 1882, locomotive fireman, B. & M. R. R. 

My anxiety became so strong In wanting to enlist in the summer of 1862, that I 
was talking about it all the time. 1 had one clium of a boy that wanted to enlist as 
bad as myself. Neither of our fathers would listen to a word of It. Well the time 
came to raise the 10th Vermont Regiment. We met on the green or common of the 
village one Saturday afternoon and had a long talk and decided to go to Burlington 
and enlist that night, walked to the depot 2Vj miles, boarded the last train for Bur- 
lington. Arrived In town about half past nine o'clock, did some enquiring around 
about recruiting officers, was informed we would have to go to the company ground 
about two miles towards Shelburne. We decided to wait until morning, went to a 
friends house to stay all night. Wi' had an evening visit with the family, so did not 
return until 11 o'clock. 1 awoke about twelve or half past, and heard a sobbing in the 
dark, asked what the trouble was, the complaint was that he had left home with- 
out saying anything to his father and mother and he was going home in the morning. 
Well we decided to go right off, got started about one o'clock. On the way home we 
had one of the heaviest thunder storms of the season. We came to a farm house and 
tried to get under a shed but the dog had the best right and we did not dispute his 
right very much. Well we arrived home about half past four in the morning. When 
I went through the gate I saw my father going up stairs to call my brothers (which 
there were 2), I got a pail and went out milking the cows; my father came out to the 
yard, asked me where I stayed last night. 1 said I stayed with Leon. Well in the course 
of the forenoon father saw Mr. Drake, he asked father if Leon stayed with ./ohn last 
night, father said .John says he stayed with Leon, then there was an investigation. We 
had a good long walk of about l'> miles that night. About a month or six weeks the 
call was made for the 9 months' men, then 1 asked my father to give his consent, said 
he would think it over. I could not wait for that and enlisted with H. O. Clark, 

My experlenca and anxiety the day that we were mustered into the United States 
service. (I was jdaced on guard in front of General Stoughton's headquarters way down 
under the hill towards the village of Brattleboro), was not relieved until about three 
p. m. when I got Into camp mustering was all over. Being green 1 did not know what 
to do. so I did not do anything. I thought I would keep mum and go along with 
them; the next thought was, would I get any pay; was rather anxious until pay day 
came around; pay came also. 

.lOHN N, HAR.MON, 113 East Hollis Street. 

MARK DAY. 

I was born in 1839. reared on a farm in Essex, Chittenden County, Vermont, 
I was corporal in Captain Munson's Company D, 13th Regiment Vermont Volunteers, 
enrolled on the nineteenth day of August. 1862. At the final examination at Brat- 
tleboro I was rejected, but after talking with Captain Munson about being able to 
draw my thirteen dollars per month he told me that It would be all right. My desire 
to serve my country was too strong to take any advantage of the examining physician's 
mistake. I went all through the service without missing a single duty on that account. 



526 J he Tliirtceiitli Regiment Vermont Volunteers 

On our way to the soat of war we slopped at New Jersey for breakfast; they had soup 
made up In barn-Is for the boys; we stuck up our noses at that fare but later we 
saw the time we would be glad to get that. 

I remember the review while we were encamped at Capitol Hill. Washington. D. C. 
We were out nearly all day with all of our eiiuipments on. It was a grand sight to 
see the soldiers as they marched by companies, their bright guns glistening in the 
sun. In thinking over our camp life there are many little incidents that I recall, 
trading coffee for a warm meal or a dish of bread and milk. At one place they gave 
us a large saucer filled with lobbered milk with molasses poured on top. What a 
treat it was to receive a box from home filled with good things to cat. I often think 
of the little raids we used to make foraging, going sometimes six or eight miles after 
milk. On one expedition we acquirtd a little sheetiron stove which did us good service. 
At the time of Randall's raid when we went from Camp Vermont to Fairfax Station 
and back to Camp Vermont through the snow and mud it was the only stove in the 
company. 1 recall the time when with four comrades I was detailed to go to Wash- 
ington with twenty-five or thirty contrabands, we went in a box car. On arriving In 
Washington we formed them in line and marched them up to the contraband camp 
and turned them over to the officer in charge. We were given a short leave of absence 
and we improved the time uj) to the limit. I can never forget our long and arduous 
march to Gettysburg, the many little episodes that happened on the march and the 
evening we arrived on the battlefield. Our exi)crience which followed while laying on 
the ground guarding the batteries during the terrible artillery duel, or when 
we moved forward to meet Pickett's men when they made their desperate charge to 
break our lines. I recall helping Comrade Harmon carry Octave Marcell, who was shot 
through the head. We carried him to the field hospital some distance to the rear. 
Night coming on before we were able to find our company again, we slept under an 
appletree that night, re-joining our Company the next morning. The fourth the different 
bands of music came out and played patriotic airs to celebrate our victory; some of 
the bands had dwindled down to two or three men. There arc many Interesting 
incidents that I do not recall. Doubtless some of my comrades who have had the 
opportunity of attending the camp fires and reunions of the old 13th can give a more 
interesting account. Soon after the battle our time having expired we left for Brat- 
tleboro and were mustered out. I can assure my old comrades at the 13th that no 
one will read the regimental history with more interest than your old comrade. 

MARK DAY, Co. D. 

MYRON P. SCULLIN, 

private. Company D. 13th Regiment Vermont Volunteers. Infantry, born .July 17, 1S41, 
at Essex, Vt., enlisted at Colchester, Vt., Sept, 6, 1S62. Clustered out at Brattleboro. 
Vt.. Oct. 31, 1S63. Was wounded at Gettysburg .Pa., in Pickett's charge, .July 3, 1S63 by 
a musket shot in the ankle .ioint making a compound fracture. Right foot amputated 
July 17, at Newton's University Hospital, Baltimore, Md., from which I was discharged 
and sent to Vermont to be mustered out. When discharged from the hospital, Maj. 
C. W. Jones, surgeon in charge, told me that it was a most remarkable recovery, that 
I was the only one in that hospital from the battle of Gettysburg who had lived after 
having a limb amputated, that he had my foot preserved in alcohol and I could have 
it if I wanted it. At that time I did not want it, and he said that he would have it 
mounted and send It to the Medical Museum in Washington,' and there I found it. 

I was horn on a farm and attended the common school of my own town. When 
I enlisted I was a mechanic. After the war in 1S71 was employed as shipping clerk 
for the firm of Henry Johnson and Lord, of this city until 1SS7. since that time have 
not been engaged in any active pursuits. I am still living in Burlington. I am Past 
Post Conmiander of Stannard Post No. 2. G. A. R.. of Burlington. A Past Grand of 
Green Mountain Lodge No, 1, I, O, 0. F., of this city. A Past Chief Patriarch of 
Green Mountain Encampment No. 3. I. 0. O. F.. of this city and Past Grand Patriarch 
of the Grand Encampment of Vermont I. O. O. F.. and Past Captain of Canton Lafay- 
ette, No. 3, I. O. O. F.. Burlington. Vermont Patriarchs Militant. 

MYRON P. SCULLIN. 

Burlington, Vt., May 17. 1902. 

Co|)ied from the Free Press and Times of the date of Oct. 31, 1S99. 

HOW MYRON P. SCULLIN FOUND HIS LOST FOOT. 

in. SI IS 11 idn iiii iiKsi iiMi. i\ riiii;ivsi\ vi:aks. 
"Thirty-six years ago last July Myron P. Scullin of this city was fighting on 
the Gettysburg battlefield in company D, 13th Vermont Regiment, and duiing the 
three days' engagement was wounded in the foot and had a limb amjiutated just above 
the ankle. I^ast week in Washington Mr, Scullin found his lost foot and examined 
It for the first time since the surgeon's knife and saw separated It from the rest of 
his bod.v. 



Bioi/rupliiciil and Histt>riial of Coiiipaiiv D. 527 

"The story although apparently incredible is true. The toot or bones of foot are 
now on exhibition in the medical museum where such are kept in Washington. When 
the foot was amputated after the wound the surgeon suggested to Mr. Scullin that 
he preserve it. This Mr. Scullin did not care to do but owing to the peculiarity of 
the wound the surgeon preserved the bones and in time they were placed la the 
museum where their former owner saw them. 

"Mr. Scullin accompanied the party which went to Gettysburg to attend the dedi- 
cation of the 13th Vermont regiment's monument and later went to Washington with 
the Intention at least of making a search for his lost foot in the museum where he 
had been told it was placed. On ari-iving at the Caiiitol he hurried away to the museum 
and after some search stood for the first time in 36 years with his two feet nearer 
than a mile apart. The bones of the foot are neatly mounted on a pedestal and are 
boldly placarded with the owner's name." 

JOHN W. FOREST. 

I was born at Winooski, Vermont, October 20, 1S45. In August, 1862, I enlisted 
at Winooski as fifer of Company D, 13th Vermont Regiment. Served a full term of 
service and later was a government telegraph operator for nearly two years, being 
stationed in Alabama and Tennessee. Remained in the South until '67. then came 
to Vermont, and in 1870 went west as civil engineer for the Northern Pacific Rail- 
road. Came to Kansas in '71 and in '73, settled in Thayer, Kans., as a hardware 
merchant. Married a Vermont girl in 1876. In 1886 sold my hardware store and 
have since been engaged in the banking business, my present occupation. 

I have always cherished a warm regard for my native state and her brave sons 
of the 13th ^'ermont, especially of Company D. I recall with enthusiasm the many 
cheerful and amusing incidents of army lite and still think with regret of the sad 
events, particularly the long, hard march to Gettysburg and the terrible havoc of those 
three days, July first, second, and third, 1863. 

I remember with especial distinctness some of the incidents of the very dis- 
agreeable stormy season of December, '62. Our regiment had been stationed for 
some time at Camp Vermont near Alexandria, but after a fortnight of alternate rain 
and snow and when the roads were consequently very muddy, we were ordered to 
break camp. Early in the afternoon we were ready to go but the order to march did 
not come until almost night. We were soon on the road to Alexandria, but before 
we reached town it was very dark and the cold, drizzling rain did not improve the 
situation greatly. Officers carrying lanterns rode at the front and the rear, but our 
progress was painfully slow. 

After leaving Alexandria we found ourselves in a strange country. Not knowing 
where the road led, we could only follow those in front of us; but we kept togethe^r 
fairly well until midnight when the line broke at a cross-road, and in the darkness 
and rain about half of the regiment wandered down the wrong track. .-Xfter what 
seemed ten hours, we found our comrades again and plodded on wearily until we 
were turned into some woods to spend the rest of the night. No matter what the 
circumstances or surroundings, soldiers will build fires; so very soon the logs were 
blazing cheerily and we lay down to sleep. In the morning we awoke to find our- 
selves covered with snow and frozen mud. but we marched on to Fairfax Court 
House and were then ordered into the woods a mile away. 

All this time nothing was known of our baggage train with our rations, and 
though it was exptected any hour, it did not arrive for ten days. For shelter we 
made bough houses which if not elegant served their purpose quite well. To the 
regulars of to-day such a camp would present a ludicrous appearance. The little 
bough houses were everywhere, no regularity being observed in their arrangement 
or construction. Some were fairly large, some small, and most of them were pieced 
out with shelter tents. Anything that could afford protection was put up wherever 
a suitable space could be found. And the regiment was as hopelessly mixed up as 
were the streets of the camp. Regardless of the companies to which they belonged 
the men had formed squads to build and occupy houses in partnership. 

Though this confusion was soon to cause me no little bewilderment and worry, 
it troubled us very slightly then; the missing baggage train and supplies caused far 
greater anxiety. We were in a country almost destitute of the necessities of life and 
though probably was not a day but that every soldier had something to eat, there 
was surely never a day that any man had a full meal. After ten days a part of the 
longed for train arrived and our cook drew rations of beans for the entire company, 
secured the necessary kettles, built fires, and the beans began to boil. It was ten 
o'clock at night, however, before the cook pronounced them done and sent out tjie 
welcome call "beans on the trencher". Three or four rods from the cook's fire, my 
cht^m, Charles Stannard, and myself occupied a small shelter tent. When the call 
came Stannard said, "Here, Forest, take my plate along and don't be slow about 
getting back!" When I reached the fire, I found that the beans were being dished 
out on the further side, so around the fire I went and waited my turn. After somq 



528 I lie Thirtccntli Regiment I eniiont I (ilidtleers 

little time 1 received my double rations and mindful of Stannard's words started for 
our tent in a hurry. In my haste and hunger 1 quite forgot that 1 had come around 
the tire; consequently when I started directly away from the fire 1 went in exactly 
the wrong direction. I soon discovered that I was lost but there was nothing to 
guide me home for everywhere were the bough tents and Ijcfore each lent there was a 
fire just like the one in front of my own. With a full plate of beans in each hand, I 
wandered vainly around for a long time. Asking for information was worse than 
going hungry for in answer to my question "What company is this?" I was always 

told, "Company 1, you d nd fool." It was fun for the soldiers for they saw at once 

that 1 was lost and they guyed me unmercifully. Indeed my appearance must have 
been ludicrous in the extreme. Imagine a big, overgrown boy, nearly six feet tall, 
stumbling around at half past eleven at night, with a plateful of beans in each hand, 
but too badly scared to have sense enough to sit down and eat them although he 
had been hungry for a week! 

At last 1 heard someone explaining with a great deal of emphasis, to an amused 
group how his bloody-minded comrade had stolen his rations and sneaked oft to eat 
them, and what dire retribution would befall that comrade should he ever dare re- 
turn. It was the voice of Stannard and overjoyed to find my lent again, I braved 
his vengance and soon two tired, desi)erately hungry boys were enjoying their mid- 
night supper of cold beans. 

EDWARD FREEMAN. 

In answer to your kind and welcome letter will be pleased to tell you all about 
my old army days. I would have answered sooner but it was because I never received 
circulars N'o. 1 and No. 2. I enlisted in the United States service as private under, 
Capt. William D. Munson, in Company D, i;5th Regiment Vermont Volunteer Infantry, 
September 6, 1862, Brattleboro, Vt. The regiment was equipped with the latest pattern 
of Springfield rifles, was mustered into the service October 10, 1862. September 11 left 
for Washington, arrived there on the 13th and went into camp on East Capitol 
Hill, where on the 27th it formed a part of the 2nd Vermont Brigade. We at once went 
into active service and I participated in the following battles: Fairfax Court House, 
Va., December 28, 1862. There we were called out at midnight to meet a large force 
of rebel cavalry under command of General J. E. B. Stuart. We fired a few volleys 
with rifle and cannon and made them retreat and that was all of that fight, and while 
at Fairfax Court House we had a pretty good time, stealing hoe rakes and sassafras 
beer and kissing the country girls. That was all the fun I had in Fairfax and from 
there marched back to Camp Vermont, near Alexandria and stayed there a few weeks 
and then marched down to Union Mills near Bull Run battlefield, where the Vermont 
troops in two great battles retreated to avoid capture. We remained here about a 
w'eek and were ordered back to Camp Veiniont and stayed there a week or two and 
from there ordered to Fairfax Court House where we remained until January 20. 1863 
and then marched to Wolf Run Shoals where we remained until spring. This was a 
bad camp yet we had some fun and plenty of picket duty. The right wing had a snow 
ball fight with the left. The left won the honors. We stayed at Wolf Run Shoals 
about ten weeks and then marched down the river Occoquan near the village and had 
a great time there fishing and playing ball and pitching horseshoes, etc. We were 
now and then around the farmers' houses stealing chickens and drinking milk and 
had a great time with the girls. I had a fine little girl by the name of Violet and came 
pretty near marrying her and that was the end of my fun I had in that part of the 
country. I can remember the battle of Gettysburg, Pa.. .luly 1, 2 and 3. 1863, and 
after the battle my comrade shot a rebel right in the head because he would not give 
up his gun. After the war I married Alice Goiett. both of Colchester Point: have 
been married thirty-seven years. We have two children now. adopted, one's name is 
Albert Paridice and the other Leo St. John. Albert, a.sjed 23: Leo. aged l'). Leo is 
a school boy. His great grandfather was at the battle of Waterloo. 

From Comrade Edward Freeman. 

JOSIAH M, CARY, 

Comrade Sturtevant, Colchester, Vt., May 17, 1905. 

Dear Sir: 
Perhaps I am too late with my reply, but if so. little will be lost. I enclose a 
photo taken a short time after our discharge, also one just taken. I am not a ready 
writer and age, and poor health oblige me to keep moving to make a living. My history 
is brief. I am the 2nd son of Jesse and Sarah (Greenough) Gary. Both of whom 
were born in Colchester and always lived here. I was 29 years of age when I enlisted 
In Company D, 13th Regiment Vermont Volunteers, a widower with one child, a son 
18 months of age who died at the age of 27 years. I served in the ranks for a time 
then was detailed as nurse and served in that capacity the remainder of my term. 



Bioyrof^liical and Historical of Cuinpany D. 529 

The term of our enlistment expired soon after the battle of Gettysburg and when the 
regiment started for Vermont I was left with the wounded. I had special charge of 
Comrade Densmore till he reached home, then helped care for Comrade Marrs till his 
death from fever. My occupation was farming before and since the war. In 1S70 
I married Miss Lucy M.. daughter of James M. and Mary A. Wheelock of Milton. We 
settled in Brandon. Vt., but at the close of the year removed to Milton, where we lived 
13 years when we came to Colchester where we still reside. Our family of 3 sons 
and two daughters were born in Milton. All are living. One son Llewellyn D., served 
in the Massachusetts 2nd Regiment, Company 1. in Cuba during the Spanish-American 
War. He now lives in Springfield, Mass. One son lives in Connecticut. The others 
here in Colchester. This is of no interest to any but you can eliminate what is use- 
less or burn the whole. The card picture my wife wishes to keep as it is the only 
one in the family. Hoping this will serve your wants, I remain very respectfully 
yours. 

JOSLAH M. CARY. 

LEWIS BARTTRO, 

son of Joseph and Mary Louisa Barttro, was born at Point Du Lac, P. Q., January IS, 
1829. Julia Plicia, his wife, was born at St. Pierre Les Becquets, P. Q., November 1, 
1831. Lewis'enlisted from Richmond, Vt., September 17, 1862, and served nine months 
in Company D, 13th Regiment Vermont Volunteers, and was a good and faithful soldier. 
I was a shoemaker, by trade, at time of enlistment. Was honorably discharged from 
the army July 22, 1863, and lived in Richmond. Vt., forty-two years (42) after discharge, 
working at my trade two years, then had to give that up on account of disability and 
worked at farming and carpentering, till about five years ago, since when I have been 
disabled to do any kind of work. 

I can tell but little of my grandfather, all I can say is that he came from the city 
of Sorel, P. Q. to Point Du Lac, after the French and Indian war in 1700. I don't know 
as he had any relatives, for none ever came to see him and he never spoke of any. My 
mother's people came from France before the French and Indian War, to Quebec. My 
great grandfather Baribeau was scalped by the Indians in Quebec, and his skin nailed 
to the door of his dwelling, while his wife was at sea. Before my grandfather was 
scalped, his wife and six children and six hundred persons more were sent out on the 
broad sea to perish. They were six weeks at the mercy of the waves, and during that 
time peace was made. After peace was declared, a ship was sighted and the people of 
Quebec thought it the same ship that was sent out to perish, so men were sent out to 
have the ship brought to shore and it proved to be the same ship that had been sent 
out to perish. All that were on board that ship were saved except one child that 
died on ship during the six weeks it was out at sea. My father was a British soldier 
during the war of 1812-13, serving thirteen months in that war. 

I was in the battle of Gettysburg and just as we were advancing to where the 
charge was made a grape shot hit Loomis Bentley in the wrist, the shot lodging between 
the bones of the lower arm. At the same time one of the shots hit Harry Tomlinson in 
the shoulder. About that time a piece of iron about two inches thick and ten inches 
long was seen coming towards us, the ends striking the ground now and then. Just 
as I was going to call to the boys to look out, the iron struck William Crosby in the 
forehead. He was lying on the ground near George Fenwick, where he raised his 
head just in time to be hit by the iron, Fenwick at the same time saying "Oh! My God, 
Willie, are you hurt?" When he saw the blood come from the wound, Fenwick took 
his handkerchief and put it on the wound, and saying, "lie down Willie, lie down." At 
that time the order was given to go to where there were a few rails, laid along for 
protection, and I left them. Crosby being still unconscious. A few minutes later, some 
one came along and said, "One of your company boys is wounded", who proved to be 
Wm. Marsh of Shelburne, who had both ankles shot off, of which he died in about 
tour hours afterwards. John Johnson was hit in the hip by a piece of shell that was 
buzzing in the air, but did not cut his flesh as it struck on the flatside of the shell. 
Another one that was hurt was Octave Marcelle. who was hit in the temple by a minnie 
ball and died the next afternoon. M. P. Scullin who was standing by me, was hit on 
the instep by a ball, which since his foot has had to be amputated. 

After Crosby was hit, I advanced a few rods ahead of him, towards the rails and 
did not see him again, nor inquired about him tor I thought him dead, but when I 
reached Baltimore on our return home, who did I see as we passed by the car that 
carried the sick and wounded, but Wm. Crosby sitting by the window with his head in 
bandages. During the battle of Gettysburg I also saw a corporal of another company, 
which I thought was Company K, hit by a shot while he and another fellow were getting 
water for a wounded soldier, the ball striking him in the back and passing through 
his stomach. He died instantly. We were mustered out at Brattleboro and I returned 
home on the eve of July 22. 1863. Lewis was married to Julia Plicia, eldest daughter 
of Maurice and Matilda Plicia, of St. Pierre Les Becquets, P. Q., September 23, 1849 at 
Worcester, Mass. 



530 7 Vir I'liirtct'iitli Ri-ijiinciit J 'cniiont I 'oluiitci'is 

Of their IS chikiipii six are dead, (lilil.ji. .luiiius. born August. IS.').', and died in May. 
185G, Josepti 1'.. born March. 18r)9 and died June. ISOl: .Joseph C. born September 12, 
186."> and died May 23. 1894; Lewis born .June 19. IS.'.:} and died .July 2:i. 1896; Thomas 
F., born March 31, 1877 and died October 13, 19(10: and Martha, wife of .John Root, born 
October L'3. 1SG7 and died February 8. 19bl. The children that are living are Julia, 
wile of S. Desany, was born .July 2.^, 1S.'jO; Fannie wife of Lewis Christmas, born 
September 19. 1851; Junius born .lanuary 4. lS.'i7; Eleanor, wife of Geo. Dumas, born 
March 29, 1858; George H., tiorn March 29, 18(;0; Louisa M.. wife of L. .1. Uockwel!, 
born March 28, 1861; Sarah E., born November 26. 1869; Agnes M.. born June l.'i, 1.^71; 
Addie. wife of E. J. Zens, born January 7, 1874; Demaris. born March 29. 1876; Ocha, 
born June 14, 1878 and Enlalia. wife of John Root, born February 3, 1879. 

WILLIAM CROSBY. 

When the Civil War broke out I was very enthusiastic about going to the front, but 
as I was not of legal age. my father hesitated about giving his consent, however. I 
enlisted in the Ninth Regiment and drilled under Captain Beebe. but was taken out 
by my father, just as we weie ready to start for the front. My second attempt to 
enlist was in the First Vermont Cavalry, which also proved a failure, but my i)arents 
finding I was so determined to fight for my country that they gave their consent and 
I. at the age of sixteen, enlisted in the 13th Vermont at Winooski Falls. Vt.. drilling 
in what was known as Weaver's lot. and then went to Brattleboro and was mustered 
into the I'nited States sei'vice and proceedt^d to Washington to the front — my desire 
to serve my country at last being realized. ' We encamped at Wolf Run Shoals. Va.. 
where we did considerable skirmishing and. in the meantime, had an encounter with 
Mosby's guerillas. From there we went to Occofjuan and then proceeded to Gettysburg 
and engaged in that great battle which you are all so familiar with. I will not describe 
but will add that I was wounded in the head on the third day by the bursting of a 
shell. It has been my great pleasure to visit several times of late years, these famous 
battle grounds where I have met old friends and s|n>nt many hours talking over the 
past and enjoying the present. 

My picture in this book, the smaller of which represents me' as a boy of sixteen, 
as I le/t my home at Burlington. Vermont. Sei)t. 6. 1862. and enlisted in the I'nited 
States service as a private under Captain William D. Munson. Co. D. 13th Vermont 
Regiment. The regiment was mustered into service at Brattleboro. Oct. 10. 1862. after 
which we were ordered to Washington. D. C. where we camped on East Capitol Hill, 
and formed part of the Second Vermont Brigade. With my regiment 1 participated 
in the following battles: Fairfax Court House. Va.. Dec. 28. 1862. Gettysburg. Pa.. 
July 3. 1863. On the evening of July 3rd 1 received a wound in the head and was taken 
to the field hospital w-here I had my wound dressed. Twice I was surrounded by 
Mosby's cavalry, but escaped each time. 1 was honorably discharged July 21. 1S63. 

The latter and larger picture represents me as I am to-day. a plumber, at my home 
in Vergennes. Vt.. where 1 have lived ever since my discharge, enjoying good health 
with the excei)tion of the wound in my head, which causes me a great deal of trouble 
at times. One of my greatest pleasures is attending the. reunions of my regiment, 
where 1 meet so many of my comrades, and renew old acquaintances. ■ 

An important reunion of my regiment was held in October, 1S99. at Gettysburg, 
where we met and dedicated a monument. This was a i>articularly imiiortant meet- 
ing, and a sad one as we bade each other good-bye. as each one realized that perhaps 
it would be the last time we would all meet together again. 

JOHN M. ROLFE 

at the oryranization of Company 1) was elected second lieutenant. He had had military 
training at Norwich Military School and was thus qualified to be and was an efficient 
officer. But his service was short, ow-ing to the death of a brother at home and the 
infirmities of his father he resigned January 30th, 1863. Since the war his life was 
spent as a farmer; represented his town in the legislature, held the various town 
offices and was an honorable and respected citizen. He died September 13. 1902. 

CHARLES W. ATHERTON 

The tall private at the head of the cunipany roll of privates was one of my tent 
mates and a kinder, better friend I never had. He was always able to do his own 
work and if I was in any wav disabled, do mine most willingly. 1 have felt all the years 
since an indebtedness to Wesley for his extreme kindness to me and the helps re- 
ceived from him. In the spring of '63 he was detailed to serve as nurse in our regi- 
mental hosi>ital. There he contracted typhoid fever and was taken to genera! hospital at 
Alexandria. Captain Bascom visited him there. I suppose he went as near the brink 



Bioyraf^liiidl and Historical of Coml^any D. 531 

as any man ever does and lives. From this time his service with the regiment was 
ended. He regained his health and after a time was married and lived in Underhill, 
Vt. He died there about 1890. 

JOSEPH BARABY 

A healthy, robust, good feeling young man, always ready for any duty that came to 
him. Stayed with the regiment to the muster out without a break. I do not remember 
any particular incidents connected with Joe except that I traded watches with him 
and got the worst of it. The last I knew of him, years ago, he was in Troy, N. Y. 

J. B. BEAUCHEMIN 

was of French extraction of Canadian birth. He was physically as fine a specimen 
of young manhood as our Company contained and was mentally and by education well 
equipped. He was in every sense a good soldier. He enlisted with us as a stranger 
and at the close of our term disappeared and none of his company have seen or heard 
of him since so far as I can learn. 

WILLIAM BLAKELEY 

One of the Colchester boys of American stock and birth, was a cousin of Lieutenant 
Rolfe. His service as a soldier was entirely creditable. Possessing as he did, a some- 
what pugnacious disposition by nature he was well fitted to do valiant service in battle. 
After the war he engaged in railroad work and while employed as passenger conductor 
his health failed and he died in JIarch, ISSl, Fort Wayne, Ind. 

A. J. BEEMAN 

My recollection of Jack is not so pleasant as of most of the others. Irritable in 
disposition and apparently devoid of any patriotic sentiment. But the least said 
the better in such cases which were happily rare. He returned without injury and 
followed the trade of carpenter. He died in Plattsburg, N. Y., many years ago. 

WILLIAM CROSBY 

As a soldier boy was a good type, quiet and modest in manner, willing and faithful 
in the execution of all duties that came to him. He served the full term of the 
regiment and came home with the respect of his comrades and he has never lost it. 
He has been a regular attendant at our regimental reunions and at G. A. R. gather- 
ings. He has been located many years at Vergennes, Vt., and I suppose is rich, for 
his business is that of plumber. At any rate he appears to be well fed and wears 
good clothes. Long live William. 

GEORGE FENWICK 

was an Englishman by birth and early training. He was one of the older men of 
Company D. His soldierly bearing and general conduct in the ranks and out was very 
marked among his comrades. It was said that he had seen service at home in the 
British army. He was ready, prompt and obedient. These qualities were noted by 
the company officers and he was promoted corporal in February, 1863. He died in 
1909 at the age of 80 odd years. 

UDNEY FARNSWORTH 

was one of Colchester's native sons. At enlistment he was a youth of 17 years, but 
in physical size and strength a young Hercules. As a soldier there was nothing lacking, 
never complained at hardships or shortage of rations or their quality, answered every 
roll call except for a short period when the measles claimed his closest attention. 
From this he recovered in time to take the memorable seven days' march to Gettys- 
burg and in the battle fought with bravery. After reaching home he attended one 
term of school, then engaged in railroad work as section hand in Highgate, Vt., for 
a time. In the fall of 1864 he with a few other young men went to the state of Iowa. 
On arriving there young Farnsworth at once applied to the Chicago and Northwestern 
Railroad for work. He was promptly given a job as freight brakeman which he filled 
for three weeks, then was set to firing. In three years he was given an engine and 
for about 40 years he has been driving a passenger locomotive back and forth on 
the lines of the same company he first engaged with, and 1 will venture that he is 
rated one of the best engineers in their service. His faithfulness as a soldier has 
been conspicuous in the service of a great corporation, in a most responsible position 
where honest, careful work commands a premium. 



532 I'lic Thirlcciilh Kciiimcnt I'cniwitl \' oluitlccrs 

SETH A. H. GRIFFIN 

was called the laziest man in ••!)." With a niininnmi amount of exerxise. it was under- 
stood that he could eat more beans than any man in the company. I'ntidy in the 
care of himself and careless as to his equipments, slow to respond to calls to duty. 
Not a favorite in the daily rounds of camp life. Hut lo his credit — l)e it said — 
and I know it from my own ol)servation — he fought in t)attle manfully and with 
seeming disregard of what might be the result to him. .My feelings underwent 
a change favorable to Crawford, and I concluded it was not always the sleekest man 
that was of the most worth in emergency. Elliot had a brother, Stephen, in Company 
A. They went West and were there the last I knew of them. 

SETH W. H. GRIFFIN 

Although a large, strong looking man was not able to endun- the hardships and ex- 
posure of soldier life in the field. His health failed to such an extent that he was 
discharged from the service Jan. 12, 1863. He died Sept. 13, 1897. 

R. J. GRIFFIN 

Second corporal, was a very tall, slimly built man. His service was in every way 
creditable. His health not the best but was able to serve with the regiment to the 
end. The only peculiar incident that I remember now about him was the loss of his 
voice, which he went without for some months. He died December 31, 1902, at 
Northfield. where he had made his liome for several years. 

SAMUEL HAND 

was the oldest man in Co. D. He wanted to go with the boys and although about 60 
years old was passed by the inspector. His case well defined the saying. "Old men 
for council: young men for war," for he was utterly unable to march or perform any 
of the harder duties. He was a very genial man and well liked. Was detailed for 
most of the time as cook's helper. When the regiment started on its long march 
Uncle Sam was left behind and we did not see him again until after our arrival at 
Brattleboro, when he came to us there. He was in a somewhat battered condition for 
on his way home he reached Xew York while the great riot was in progress and his 
uniform betrayed him to the fury of the mob. and he was roughly handled. He thus 
had an opportunity to witness a period of mortal combat, the scenes of which he 
related to us in his quaint way. He died a few years later. 

E. 0. AND JOHN JOHNSON 

In Company D there were eight pairs of brothers; the Johnson boys were one. 
Both good soldiers, always well, marched with the regiment to Gettysburg, fought 
through the battle and returned unharmed exce])t a slight wound received Ijy John. 
John went West soon after the war, last heard of in t'tah. more than thirty years 
ago. Eben O. remained here, succeeded to his father's farm, was prominent in town 
affairs many years. He made many friends. He died Jan. 14, 1903. 

JOHN KELLEY 

was next to the oldest man in Co. D. being. 1 think, about fifty, .\lthough past the age 
limit, I do not remember that he failed to perform his share of the duties right 
through. He was a quiet man, ntttnded to his own business and had no trouble with 
his comrades. 

ANTOINE LAROSE 

enlisted in Company D from South Hero, Vt. My remembrance of him is one of robust 
health and strength, a splendid specimen of young manhood, capable of endurance 
in the hardest service, even tempered, willing and obedient to every call. But sick- 
ness overtook him and the last we saw of him was, I think, the morning of the 25th 
of June when all was activity in preparation of the great march, when two men were 
assisting him down the company street to be taken with the other sick of the regi- 
ment to some general hospital. It is recorded in the Revised Roster of the state that 
he died July 18. 1863, and was buried in the National Military Cemetery. 

THOMAS CALVERT 

of Essex, 20 years of age, enlisted at Colchester, and became one of Company D, bright, 
cheerful and good-hearted, he was the friend of all. Seemingly in perfect health, he 



Biograpliical and Historical of Company D. 533 

was prompt and ready at all times for duty, or for fun. Probably from exposure in 
the spring of '63 which was a cold and rainy season, he contracted typhoid fever, and 
though he received the best care possible in the regimental hospital he died June loth, 
1863, at Camp Carusi, near Occoquan, Va. He gave his life at his country's call. 
His remains were returned to Vermont and now rest in the Cemetery in his native 
town. 

JOHN ANDRESS 

was a native of Milton and at the alleged age of 18 enlisted in August, 1862, in Com- 
pany D of the 13th Vt. Regiment. He was a boy full of fun rather inclined to reck- 
lessness, always ready to have a good time and equally ready to perform any duty 
to which he might be assigned. He was one of those who accepted circumstances as 
they came, and found no fault. If rations were short, and the march hard he made 
no complaint, but was cheerful and contented. In camp with plenty to eat, little work, 
pleasant weather, and a good place to sleep he was equally happy. He now resides in 
Burlington and though not so strong and hearty as 48 years ago, is just as cheerful 
and happy as in the days of lonn ago. 

LOOMIS M. BENTLEY 

twenty years of age, enlisted in August, 1862. and became a member of Company 
D. He was a quiet man, strict in obedience to orders and made a good, reliable 
soldier. He lay with the Company in the front line of battle at Gettysburg and during 
the terrific cannonading preceding Longstreet's assault July 3rd, Rentley was hit by 
a grape shot which passed through his left arm breaking both bones," and placing 
him on the retired list for that day and fight. He was discharged at Brattleboro, 
returned to Milton where he remained for some years. At the issue of this book he 
is reported as dead. 

WILLIAM P. CALVERT 

enlisted at Colchester, at 22 years of age in Company D. August, 1862. He was a quiet 
man and a good soldier, though lacking in those qualities that made his brother 
Thomas popular with his comrades, he was a straight and true man. He served the 
full term and was discharged with the regiment at Brattleboro. After the war he 
lived in Colchester and died at Winooski many years ago. 

OLIVER CHERRIER 

enlisted In Company D in September, 1S62. He was older than most in that Company, 
being over 30 years of age. Different from most of French extraction he was a quiet, 
unobtrusive man, who attended strictly to his own affairs. Extremely neat in his 
personal dress, he kept his gun and equipments polished to the highest degree. He 
commanded the respect of his comrades and in the early part of 1863 was promoted 
to be a corporal. No officer in the company appreciated the honor more, or was 
more rigid in carrying out the duties devolving upon him. He was a first class soldier 
in every respect. After discharge with the Company he located in Fairfax, and died 
there in 1892. 

ROYAL S. CHILDS 

enlisted in Milton, at 19 years of age, and became a member of Company D. Tall, 
thin and with a boyish face he certainly looked to be about 17, and it is possible that 
his desire to do his part in the great struggle, induced him to advance his age a 
couple of years, to be accepted as a soldier for the Union. He was always ready 
when called, and made no complaint. Served through with the Company, was mus- 
tered out at Brattleboro July 21st, '63 and is now living at Clinton, Mass. He cherishes 
a warm feeling toward his former comrades and frequently attends the annual meet- 
ings of the Association. 

JOSEPH CROTO 

was of French extraction and at 33 years of age, enlisted in Colchester in September 
1862, in Company D. Although an entirely new avocation for him, he being by trade 
a shoemaker, he took kindly to military life and discipline. Met the various changes of 
hard marches and poor feed, followed by idle camps, and fresh oysters at 10 cents 
a quart, solid meats, with equanimity, and made no complaint. Serving out his full 
time he located in South Hero, where he followed his trade for many years. Later 
he moved to Leadville, Colo., since which we have no record of Joe Croto. 

JOSEPH DOUGLASS 

enlisted at 19 years of age in Milton, and became a member of Company D. 13th 
Regiment Vermont Volunteers. Strong and hearty, always ready and willing, he was 



534 llii^ 'fliirlcriitli Rci/iiiiciit I'crmont I'uhtiitccrs 

one of the best soldiers in the company. That he could milk a Virginia cow, and 
in Ihc night, would indieato that he possessed other, and persuasive |)ower. as well as 
strength. He was always on hand at roll call, marched with the regiment to Pennsyl- 
vania, went through the battle of Gettysburg without a scratch, returned to Vermont 
and was mustered out with his comrades July 21st, 1863. Since the war he has lived 
in Milton and is now a prosperous farmer there. 

ANTOINE GARROW 

enlisted in Company D, at .Milton in S.-i.tiinlMi-. i;_-. lining 20 years of age. He was 
an easy going boy of French descent and not over fond of work, a characteristic 
which has remained with him to the present time. He marched with the Company 
to Gettysburg and no fault can be found with his work on that terrible afternoon 
of .luly 3rd. "63. After his discharge at Brattleboro he returned to Milton, and lived 
there for many years. At this writing he lives in the enjoyment of a liberal pension, 
at Sodom, a village in Georgia. Vt. 

JAMES D. GERMAN 

was born and bred in Milton, enlisting from that town at 19 years of age in Company 
D. He was a good soldier, though preferred to scout around outside, doing a little 
foraging for private requirements, to standing camp guard or attending regimental 
drills. It is said that he was an expert in "poker," which game, in a small way pre- 
vailed in camp about pay day. He served with the company during its term and was 
with it at Gettysburg escaping without a wound, and was discharged July 21st, 1863. 
Leaving Vermont he entered the employ of the Central R. R. of New Jersey, and 
died in Jersey City in 1904. 

JOHN GREENWOOD 

enlisted at the age of 26 at Colchester in Sept. r,2 and became a member of Company 
D. He was one of the most quiet men in the Company. There were times when 
there was considerable confusion, noise, loud talk and some fighting in the Company, 
but Greenwood was never a participant, sometimes in the dead hour of night, when 
a tuimcil began and the Captain appeared with the query. "Who is making all the 
racket?" a dozen voices would reply much to the surprise of both parties "Greenwood." 
He was a model soldier served his time and was discharged with the regiment. He 
visits Vermont to attend the reunions of the regimental association, and is a pros- 
perous farmer at Saranac, N. Y. 

JAMES 0. HARMON 

was raised in Checkerberry, la village in Milton I. educated in the common and 
select schools there, and enlisted at the age of 19 in August. '62. in Company D. He 
was appointed by the town, a recruiting officer, and by his efforts many of his friends 
joined the 13th Regiment. At the formation of the Company he was made a corporal, 
and from his strict attention to duty, and his natural ability he was promoted Sergeant 
and served with the company till discharged with the regiment by reason of expira- 
tion of term of service. He was wounded at Gettysburg Jtily 3rd, '63. Later he studied 
medicine, was admitted to practice, married and located in Westford After some 
years of successful ])ractice he moved to Rantoul. 111., where he died in 1906. He 
several times returned to Vermont to attend the annual reunions of the regiment 
and was a loyal member of the .\ssofiation. 

THOMAS HODGKINSON 

enlisted at Colchester in September, '62, in Company D. He was a tall, thin man, 
aproaching 40 years of age, and living entirely within himself. Xot inclined to be 
social he seemed more contented when standing guard at a post far removed, and 
in self communion to be entirely satisfied. He was prompt at roll call, faithful in 
discharge of any duty to which assigned, cool in battle, and made a tlioroughly good 
soldier. He was discharged with the regiment, and lias not since been heard of. at 
least bv the writer. 

HOSEA T. HUMPHREY 

was a resident of Richmond and in September, 1862, he joined Company D. The 
writer has no official knowledge but he seemed to be about 40 years of age. To most 
of the company he seemed an old man. He was not a very companionable man. made 
no advances toward friendship with his comrades, but lived in himself. Prompt and 
ready, he always answered to roll call and obeyed all orders, .\fter his discharge he 
returned to Richmond and a few years later removed to Pipestone, Minn., and died 
there in 1900. 



Bi(i(/rapliical and Historical of Coiiil^aiix D. 535 

DAVID KILEY 

aged 18 years, enlisted at Milton in Company D, in August, '62. He was small in size, 
and rather delicate in health, and must have been born under an unlucky star. He 
always claimed that luck was against him. On a long march, in a dark rainy night he 
fell in a well, the only man in the regiment with that exijerience. From the tact 
that this accident happened while he was straggling three rods off the road, it may 
be said that this was from lack of judgment rather than hard luck. At Wolf Run 
Shoals he had. strictly against orders, acquired three chickens, evaded the guard and 
gotten them safely into his tent, dressed and cooked them, and was just ready for a 
good dinner. Evidently luck was with him so tar, the fact that he had scattered the 
feathers in front of his tent, just then led to his detection, confiscation of his dinner, 
a merited punishment. Surely a lack of sound judgment. He did not make the 
march to Pennsylvania. Having unnecessarily exposed himself, he contracted typhoid 
fever, during which he went as near the bottom the the valley of the Shadow of Death 
as ever a man goes, and returns. After his discharge he returned to Milton, living there 
with all kinds of luck, mostly ill, until his death in 1905. He was sick of an incurable 
disease and suffered greatly for three years. Though of irritable disposition, he 
was generous and not one-half as bad as he tried to make himself appear. 

JAMES MARCELLE 

was born of French parents in Milton. At nineteen years of age he enlisted in Com- 
pany D, went with the regiment to Virginia, performed every duty to which he was 
assigned, making no complaints, enduring the hard part and enjoying the easy, he 
marched with the company to Gettysburg, went bravely through the fight, returned 
with the regiment and was mustered out July 21st, 'fi3. He went at once to Milton, 
soon married, bought a farm, and lived a quiet, respected life till his death in 1901. 

MITCHELL LUCIA 

was a native of Milton and there, at the age of 21, enlisted in August, 1S62 in Company 
D. Accustomed to hard work on a farm he made a good soldier. Of a rather sour 
disposition, he was much inclined to find fault, and claimed if there was a hard 
detail, or unpleasant duty it always fell to him. Much of his trouble, however, was 
imaginary. He did his full duty, served his time and was discharged at Brattleboro, 
with the company July 21st. '63. Returning to Milton he married, raised a large 
family, and is now a prosperous farmer there. 

ANDREW LUCIA 

a brother of Mitchell. Andrew Lucia enlisted with him in Company D, being 19 
years of age. Of large, compact build, great strength and activity, he was a valu- 
able man in the Company. Of a bright, sunny disposition, full of fun and jokes he 
added much to the social life, and brightened the weary march, and dull days of cold 
and rainy camp life. He had a tremendous appetite and the writer has seen him 
consume his entire day's rations of 22 ounces of warm, fresh baked bread, with 12 
ounces of salt pork, at one sitting. He served his term without a day's illness, made 
the Gettysburg march, fought through the battle, returned with the company to Ver- 
mont, married and settled down in Milton, where he now lives with his family on his 
own place, and though much crippled by rheumatism, with the aid of a liberal pension, 
in comfortable circumstances. 

CHARLES LADUE 

was born in Milton and resided in that town all his life excepting only the time he 
served as a soldier in the 13th Vermont Regiment. He enlisted at the age of IS. 
in August, 1S62, in Company D, and served with the Company till discharged at the 
expiration of his term of enlistment. His father was a blacksmith, and he followed in 
that occupation, and was considered one of the best in that essential industry. Leav- 
ing a widow, and several small children, he died at the place of his birth in February, 
1907. 

JAMES McKOWEN 

at the age of 20 enlisted at Colchester in August, 1S62, in Company D. He made 
a good soldier, never lost a day from illness, answered every call promptly, and could 
be depended on to execute any order given him. He was of an ingenious turn of mind 
and could construct a stick and mud chimney that was proof against cartridges thrown 
down it by mischievous comrades outside. He returned to Vermont with the com- 
pany, emigrated to Tennessee, in which state he died previous to 1892. 



5.V' /''«' I'^iirtcciith Ri-ijinu-nl I'cnitoiit I'oliiiilccrs 

ARNOLD MORTON 

enlisted In September, 1SG2, from Milton, and became one of Company D, 13th Regi- 
ment, being at the time 24 years of age. Though not of a strong constitution he was 
every day on duty cheerfully obeying orders, and finding no fault. Of a quiet and 
peaceful turn of mind, he was never engaged in any of the occasional squabbles in 
the company, but wlien the time came for action, he was in the front rank, cool and 
collected, with an intention to make every shot tell. After his discharge with the 
regiment he returned to Milton whore he. at this writing resides, a quiet, respectable, 
and respected citizen. 

LEO MUZZY 

at 21 years of age enlisted in Milton in Company D. Of a quiet nature, he was thor- 
oughly reliable, trusty and dependable, attending strictly to his own duties, and he 
made no trouble for himself or others. Leo was always ready when called and 
obeyed orders cheerfully and willingly. He was a good soldier. Returning to Milton 
after his term of service had expired, he worked in a tannery there, and later in 
Johnson. Afterward moved to Swanton where he died about 1899. 

JOSEPH PRIM 

was born and raised in Milton and at the age of IS enlisted there in Company D. 
He was a good, honest boy who had never been out of the county till he went to the 
state rendezvous at Brattleboro. Everything interested him. He probably enjoyed 
the campaign from first to last. He was always in good health, ate well, slept well 
and performed the duties assigned to him without murmur or protest. After his 
discharge he returned to Vermont, re-enlisted, and after the end of the war lived 
for a time in Milton. Leaving there he was lost sight of but it is generally under- 
stood that he is not living. 

JOSEPH SANDERS 

At 21 years of age enlisted in August. '62 in Company D at Milton. He was an 
exceedingly lively young man and even at this writing, travels a rapid pace. If there 
was any frolic in the regiment, or any foraging outside. Sanders was one of the fore- 
most. He did his full duty though with much grumbling in hard times. Much in- 
clined to argument, he was always in a wrangle, and added variety, at times, when 
otherwise, it might have been monotonous. Serving out his full term, he re-enlisted 
in a battery and was severely wounded. After the war he located in Milton, later 
moving to New York, and is now a prosperous farmer in Vermont. 

MORTON H. SANDERSON 

was a native of Milton, and that town was his place ol' residence during his life. 
At l.s years of age he enlisted in .-\ugust, '<i2 in Company I), served through the term 
and was discharged with the regiment July 21st. '63.. Short of stature, and of temper, 
always ready for a turmoil, and frequently engaged in one, he was a marked man in 
the company. Hrave, reckless, and fearing nothing, he always carried a "chip on 
his shoulder." At Gettysburg he lamented that all of Longstreet's men w'ere not 
killed or cajjtured. as they would have been, had our Conimandin;z deneral had San- 
derson's nerve and recklessness. After his discharge he entered the service of the 
Central Vermont R. R., and was killed in an accident about 1875. 

JAMES SHEHAN 

was a native of Milton, and at 18 years of age. in August. 1862. enlisted in Company 
D. Young, full of spirits, fond of playing jokes, accepting hardship and easy times, 
with unfading good humor, he was a general favorite in the Company. Nothing 
improper was ever charged to him. his career with the regiment was unmarked by 
any remarkable incident. He returned, and was discharged with the Company July 
21st, 1863. He kept a hotel successfully at Fairfax for some years. In the ei.ghties 
he suffered a stroke of paralysis from which he never fully recovered. Returning to 
Milton he lived a quiet life until his death in 1S9S. 

JOSEPH C. SNOW 

was one of a large family of that name in .Milton and ho enlisted there at the age 
of 2.') in Company D. Quiet and unassuming always ready for duty, neat in personal 
appearance, and ready at all limes to help others, he was a popular man in the Com- 
pany. He served through with the regiment not tailing to answer the daily roil call. 



Bioi/rdf'liifal and Historical of Company D. 337 

stood in the front rank at Gettysburg, and was discharged with the regiment July 
21st, '63. Returning home he lived some years in his native town, from which he 
moved to Barre where he died in 1890. 

FRANK LAVALEE 

was one of the best workers in the daily routine of camp and picket' duty, road build- 
ing or whatever came to him; gun and equipments always in good condition and his 
general appearance faultless. He escaped injury in battle and re-enlisted in the 17th 
regiment and served to the close of the war. He died in 188.3. 

GEORGE W. LEE 

at the breaking out of hostilities was a carpenter by trade and after the interruption 
of war service took up the work again, and became somewhat prominent as a builder 
In the city of Burlington. As a soldier he enjoyed that life less than any man in the 
company. The conditions and general run of things were not to his liking. However 
he was a useful man and did more hard work in the capacity of cook than any of us. 
When the order came to march in pursuit of Lee he took his gun and stepped into the 
ranks where he remained to the close. He died December 1st, 1903. 

JAMES MORRISON 

was a sailor before and after his army service. He sailed the seas over for a long 
time. Finally his health failed and he died many years ago. Nothing discreditable 
to record in his case as a soldier. On the contrary can say that he was a brave and 
plucky fighter. 

HENRY McAVOY 

was a small sprightly boy, who took pride in being able, as he thought, to defend 
himself against all comers, quick to observe the chip on the other fellow's shoulder, 
and because of this somewhat belligerent dis])Osition, was not a general favorite in 
the company. But he also took pride in keeping himself and his equipments in good 
condition and in being ready at all times to answer all calls to duty. These better 
qualities overshadowed the undesirable ones so effectively that he was rated a good 
man for Uncle Sam. and when his term of service ended he was held in a fair degree 
of respect by his comrades. His residence has been for many years in Somerville, Mass. 

WILLIAM McINTYRE 

was a genius and typical Irishman of the best sort. As a soldier he was cheerful 
and uncomplaining to a degree unusual, and under all conditions. His good qualities 
were recognized by the company officers and he was promoted corporal. He served 
w'ith marked faithfulness to the close of the term with no loss of time from any cause. 
When the 13th returned from Union Mills to Camp Vermont in the fall of '62, and 
landed in a great snow storm without tents, Billy as we called him, myself and six 
or eight others were ordered to remain in a freight car through the night, what for 
T never knew. While w-e were out of the storm and comfortable in comparison to the 
majority of the regiment. I have a distinct recollection, after this long lapse of years 
of spending a long uncomfortable night in that car, cold, no seats or sleep. And there 
was where Billy's cheerfulness was a help. He was a great singer of Irish songs and 
he regaled us with them a good share of the night. After the war he followed farm- 
ing, was an upright and respected citizen. He died in September, 1902. 

JOSEPH MINER AND GEORGE MYERS 

Two young men who enlisted from Winooskl, Vt. Of Miner I remember but little, 
certainly nothing to his disadvantage. He staid to the end and was mustered out 
with the regiment. Myers. I think, was the youngest soldier in D, pretty full of fun, 
apt to be mischievous. The only really distinguishing thing about George was the 
fighting qualities displayed in battle. The order to cease firing came too soon and 
It instantly affirmed that a rebel fell from a shot from his gun after the order to 
cease firing. George saw further service in the 2nd Vt. Battery. 

JAMES LOGUE 

was a jolly, good-natured young soldier who served his country well. I think that 
he committed but one bad break, but that in name has an ominous sound; Jim de- 
serted, but hear the rest and you won't be ashamed of him any more than he has 



5.^'^ J lie riiirlCi'iilh Regiment I'i-niuiiit riiliinlrris 

been ot himself. A battery was stationed a short distance below us at Wolf Run 
Shoals and it was short of men and a few were transferred from the llith to serve 
in the battery. Jim was the one to go from D, and he went and staid only a day or 
two. The artillery men and the service were slrauRe to Jim and he was homesick, 
couldn't sleep or eat, wept some, I believe, and finally in desperation deserted and 
made his way back home to his own company, and the sun shone again, and in Jim's 
case has been shining ever since. Why he was not punished and sent back I don't 
know. Perhaps his sorrowful condition was indicative of slow improvement in this 
new branch of the service. He will now relate the whole story with a good deal 
ot jollity. 

GUY W. LATHAM 

while we were in Camp Vermont was detuili d to serve in the ambulance corps of 
the regiment. He was a careful and conscientious man in that capacity, which he 
remained in to the end of the term. After the war he was engaged for several years 
as foreman and superintendent in some manufacturing interests in Massachusetts, 
after accumulating some property he retired from active work and settled in a pleasant 
home in Ferrisburgh, Vt., where he died in 1892. 

WILLIAM MARCH 

Another member of Company D killed at Gettysburg was William March, who, 
when he enlisted, was a sturdy young carpenter, working on a church in Colchester, 
Vt.. under contractor B. W. Haynes. -March was of American stock, son of a widowed 
mother who lived in Lacolle, P. Q. The writer well remembers, after this long lapse 
of years, a sad and pathetic interview with this bereaved mother a few weeks after 
our term expired when she called on him to make in<piiry regarding the circumstances 
of her son's death. She was told the story as follows: Your son was a good and 
faithful soldier in the field. He kept well and had been able to cheerfully perform all 
of the duties of a soldier. He marched to Gettysburg with the regiment and during 
the terrific battle remained at his post until carried off wounded. In the afternoon 
of the third during the great artillery duel — now celebrated in history — he was wounded 
in both legs below the knees by cannon shot. He unaided jilaced tourniquets above 
the wounds and was carried off the field to a large barn used for a hospital. There 
he died in an hour. The ne.xt morning after the close of the battle, Orderly Ser- 
geant Marrs, E. J. Tyler, J. B. Beauchemin, (the latter one of those who carried him 
off the field I and the writer procured si)ades and a blanket and went to the hospital 
to bury him. when we arrived were told that he had been buried that morning with 
other dead. When March was taken to the hospital a surgeon — not one of the 13th — 
took his mother's address, his watch and twenty dollars in money, pi-omising to send 
them to his mother. She did not receive them. His remains with a host of others 
lie in the nation's cemetery, beautiful for adornment and for situation close by the 
nation's monument erected to the nation's dead. His name is chiseled in granite to 
be read as one who offered the great sacrifice. 

J. H. LYON, 
Colchester, Vt.. December -Sth. 1906. 

OCTAVE MARCELLE 

Among the first in Milton to enlist in Company D was Octave Marcelle. His 
parents were Canadians, but he was raised in Milton and at seventeen years ot age 
was an honest, fearless and thoroughly good-natured boy, with a fair common school 
education. His service in the company was without reproach. Always willing, and 
never finding fault, he was deservedly popular. With a strong and hardy constitution 
he was not under the doctor's care or excused from duty a day from sickness and on 
the terrible march from Virginia to Gettysburg. There is no record that he was absent 
at a roll call. In the afternoon of July 3rd he was with the regiment as they advanced 
across the Cadori field to charge the enemy and midway was struck by a bullet 
on the left temple which lodged in his head. He lay as he fell and after the charge 
and resulting confusion had subsided, thi- writer and two comrades went to him. 
He was breathing but unconscious. He lingered for several hours, though never 
regaining consciousness. His body was buried on the field, and later removed to the 
National Cemetery where by the side of his comrade and friend, Wm. March, he 
sleeps the sleep of those of whom it can truly be said: He died in the discharge ot 
his duty. H. O. C. 

New York, Dec. 24th, 190G. 

WILLIAM L. BLAKE 

is a native of Milton and received a common school education in that town. He 
enlisted at the first call in the 1st Vt. Regiment, and served until the regiment was 



Biof/rahliicul and Historical of Company D. 539 

discharged at the end of its time of service. In August, 1862, he re-enlisted in Com- 
pany D, and being the only man of that Company having had actual military ex- 
perience, was made orderly sergeant. In the spring of '63 he was promoted to a 
Lieutenancy and transferred to Company C of the 13th Regiment. He was a rigid 
disciplinarian, but entirely fair, and asked only that a man should do his duty. In- 
tellectually very bright, with a keen wit, always in good humor, a great story teller, 
and exceedingly versatile, he was a general favorite. After the war he lived in 
Milton and Burlington, and is at this writing in Charlestown, Mass. 

GEORGE STEVENS 

(\as born and educated in Essex. In August, 1862, he was employed as a clerk in a 
store in Winooski and there enlisted in Company D. He was made a sergeant, and 
as such, served till he was discharged in May, 1863, on account of sickness. When 
well, he was of a remarkably cheerful disposition, always ready to hear a tale of woe 
and relieve the trouble, if in his ijower. Full of fun his hearty laugh was recognized 
throughout the entire regiment, strict in the discharge of duty, he was unusually 
respected, he had the faculty, or a genius for cooking, and was unanimously elected 
cook of the sergeant's tent, and served many a meal that was voted to be equal to 
that prepared by some women, and superior to those by many. After leaving the 
army, he devoted his time to farming on the old homestead in Essex for many years, 
moving from there to Winooski, and now is a resident of Burlington. 

CHARLES STANNARD 

enlisted in Milton in September, 1862, being 19 years of age. A man of sound common 
sense, reserved in manner, strictly obedient to all orders, rules and regulations, he 
made a fine soldier. Though not of strong constitution he served the full term and 
was discharged with the regiment when their term of service expired. Returning t& 
Milton he soon removed to Wisconsin, where he died many years ago. 

ERASMUS H. TYLER 

A native of Essex, Erasmus H. Tyler enlisted at the age of 23, in August, 1862, 
and became a member of Company D. A man of fine character, and sound common 
sense, his worth was recognized, and he was made corporal and as such served till 
the regiment was mustered out July 21st, 1863. A good man, comrade and soldier, 
nothing but praise can be said of him. He returned to Essex, where he died about 1875. 

HENRY TYLER 

was a native of Westford, but being employed in Milton, he there enlisted in Com- 
pany D in September, 1862. Sedate and exceedingly quiet, the writer has as slight 
a recollection of him as any of the company. The most pronounced remembrance is 
that he had red hair, and although with this, there is usually a quick and violent 
temper, no record remains that he ever showed undue aggressiveness. He served 
through, returned with Regiment, and soon after went West where he now, we un- 
derstand, lives. 

GEORGE W. TOMLINSON 

was a native of Bolton and joined Company D in September.- 1862, being 18 years 
of age. He was in the drum corps, being the man assigned to that place from Com- 
pany D. As such he served till discharged with the regiment. While he was relieved 
from guard and picket duty his duties were constant, and he was faithful in the 
performance of them. He did good work in assisting in the removal of the wounded^ 
and burial of the dead at Gettysburg, that being a part of the drum and fife corps 
duty. After discharge he returned to his home where he now lives. 

HARRY TOMLINSON 

of Bolton, became a member of Company D in September, 1862, 20 years of age. He 
and his brother G. W. of the same Company, were quiet, peacable boys. They liked 
to see fun or frolic but were not instigators. Harry Tomlinson served out the full 
term, attending all the duties assigned him, made the Pennsylvania campaign, re- 
turned with the regiment and was mustered out July 21st, 1863. Returning to his. 
native town he there resided till his death some years ago. 



540 Till- Thirteenth Rctiinicnt I i-niiuiit I Uliiiitci-rs 

OSCAR J. TOMLINSON 

I, Oscar Tonilinson, son of Gideon and Leonora (.Greeley) Tonilinson, born In 
town of Richmond, county of Chittenden, state of Vermont in the year 1842, Septem- 
ber 29. My grandparents, Kliphlet Tonilinson, born ITaG; died June 12, 18:J9. He 
served in the War of 177G. Polly Chase, Wife of Eliphlet Tomlinson, born 1772; 
died 1855. Grandparents on mother's side, Daniel Greely and Sarah Greeley. My 
father was born in Richmond, Vermont, in 1805; died 18SG. Born and died on same 
farm. Leonora Greeley Tomlinson was born in St. Armand, Canada, February 2, 1811; 
Died at Waitesfield, Vt., January 2, 1892. My oldest brother Philo, born in Richmond 
at the old home, enlisted in Company K, 5th Vermont Heiguient in ISt;;!. Was killed 
at Cold Harbor June ?,, 1SG4. I, Oscar J. Tomlinson, enlisted in Company D, 13th 
Vermont Itegimont, August, 18C2. was with the regiment continually, never was away 
from the company a day only when on duty. Enjoyed camp life fairly well, although 
had many hard times at the moving of camps, etc. About the worst being the time 
we went from Camp Vermont to I'nion Mills, our stay and return being among the 
worst. The march to Gettysburg was long and tiresome and I disposed of the most 
of my belongings before starting. The battle of Gettysburg was something that can- 
not be fully described. 1 had an opportunity of going over that portion of the battle 
field where Pickett made his charge: there wore dead men swollen to twice their 
natural size, so near you could step from one to the other. I remember seeing 
Sergeant Henry O. Clark and Orderly Marrs sitting and conversing on the field of 
battle at Gettysburg as though there was no trouble while the shells and pieces were 
wounding and killing many. I saw General Hancock when he fell from his horse. 
Discharged at Hrattleboro, \'t.. July 21. IS63. Following was sick nearly a year from 
the effects of army life. Enlisted again in December 30, 1864; discharged June, 1865. 
Married Sophrona D. Lewis October 1st, 1865; one child. Earl Forest, died at the age 
of 4 years and tour months. We bought a farm and moved on to it in the year of 
1865, "moved out of it in the month of October. Have owned several farms at the 
same time and now, in 1905, have five; am now and have been a farmer. I have held 
many town offices. Represented my people in the state legislature in 1892. Elected 
associate judge in 1892; re-elected in 1894. Our home has been in Huntington since 
October 20, 1865. P. O. Address, Huntington, Vermont. 

OSCAR .y TOMLI.NSO.V. 

MURRAY W THOMPSON 

I was brought up on a farm in this town and at the time of enlistment was en- 
gaged Tn the old-fashioned business of pulling pine stumps with a machine operated 
hv oxen My partner was J. F. Densmore, who was one of the sergeants of D and 
who wUh col. Mun's'on. Lieut. Rolfe, Sergeants Marrs, Clark and Lyon -- a « 
the voung men of my neighborhood. And when in response to the call of President 
Sncom tor v seven enlisfed in Company D. the eligible men ot the town weu 
f^rieed scarce I shall never forget our life at Hotel Williams at Winooski or our first 
exnerfences in driH. But with Captain Munson's and Lieutenant Rolfe's military 
knowledge we improved rapidlv and soon became, as we thought quite prohc.ent 
It°s a matler o extreme pride to me that I served my country for a timie in its 
pU, and that °I was assorted with such men -^^''Tut tVl^nt TLTJiI 
Comnanv D and the whole 13th Regiment. I am proud of the fact that 1 \\ as ame 
to march to and fight in the great battle of Gettysburg, which crowned the 13th with 
to marcn ^o ana n»ui m |^ | ^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^,^ ,,3^^ ^^lese 

laurels and f^me. J „^"^„fthankfu^ hat me^^^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^ ^^^^^ p^^^ 

many years a member ot our leguut-in.v. mt-rrav W THOMPSON, 

in its many and successful undertakings. MLRRA\ W . iHU.Mi-su. 

JOHN E. WHEELOCK 

I WIS born Mav 1st. 1841, a farmer's son, one of a family of 13 children My 
1 \\<is Doin .udj i-^. farming I cannot remember when I did not 

r'""h'nl<rand°wan a good edueatL had advanced enough so that I had taught 
'Tn^ two ?erms before Tenlised I enlisted under my older brother. Moses A in 
school two teriiis before 1 emi 1 anti-war life worthy of note, unless it is 

August, 1863. I Know ot no i"'^"'^"'; , \,^ . „ ^„^ j .jvas one vear old I walked 

just south of the '■ef dence of he late Dr^ Dixon to tne .. ^.^,.„,„'„,. afterward 

enlistment. But for some reasou, ""• worthv of record I tred to do in a 

1 know of no incident of my war recoid that is ;^^°;H^^ 7/^^^'^^„asting to sav I did 
faithful manner every- duty assigned iiie and I thi^k ^ts "o ^oastm.g t^ a 

Lnra^n"lio^ur%rcrp°/ea^drnr theTr^Xr' u?/ rZ^n Lm this term of service 



lUiujral^liicii! and Historical of i'ciiil^niiv D. 



541 



I enlisted again in Company F, Stli Vermont, and served till the close of the war. 
I began the study of law in the office of Hon. C. W. Witters in 1863, and remained a 
student of record for two years. I then entered the University of Albany, taking the 
full course and receiving my degree of L. L. B., and was admitted to the bar in 
Lamoille County, Vt., on motion of Mr. Witters, in June, 1SG7. I was in partnership 
with Mr. Witters tor one year, when I went to Mt. Carroll, 111., and opened a law 
office. I remained only one year when I was called home by the sickness of my 
mother. Then I opened an office in Milton, and had quite a successful practice. 
I was called to the principalship of the Milton High School, after the boys had 
turned out one or two teachers. Since then I have been more of a teacher than a 
lawyer, I have taught 60 terras in all: thirty of them in the district where 1 
was born. I have been town superintendent of schools some 20 years. I was elected 
a member of the General Assembly in 1888, and served on the committee on education 
of which C. A. Prouty was chairman, also on special committee on town lines. Since 
then I have been teaching and practicing with fair success. I have never attended 
but one reunion of the 13th. That was at Swanton. It was a great time. The hos- 
pitality of Swanton was and is beyond comparison. God bless them and the dear 
comrades of the old 1.3th. No regiment in any war in any country, in any part of the 
world's history has a better record. I am shaken and almost prostrated with rheu- 
matism, but I believe 1 would bear even this "To save the grand old Union from defeat, 
disaster and dissolution," "Like all ancient ones by revolution." 

JOHN E. WHEELOCK. 

The pictures of Comrade John E. Wheelock on page 230, one a youthful portrait of 
21, a good looking, high-spirited Green Mountain Boy, and one taken at the age of 
63, indicates intelligence and determination, loyalty to conviction or opinion, inde- 
])endence of thought and active political, moral and social, averse to being led. attempts 
to proselyte none, taciturn, seeks not to extend and cultivate new acquaintances, nor 
ambitions for wealth or greatness. He once said to the author, "The one incident of 
lite of which he was proud was a volunteer in the Civil War." 

W. ALLEN WHEELER 

the last man on the roll of Company D, one of the last men in company line, owing to 
his short stature, and the last man for whom I shall write a few words to go into 
these individual sketches of the men of our company. Comrade Wheeler was quiet and 
reticent, but courteous to every one and every day alike. The only incident in par- 
ticular that I recall in connection with him occurred a short time before we were 
ordered to follow up Lee's army. He discovered in some way that I had an extra 
pair of shoes, and as his own were quite dilapidated, wanted to buy mine. We 
traded, he taking the shoes and I two dollars. I have thought since that I took 
too much, but considering the value they must have been to him on the long 
march, I now conclude that he got more out of the trade than I did. I know 
nothing of Allen Wheeler tor a few years after the war, when I learned of his death 
by accidental drowning in Lake Champlain. 

WILLIAM AND ROBERT SHERIDAN AND ROBERT AND 
RICHARD POWERS 

were two pairs of brothers and stalwart young men of Irish descent. I group these 
together for what I should say of one I should have to say of the others. There was 
no lack in the soldierly qualification of these four men. Strong, able-bodied and 
equal to any and all hardships and uniformly good tempered. They marched, fought 
and were mustered out with the regiment. It has seemed to me that these men with 
their health and constitutions had promise of long life. But three of them have been 
dead a good many years. William was living in California the last I knew of him 
In 1900. 

JOSEPH ROWE 

was a wagoner from Company D, served as such during the term of enlistment. He 
was a small, active man, carried his head cocked to one side. This and other peculiari- 
ties gave him a comical appearance and made him the butt of jokes from his com- 
rades. At one of our camps a track was measured off for a fast race and Sonny — • 
as he was called — entered for the prize, or one of them, but he was a Wser. The race 
was a pleasant diversion tor the men of the regiment who were out in force to see 
the fun and wagers on the result. As I now remember it, James L. Martin, a Grand 
Isle man, serving in Company H, won the first prize. He was wounded and died at 
Gettysburg. I do not recollect seeing Sonny Rowe after we came home. He died 
many years ago. 



54- / /'<■ Tliiilt-i-ittli h'cj/iiiu'iil rcniioitl I'uhintccrs 

HARVEY H. TALCOTT 

was a lawytT in an office in Winooski when he enlisted. There was some talk about 
electing him second lieutenant but as It was generally understood that two of the 
commissions were all Colchester could have, and they would go to Munson and Rolfe, 
Talcott entered the ranks as a private. In stature he was slight, and come to get 
our kna|)sacks, guns and other eciuipnients there seemed to lie a di.sproportion heiwcen 
his strength and the weight to carry. Coming from an office to the hardships and 
exposure incident to a soldier's life it was soon aiiparent that he could not endure it. 
he became sick and was removed to a hospital and after recovery sufficient for work 
was retained as hospital nurse until May 2nd, 1863, when he was discharged for dis- 
ability. .After the war he went to Chicago and was associated in some capacity with 
Cai)tain Coburn of the 13th. For a few years he has been spending a portion of the 
summers in Vermont, whore he enjoyed meeting his old comrades and friends. A 
genial coinpaiiionable num. He died Oct. 27, 1908. 

JOSEPH TRAVISEE 

enlisted from Winooski was somewhat older than the average, is now over eighty, 
has followed the trade of a carpenter. He is still quite hale and resides in Burlington. 
,Ioe was a genial, always good feeling soldier, not inclined to find fault but sometimes 
drew comparisons, as at one time after conditions had been a little hard he said to 
Cai)tain Munson, "Captain, this ain't much like being home sitting on Frank AUard's 
steps drinking beer. " The comparison was so ol)vious. extreme hardship and ease, that it 
amused the captain and he related it to me with gusto years and years after. As a 
soldier Joe was faithful to the end of the t(Mm and was mustered out with the regiment. 

GEORGE N. WRIGHT 

was born in Colchester, Vt.. August 21!. ISo.s. and has alw'ays been a resident of the 
town with the exception of his war service and a short period spent in California. 
He has been a successful farmer and an upright and respected citizen. During his 
service in the 13th Regiment he was one of the corporals of the color guard. Since 
the formation of our regimental association he has been one of its ardent friends and 
supporters. Never has missed a reunion of the regiment and has been with it on all 
of its excursions and dedications. Mr. Wright retired from active life eight years 
ago settling in the village of Colchester where he is now living in peace and harmony 
with all the world. 

MILAN WILSON 

when the company was formed was appointed third corporal. He was a tall, large 
man and gave promise of being a useful man in the ranks. But little can be said, 
however, as to his military service for he early became sick, run down and emaciated 
and was discharged December 6, 1S62. A few years later moved with his family to 
one of the western states. 

LIEUTENANT E. L. HIBBARD 

was a native of Franklin, N't. He was a tall, well built man. good looking and as an 
officer made a fine appearance. He was, also a man of education and culture, filling 
each position he held, private, sergeant, major and lieutenant with marked correctness, 
gaining the respect of all. He was promoted from sergeant major to second lieutenant 
in Company D, March 1st and first lieutenant. June 4th, 1863. He marched with the 
regiment to Gettysburg and I know from my own observation that he was cool and 
intrepid in battle and that he was an efficient aid to Captain Rascom in the command 
and care of Company D. He was not wounded in the battle but narrowly missed 
being Injured. His sword scabbard was struck by a bullet and his clothing torn by 
a fragment of a shell. 

Lieutenant Hibbard re-enlisted in the 17th Vt. Regiment and w^as commissioned 
first lieutenant in Company B. Was promoted to captain in same company but refused 
to accept the jjromotion. Was mustered out as first lieutenant Oct. 19. 1804. His cap- 
tain had died of wounds received June 19, 1864, and Lieutenant Hibbard was pro- 
moted to fill the vacancy July 6, 1864, but for some good reason did not accept the 
office of captaincy. After the war Comrade Hibbard returned to his native town 
with a fair promise of a long and useful career. But he died a few years after the 
war and to me, his death seemed untimely. He was buried in the East Franklin 
Cemetery. 



Bio;/rapliiriil mul Historical of Company D. 543 

MARQUIS EMERSON MARRS 

was born in Milton, March 29th, 1840. His father was one of five brothers, all of 
whom owned large farms, and were prosperous, prominent in town affairs, and re- 
spected by all. Emerson (as he was called), was educated in the district school 
and the academy at Williston. At the time of President Lincoln's call for 300,000 
men in July, 1862, he was taking a course in Eastman's Commercial College in 
Poughkeepsie, X. Y. The writer of this sketch, a lifelong friend, born and brought 
up on an adjoining farm, had been appointed a recruiting officer by the town. He 
wrote Emerson that he had enlisted and was going to the war. On receipt of the 
letter he at once closed his connection with the college and took the first train for 
home. On reaching Milton he went immediately to the home of his friend, and within 
one hour had signed the enlistment paper. On the organization of Company D he 
was made a sergeant, and as such served the entire term, never failing for even a day 
to do his full duty as a soldier. Consequent upon the exposure of the Gettysburg 
campaign, he contracted typhoid fever. When the regiment arrived at Brattleboro, 
he was sick, though still able to attend to his arduous duties as orderly. The regi- 
ment was discharged July 21st, and on his arrival at his home in Milton the follow- 
ing day, he went immediately to his bed, from which he never arose. He lingered, 
most of the time delirious, until August 3rd, when he died. He gave his life for his 
country's cause as surely as though his heart had been pierced by the enemy's bullet 
on the battlefield at Gettysburg. The 13th Vermont had no soldier more brave than 
he. He was thoroughly and intensely honest. His ideals and ambitions were lofty — • 
his impulses generous. A sincere and sympathetic friend — a born leader. Had he 
lived, he would have been at the head in any avocation he adopted. He was beloved 
by his comrades and by all that knew him. Of a perfectly sweet and lovely dis- 
position, he was never known to utter an unkind word, and he endeared himself to 
all with whom he came in contact. As near perfection is permitted to man, it was 
embodied in him. As was said by the clergyman at his fnueral, "God requires the 
perfect for a sacrifice." H. O. C. 

RODNEY BERKLEY 

was one of the enthusiastic boys from the town of Milton, whose ambition and strong 
desire was not satisfied until he had volunteered. He enrolled on the 6th day of 
September, 1862, and joined the Colchester Company. Was present at the election of 
company officers and for the first time in his life was privileged (though not 21), the 
manly right of voting and it was ever after a matter of pride that his first vote was 
cast for William Day Munson. for captain. This young man was only 18 at date of 
enli-stment and yet so intelligent as to comprehend fully why the impending conflict 
between the North and the South, Had been educated in the common schools of his 
native county: had been well born and brought up. Belonged to a good family, taught 
the lessons of sobriety and good conduct and to do right and be courteous to all. He 
had a genial, happy disposition, and was disposed on all occasions to do his best to 
merit the approval of the conijiany officers and the good wishes of his associates. 
Seemed willing and anxious to acquire the preliminary know'ledge that would fit him 
to be a good and useful soldier. He was a patriotic young man and much pleased 
that he was a volunteer and standing side by side with grown up men to do his part 
to save the Union from destruction. He was on hand and ready at all times to fall 
into line when called, night or day, and found no fault because asked to work on Fort 
Lyon, or do guard and jjolice duty about camp, or picket duty on the outer line. He 
made a good soldier and displayed courage and bravery equal to his older comrades. 
His conduct in the battle of Gettysburg was heroic and in every respect worthy and 
gallant. His record was good and clean. He served his full term and was mustered 
out with his regiment July 21, 1863. Returned home and resumed his former relation 
and occupation, very thankful that he had served his country when assailed. Since 
the war has lived in Milton, sustaining a good character among his neighbors and 
friends. The single act of life of which he is most proud was his service as a soldier 
when there was urgent need to defend the Stars and Stripes that this emblem of glory 
might forever wave over a land of freedom. 

JOHN A. GREENOUGH 

volunteered from the town of Colchester in Septeml)er, 1S62, and joined the Colchester 
Company on the day of its organization, September 6. He counted on the quota of 
Colchester, and was present at the election of company officers. His age was 20, and 
he was to all appearances healthy and strong and very well calculated for a soldier. 
His education was quite limited and yet was a bright, intelligent, well-behaved young 
man. He was taken sick while at Wolf Run Shoals, and was discharged February 1st, 
1863. He was sorry to leave the boys and service but the lite was too strenuous for 
his constitution. He moved to the far West and last known of him was residing in 
Deadwood, S. D. 



544 ■"''' Tliiitccnih Rcybiicnt I'cniwnl I'olnntccrs 

HI6HEL McNALL 

was one of Milton's robust, liapp.v yoiiiiK boys at ibi- dale of his enlistment, September, 
1862. Was only 19, yet believed himself old and laiKe enough to be a soldier, so cheer- 
fully volunteered and joined the Colchester Company, happy to don the blue and 
carry a gun iu defence of the L'nion. He seemed to be pleased and glad to be a 
soldier. Was one of the boys that never shrank from any duty or feared to do it. W'as 
always present for duty and had no fear of the enemy. 

From the day he volunteered to the lime he was mustered out, was on hand willing 
and ready to do his duly when called. He realized it was for him to obey and do his 
best on all occasions. He was a first class soldier and made an enviable record as 
such. The picket march and battle found him in his place fulfilling the duties for 
which he volunteered. 

Comrade McNall in the battle of Gettysburg, was cool alert and as brave as any 
who fought on that field of glory and renown. Since the war has resided in Milton, 
Vt., and the latch string of his modest home hangs out ever inviting his old comrades 
to come in and talk over the days when fighting for home and country. 

BENJAMIN F. WARREN 

volunteered from the town of KichiuoiMl. \\., at tin- ate of 44, and joined Colchesiiev 
Company on the 17th of September. lS(i2. He was one of the oldest recruits in this 
company and only some half dozen in the whole 13th Regiment older. For one so old 
was a good specimen of rugged manhood and physical fitness for the strenuous lite of 
a soldier. He was of the old school of patriotic citizens and was deejjly aroused when 
the news reached his native state. (Vermont) that Fort Sumter had been fired on 
by Rebel leaders of the so-called seceding states and from that moment was anxioua 
to go to the front and do all he could to defend the Stars and Stripes and preserve 
the Union. He was not permitted to remain long in the 13th Regiment, because of 
sickness and was discharged December 6th, 1S62, and yet while he remained was faith- 
ful and ready for duty as any of the younger members of his company. He returned 
home disappointed and humiliated because overtaken with disease and compelled to 
quit the service. He soon recovered and the fire of patriotism still burned in his 
heart, and as soon as able re-enlisted November 23rd, 1863, and this time into Com- 
inny C, 11th Regiment Vt. Vols., as a recruit and joined them when located in Washing- 
Ion, D. C. Here he had the experience of the numerous battles that this regiment took 
part in, from the Wilderness to the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox. Though 
now 45 it is said that he was ever alert, cool and brave and fought like a ti.cer and 
spared not a single opportunity to slay the enemy when in battle. He did himself 
great credit and rendered valiant service to his country. He was discharged after 
the close of the war, August 25th, 1865. and returned home, resumed his place in the 
busy walks of life ever happy and thankful he had served his country until the mighty 
Rebel host was subdued and peace declared. The last known residence of Comrade 
Warren was Huntington, Vt. 

MOSES A. WHEELOCK 

was one of Milton's best volunteers and joined the Colchester Company September 6, 
1862, at the age of 23. He was like his brother, John E., of the right kind of material 
for a soldier. He was on hand night or day responding promptly at every call. 
Brought up on a farm and educated in the common schools of his native tow'n, and 
was an intelligent young man comprehending fully the causes of the pending conflict. 
Was impelled by patriotic motives to enroll as a common soldier, anxious to do his 
full duty, to save and preserve the Union. There were none in Company D more 
alert on the picket line, march or battlefield. His record was first class. He was 
discharged with his regiment July 21, 1863, and returned home, stricken with fever, 
and died in a few days. His comrades in large numbers attended the funeral. It 
was a solenm occasion. He had served his country and returned home thankful for 
the opportunity of being present in the great battle of Gettysburg and in taking part 
in the greatest victory during the war. His surviving comrades remember his daring 
deeds and manly conduct with pride, and sincerely regret that he could not have 
lived to enjoy the blessings secured by the victory of the heroes who volunteered 
for the in-eservation of the great Reptiblic of America. 




HEXRY K. :\hi)g1':tt, 

Joliiisou, \'t.. 
Historian of Co. E. l;itli Vt. \'ol 



Biographical and Historical 



CO. E 



Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers 



CIVIL WAR 1861-1865 



Dedicated to the loving memory of Sergeant Henry PI. Smitii, killed 

in the battle of Gettysburg, July 3rd, 1863, in the world 

renowned charge against General Pickett's 

ridit flank. 



Bioijrapl\ical and Historical of i'oiiif'iniv E. 549 



THE CONDENSED HISTORY OF COMPANY E. 



RIGHT now at the beginning of this brief sketcii, the writer will say that he volun- 
teered, August 27, 1S62, to apply on the quota of the town of Johnson. Together 
with five others, all of which enlisted the same afternoon, Wednesday, August 27, 
1862, at Johnson, namely. Sumner A. Andrews, George B. Whiting, Nathan Dodge, 
David A. Chesmore and John H. Mudgett. On the following day, Thursday. August 
28, the company was called together at Hyde Park to form a company organization. 
After we assembled there was one more from Johnson that enlisted, Henry C. Parsons, 
making in all seven from Johnson, and upon that occasion, which was a very important 
one in the interest of all members of the company, when the company was all 
gathered in the town hall and the question of electing the commissioned officers arose 
for discussion, a man appeared from Stowe and began advocating a strong desire 
to be elected captain of the company. He was a sort of a curiosity to the boys who 
had enlisted, for he had not even added his name to the list of volunteers, and further- 
more, was not intending to, unless he was elected captain, and hence the result was, 
as might be expected of a candidate brim full of patriotism possessed with strong 
desire to see the Rebellion put down but not of the genuine kind that would 
induce him to place his name upon the company roll, that he did not secure over 
one vote out of every five through the comi)any. This said candidate's name was 
Cutting, a Universalist minister. At the same time, both before and after enter- 
ing the hall for organization while he, the said Cutting, was canvassing and labor- 
ing diligently to secure votes to aid his own election, together with the help of 
a tew Stowe boys who had enlisted from that town, who favored Cutting for captain. 
He was a bright, intelligent, active young man, and wide awake the way he appeared 
to the writer of this article without any personal acquaintance with him. for it was 
the first and only time that I had ever seen the man and the same was true with 
few exceptions of the whole company aside from the Johnson boys, but nearly all 
present that day who had volunteered to serve in the company that had met to 
organize on that day regardless of what might be the alphabetical rank, by letter, in 
regimental line, felt as if their choice for captain would be some one selected from 
the goodly number who had already volunteered to serve their country and stand 
by the old flag, instead of one who hesitating to enlist, unless he was chosen com- 
mander of the company, even before he was an enrolled member and under that state 
of feeling expressed by word and action by a majority of the volunteers present, the 
name of Joseph J. Boynton, of Stowe. was presented, well backed by a goodly number 
from his own town, which furnished forty strong as members of the company, was 
named for captain and when the voting began and the first ballot was all in and counted 
with the result of the ballot just taken and reported, it was declared to the company that 
Joseph J. Boynton was elected without a strong opposition. Will say that there was 
not a sufficient number of names uijon the roll to make a full company, according 
to the army regulation.s, but the election of line officers continued until both first 
and second lieutenants were elected. Then we proceeded with the organization until 
completed, but which a few days later proved but temporary, tor it was decided to 
be illegal upon the claim that there were not members enough who had already 
placed their names upon the company roll to form a local organization, but that was 
not where the shoe pinched tightest, and hurt across the stomach, as the most sensitive 
locality to feel the effects of such a disappointment as that company organization was 
to other members of the company that intended to be elected as first and second 
lieutenants of the company, and then some men with outside help, broke up the first 
organization as I stated previously. Our company was not full as to numbers and 
after the first organization was broken up, there was a general hustling for more 
additional members to the company and they were readily found and brou,ght within 
company ranks and another notice was sent out to the boys who had enlisted and 
were members of the company to meet at Morrisville Monday, September 8, 1S62. for 
a second organization and to commence to drill. The company met and formed a 
new organization on September 8th, and everything passed off very pleasantly to all 
but a few whom the two lieutenants that were elected at the first organization became 
duly convinced that the very cause for breaking up the first and calling the company 
together to form the second organization wa.s firstly this: that they were not the 
choice of the whole company after It was recruited to over one hundred members and 
furthermore were well satisfied in their own minds that they could or would not 
be re-elected at the second organization (and expecting that there would be an ex- 
amination of the company when called together) they both planned from August 28 
up to September Sth, to be equal to the emergency. One of the said lieutenants was a 
first-class machinist and was supposed to be blessed and favored with the best of 



550 The Thirtccntli Rcyiincnt Vermont I'uluntecrs 

eyesight, but allowing a prospectlvr dlsappolmnient of re-election to ol'Hce in as good 
If not the best company that would be in the regiment it played upon his mind to 
that extent that upon the examination on Sci>tember Sth, 1S62, at Morrlsvllle. you 
would hardly think that he could distinguish a two horse team from a lady dressed 
as the style was at that date, wearing largcsi/.ed hoop skirts on the streets of Morrls- 
vllle. so of course he was thrown out. 

The other lieutenant elected at the first organization had symtoms of varicose 
veins, and a desire to have them show very prominent upon examination day, which 
was near at hand, which would occur ui)on Monday. September Sth when the com- 
pany was to be called together for examination, and to form the second organization, 
and being fully convinced that there was not the least possible chance for his re-< 
election at the coming organization, he was planning as it seemed between August 
28th and September Sth. to have the above dissability aid him in being dropped from 
the company as it was not his desire to serve as a member of the company in a position 
beneath the rank of a commissioned officer, and with proper planning to bring about 
the re(iulred development of said dissability. to that extent, that it would partially 
incapacitate him for serving as an infantry-man. so under those circumstances the 
examining surgeon was justified in rejecting him from the company. 

As previously referred to. that the comijany would be called together at Morrls- 
vllle Monday. September Sth. 1S62. for examination and also to form the second organ- 
ization, and we accordingly met on that day and first went through a slight examina- 
tion. All stood the test In very good shai>c. only three of that number were rejected 
two of them were the first and second lieutenants, elected at the first organization, 
with both of them their disabilities had develoiied so rajiidly during the few intervening 
days after being fully convinced that neither one of them could be elected at the 
coming organization. Then they jilanned to a|)i)ear before the examining surgeon 
with disabilities so prominent that he. although an elderly gentleman and minus one 
arm. would readily observe that they were wholly unfit to perform the duty of soldiers. 
The result was. they were upon examination immediately left out. The examination 
was brief and as soon as through with, all assembled at the town hall to organize. 
Everything passed off smoothly causing no great jar. There was one man In the com- 
pany, a volunteer from Morristown. who was anxious to be 2nd lieutenant, but when 
it was found he could not be elected to that position the captain and lieutenant, told 
him they would give him the orderly sergeant's berth. He said. "No. if he could not 
be 2nd lieutenant he would be a i)rivate." The officers being of a peaceful turn of 
mind kindly let him have his own way. so he served as a private in Company 13. 

The company organization was finally completed with the officers to be commis- 
sioned and also the non-commissioned were elected from the different towns that fur- 
nished men to make up the company, and the intention was seemingly judging from 
outward appearances, to share the company offices with the boys from each town 
according to the number of men furnished by their respective towns. Stowe furnished 
the largest number of men of any town, so the Captain. Joseph J. Boynton: Isl Sergeant. 
Harvey H. Smith: 4th Sergeant. Orlo L. .ludson; 2nd Corporal. .Joseph S. Collins; I'.rd 
Corporal. George W. Hodge, were elected from the Stowe delegation. 

Cambridge next in line as furnishing the next largest number of men: 1st Lieu- 
tenant. Andrew ,J. Davis: 2nd Sergeant, Edwin H. Reed: 1st Corporal. Charles H. 
Miner: 6th Corporal. Unite W. Keith, were elected from the Cambridge members. 

Next in order of number of men furnished was Morristown. from which 2nd 
Lieutenant. Frank Kenfield: 3rd Sergeant. Horace H. Cole: 5th Sergeant. Carlos E. 
Cheney: .^th Cori)oral. Hiram C. Woleutt; Sth Corporal, Joseph M. Chaplain, were 
elected. One elected from Wolcott: 4th Corporal, Moses J. Leach. The 7th Corporal 
from Johnson was Henry C. Parsons. 

After the company organization was completed the company were all assigned 
to their boarding places. About one-half of the comjiany took up quarters at the 
hotel, under proprietor Whipple, (not our friend and comrade T. S. Whipple.) The 
balance of the company boarded in private families. Several of the Morristown boys 
resided in or near the village of Morrlsvllle. The next thing in order was to be put 
under charge of Urban A. Woodbury, as drill-master. He was captain of Company D, 
the 11th Vermont Regiment, that being the Lamoille County Company recruited for 
that Regiment. Captain Woodbury was a Lamoille County boy from the town of 
Elmore. He enlisted from that town, May 25. 1S61 in Company H. 2nd Vermont Regi- 
ment at Fletcher. At the company organization he was elected Orderly Sergeant of 
the company. At the battle of First Bull Run he was wounded, loosing his right arm, 
and taken prisoner July 21. 1S61. Paroled October 5th. 1S61. discharged October ISth, 
1861. but remained a paroled prisoner until November. 1862. He was elected Captain 
of Company D, 11th Vermont Regiment, in August. 1862. He was an experienced 
drill-master. He gave army tactics through study with a taste for the military part 
of the business, and seemed to take iirlde in having a company well drilled. He had 
drilled two or three companies from our county. Company A. Sth Vermont Regiment, 
at Hyde Park, that being the Lamoille County Company of that Regiment. The next 
was Company H, the 9th Regiment, next Company D. the nth Regiment. Then in 



hof/raf'hical and Historical of Coiiipaiix E. 



DO' 



order Company E, 13th Vermont, our company, was drilled in good shape three weelcs 
at Morrlsvllle by our drill-master. Captain Woodbury. 

One day previous to the holding of the town fair at Elmore, he extended an invita- 
tion to the company to have the whole company march up in a body the day that the 
fair was to be held at Elmore, for he felt an interest in the fair, on account of its 
being his home town, for his father resided at Elmore Pond village. The company 
nearly all marched up when the day arrived in good style, for that was the way 
company E, had of doing things. Soon after reaching Elmore the news spread through 
the company that there was a prize up of ten dollars to be won in a foot race. There 
were always more or less members in company E that had an eye out for all sucBi 
games of luck and chance, so three of our crowd notified the manager that they would 
just take a shake at that game, so drill-ma.ster. Captain Woodbury. Sergeant Cheney, 
bass drummer. Orlo C. Perkins, entei-ed for the race and won the prize money; first 
prize, five dollars, won by Captain Woodbury, the other two prizes won were three 
dollars and two which w-ere won by Cheney and Perkins. 

Company E began drilling Monday. September Sth and drilled the week days of the 
next three Vv'eeks. closing up Saturday the 27th of September, 1862. preparatory to 
starting for Brattleboro the following Monday morning, September 29th. The Cam- 
bridge boys went direct to Essex Junction to take the train and would join us at 
Waterbury. Johnson. Eden and Wolcott boys met at Morrisville and started from 
there in company with Morristown boys for Waterbury by way of Stowe. and there fell 
in company with Stowe boys and met Cambridge boys at Waterbury. and that formed 
the full company. Then proceeded on to Brattleboro, arriving tliere Monday night 
the 29th of September, together with the other nine companies of the Regiment, where 
they met for the first time as a full Regiment. 

When the 13th Vermont Regiment reached Brattleboro and stepped from the 
train and formed in line to march to the parade ground, and as the regiment started 
off from the station escorted by the 12th Vermont Regiment under command of Colonel 
Blunt, keeping step to the music of fife and drum it would not require a very sharp 
critic to observe in that body of soldiers comprising two regiments of Green Mountain 
boys, a class of men that would do credit to themselves and also do their full duty in 
keeping up the proud reputation established early in the war by the Vermont troops 
who took the field early in the summer of 1S61 and have fully sustained the same 
reputation during the year and a half that the war had been going on prior to the 
date of mustering into the service of the 2nd Vermont Brigade. The powerful march- 
ing done and long distances covered by the first Vermont Brigade, when placed at the 
head of the line with the order from General Sedgwick to keep the ranks well closed 
up. The above doings of. and the record of the 1st Vermont Brigade had been published 
from Maine to California and across the great waters of foreign countries. 

At the time the 2nd Vermont Brigade entered the service, without doubt it was 
the personal desire of many a member of not only the 13th Vermont but with other 
Regiments the same throughout the 2nd Vermont Brigade. If life was spared them 
to serve through their term of service to be ready and willing to do their full duty 
where, when or whatever it might be, either in camp or upon the march or uixju the 
lone picket post, surrounded by rebel bush-whackers, or upon the battlefield in line 
of battle it should be their lot to be called upon to be in that position and if it was 
the lot of theirs to any or all of the different kinds of duty above mentioned which 
was liable to fall to the lot of any true soldier ready to perform his duty at any time 
when called upon, he would have a desire to perform his duty in a way tliat when 
his term of service expired and he received his honorable discharge from the army 
with a record just as clean and honorable according to the length of his term of service 
as with Vermont soldiers who had gone into the service earlier in the war. 

Company E reached Brattleboro with one hundred and nine men. including officers 
and privates. Company H reached there the same day with only forty-eight men 
which had to be made up to a whole company from the other nine companies, each 
furnishing men according to the number of men in each company respectively. 

In mingling with and being one of the company for three weeks. I had an oppor- 
tunity to become quite well acquainted with all those that became familiar upon short 
acquaintance and they proved to be a fine, well behaved company of men. as bright 
and intelligent and well appearing as it will be the good fortune of any person to meet. 
There were a few men who enlisted in Company E just as we left for Brattleboro 
which made not only an addition in way of numbers but were of the right make-up 
to help keep up the highest standard of reputation that the company had already 
gained during their three weeks' stay at Morrisville. Our drilling-master. Captain 
Woodbury went with Company E to Brattleboro to help them along in good shape in 
way of drilling the company and he knew just what had got to be done before leaving 
the State and knew how to have the company appear at muster. The company drilling 
of Company E and also witnessing the drilling of the other companies through the 
regiment were both interesting and instructive to both those drilling as well as the 
onlookers. After a few days of drilling and planing, (and getting the hang of the 
barn, as the Irishman said, when he was getting ready to commence threshing, by 



55-J The Tliirtcctith Regiment I'eniiont Voliiitleers 

hand in olden times) soon the talk commenced in regard to the number of men each 
company would be obliged to transfer from their respective companies to flll up com- 
pany H to an average number of men. Company E's number to furnish was eleven. 

By the commissioned oflBcers having an opportunity of being in the company three 
weeks at Morrisville, together with the men daily both upon drill and during leisure 
hours, they had become fairly well acquainted with most of the boys who had been 
together since orKani/.ation. They had by ciDse oliservation of the different men and 
also of the companies in full, and by having friendly conversation with all of the 
men and being ui)on a level with the private soldier who was a member of that com- 
pany, the same as with a commissioned oflBcer. By receiving the above named treat- 
ment daily from each and every one of the officers both commissioned and non-com- 
missioned, the whole company became strongly attached to them and strictly adhered 
to and promptly obeyed every order with willingness and kindly feeling toward their 
superiors, and under those circumstances the commanding officer, whoever might be 
In command of the company had full confidence in eveiy member of the company 
doing his full duty each and every time strictly according to orders and that was the 
state of feelings betw^een the officers and all members of Company E of the 13th 
Vermont Regiment. When they all met at Waterbury railroad station. September 29th, 
1862, and with that state of feeling existing in and throughout the entire company 
the commissioned officers were fully .lustified in feeling a certain degree of pride in 
the general appearance of the company. 

As previously stated Company K reached Brattleboro with one hundred and nine, 
officers and men. They were recruited from the following named towns of Lamoille 
County: Cambridge, 33 men; Eden. 3 men; .Johnson, 7 men; Morristown, 21 men; Stowe, 
42 men; Wolcott. 2 men; Westford, 1 man. Xext in order was the examination of 
the regiment by companies. When the day arrived for examination the one hundred 
and nine men were drawn up in line in the room tor the same, and thoroughly 
examined and every man in the company accepted as being all right. After deciding 
the question as to the number of men each company should furnish, it was decided 
that the quota of Company E would be eleven, which were draw-n from the above 
named towns as follows; One from Cambridge. Napoleon B. La Monda; Eden 3, 
Leonard W. Leach. Marcus Demerrit, Charles J. Chamberlin; Morristown 1, Jerry O. 
Bisconner; Stowe, G, Amos C. Chase. William Emerson, .lohn B. Kusic. .Toseph Merritt, 
Elisha Xorris, Edward Taylor. One man Volney C. Babcock of Stowe was left sick 
at Brattleboro. when the regiment left the State and was discharged there November 
27th. 1862, for disability. The above twelve being taken from the companies. Com- 
pany E had ninety-seven officers and men when they left for Washington. 

Xext in order comes the muster. We had a number of hoys in Company E who 
could perform like first-class circus men, and drill-master Woodbury enjoyed their 
practice and helped to carry it on anytime between hours for drill. He made it a point 
to have all of that class of men and boys make a good showing on those lines when 
taking their run on day of muster before Adjutant General. Peter T. Washburn, for 
which he complimented them very highly, for both their activity and skill in maneuver- 
ing, in turning regular summersaults and gymnastic performances. Adjutant General 
"Washburn thought si)unky Lamoille was all right as yet and the company furnished 
therefrom. Every man passed muster O. K. 

The calls and visits by members from different companies back and forth, were 
.greatly enjoyed, by keeping them up while in camp, at our different places. There 
were members from Company F and K who were acquainted with members of Com- 
pany E. The writer has in memory the names of Lieutenant Xaramore and W. A. 
Xaramore, Erastus Powell and others of Company F. Comrade R. O. Sturtevant of 
Company K w-as acquainted with some members of Company E. Sergeant Edwin H, 
Reed, Sydney C. Cady. private. His visits were greatly enjoyed by those wiio w-ere 
acquainted with him, and had at the same time an opportunity while visiting those- 
whom he knew to become acquainted with otiiers. 



Biographical and Historical of Company E. 553 

CAPTAIN JOSEPH J. BOYNTON 

of Company E, 13th Vermont Regiment, was born in Stowe. Vt.. in 1833 and had always 
resided in his native town up to the date of his enlistment in 1862. When he en- 
listed he was 29 years of age. He was a very worthy upright man in every day 
life from either a social, moral or religious point of view. He won the respect of 
not only his own company of men, but all who had occasion to be placed under his 
command either before he was promoted to Major, May 5, 1863, or after, it was all 
the same as far as the writer had any personal knowledge of the matter. He served 
through his term of enlistment with credit to himself, state and town. While in 
the service he was studying medicine and afterwards completed his course and began 
the practice of medicine and through the influence of Comrade S. A. Andrews he 
secured a position and located at South Framingham. Mass., where he was soon the 
leading physician in that place, there being seven others in practice at that time. He 
was very prominent in his business, as a practising physician, and resided there until 
his death which occurred .June 17. 1897. aged sixty-four years. 

FIRST LIEUTENANT ANDREW J. DAVIS 

of Company E, 13th Vermont Regiment, was the first man to enlist from the town of 
Cambridge under the call of August 4th, 1862 of President Lincoln for 300.000 nine 
months' men to volunteer. He served as first lieutenant from date of company organ- 
ization September Sth, 1862, until May 5th, 1863, when he was promoted to captain of 
Company E to fill the vacancy caused by promotion of Captain Boynton to Major of 
the Regiment. He was a good officer, wide-awake, energetic and ambitious to do his 
duty every time and look out for his men and their welfare. He made the march 
from Virginia to Gettysburg and commanded Company E upon the march and through 
the battle with credit to himself and the company in full. He returned to the State 
■with the Regiment and to Brattleboro and was discharged with Company E on the 
21st day of .July, 1863, and returned home to Cambridge. He was anxious to render 
still more service to the government, so early in the winter following he went to Bur- 
lington and began i-ecruiting Company B of the 17th Vermont when they organize(J 
the company he was elected Captain of the company and in April following, he waB 
ordered with his company to the front and were put into immediate action and was 
wounded June 3, 1864, and died ,Tune 19, from the wounds he received the 3rd of June, 
1864. 

SECOND LIEUTENANT FRANK KENFIELD 

was promoted to 1st lieutenant. May -oth. 1863. Wounded July 3rd, 1863 at Gettys- 
burg. Discharged July 21st, 1863. He recruited a company for 17th Vermont. It 
was organized as Company C. At organization he was elected Captain of the company. 
Was wounded May .5th, 1864, at the battle of the Wilderness, second day of the fight. He 
was taken to Fredericksburg, Va., to Georgetown, Va. After a thirty days' furlow to 
come to Vermont he was captured July 30th. 1864: was taken prisoner at Petersburg, Va. 
Paroled March 1, 186.5. Discharged May 1.5th, 186.5. 

SECOND LIEUTENANT SIDNEY S. MOREY 

was very highly respected in Company E for so short acquaintance, as the time he 
was with the company allowed only a brief associating with him, being upon the 
march when he Joined the company from Company K, which seemed quite near to 
Company E in many respects. 

FIRST SERGEANT HENRY H. SMITH 

was elected 1st Sergeant at the company organization. September Sth, 1862, and served 
In that position until February 23rd. 1S63: was promoted Sergeant Major. Was 
killed July 3rd, 1863 in General Pickett's famous charge. He was second to no orderly 
in the 13th Vermont Regiment tor neatness and promptness in attending to business 
that came within his line of duty. He had to hurry up mornings as a rule to have 
roll-call In Company E as early as Company K. 

SECOND SERGEANT EDWIN H. REED 

was from the town of Cambridge, was highly respected. He died December 12th. 
1862 of disease at Camp Vermont, and his remains were sent to Vermont for burial. 

THIRD SERGEANT HORACE H. COLE 

was from the town of Morrisville, served through his term of enlistment and 
mustered out July 21st, 1863; and died at Brattleboro in 1863, 



534 /'''' Thirtmilli Ri-(/iiiu'iit ]'crinont I'oliintccrs 

FOURTH SERGEANT ORLO L. JUDSON 

was fioui the town of Stowe, served through his term of enlistment and was dis- 
charged at Brattleboro July '.'Ist. isr,;; nicd in Stowe. Juno L'Oth. 1904. 

FIFTH SERGEANT CARLOS E. CHENEY 

was from the town of Morristown, was promoted to 1st Sergeant and was mustered 
out July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted in the Frontier Cavalry, was elected as Ist Lieutenant 
of Company M, Frontier Cavalry and mustered out June 27th, 1865. 

FIRST CORPORAL CHARLES H. MINER 

was from the town of Cambridge, mustered out July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted August 
22nd, 1S64 in Company B, 1st Vermont Cavalry. Dischargi-d June 21st, 1865. 

SECOND CORPORAL JOSEPH S. COLLINS 

was from the town of Stowe, promoted to Sergeant llarch 1st, 1865. Wounded 
July 3rd. 1S63. Discharged July 21st. lSfi3. 

THIRD CORPORAL GEORGE W. HODGE 

was promoted to Sergeant, .March 1st, 1S63. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Now 
lives in Butte, Montana. 

FOURTH CORPORAL MOSES J. LEACH 

was from the town of Wolcott, was a valualjle addition and O. K. for neatness and 
promptness for duty and took more pains and gave the tactics more study than any 
other man in Company E, beneath the rank of commissioned officers and if necessity 
required he could have drilled either a company or a regiment. Mustered out on 
July 21st, 1863. 

FIFTH CORPORAL HIRAM C. WOOLCUTT 

was from the town of Morristown. Died January ISth, 1863, in the service at Fairfax 
Court House. The writer in company with Freeman R. Alexander, placed a board at 
his grave to mark it, the following day after his burial January 19th, 1863. 

SIXTH CORPORAL UNITE W. KEITH 

was from the town of Camliridge. .Mustered out July 21st, 1S63. Died March 22nd. 
1892 at Cambridge. Vt 

SEVENTH CORPORAL HENRY C. PARSONS 

was from the town of Johnson. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted in Com- 
pany E. 17th Vermont. March Sth. 1865. Mustered out March 8. 1866. In after years 
he went- West, where he died in an insane asylum at Topeka. Kansas. April 24th, 1899. 

EIGHTH CORPORAL JOSEPH M. CHAPLIN 

was from the town of Morristown. Wounded July 3rd, 1863. Mustered out July 
21st, 1863. Re-enlisted in Company C. 17th Vermont. October Sth, 1863. Wounded 
May 12th, 1864; taken prisoner July 30th, 1864. Paroled February 22nd, 1865. Dis- 
charged Julv 26th. 1865. 

CHANCEY C. PARCHER 

was a fifer from the town of Stowe. Died February l.'ith, 1S63. of disease. 
THADDEUS S. WHIPPLE 

was a drummer from the town of Cambridge. .Mustered out July 21st, 1863, is now- 
living at Underbill. Vt. 

ELI B. GILE 

was a bugler from the town of Morristown. Mustered out July 21st, 1S63. 



Biographical and Historical of Company E. 555 

ORLO C. PERKINS 

was a bass drummer from the town of Stowe. Clustered out July 21st, 1S63. 

JOSHUA LUCE 

.was a wagoner from the town of Stowe. Discharged February 18th, 1863. Died 
June 9th, 1883. 

EPHRAIM E. ALLEN 

was from the town of Morristown. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted in 
Company D, 5th Vermont. August 21st, 1864. Mustered out June 19th, 1865. 

FREEMAN R. ALEXANDER 

was t"rom the town of Morristown. Mustered out July 21st, ,1863. Died many 
years since at Cady Falls, Vt. 

SUMNER A. ANDREWS 

was from the town of Johnson. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted in 
Company F, Frontier Cavalry, January 4th, 1865. Mustered out June 27th, 1865. 
Died June 16th, 1905 at Johnson. 

HIAL ATKINS 

was from the town of Stowe. He served as a scout from Company E, part of the 
time while in Va. Mustered out July 21st. 1S63. Died at Stowe. November, 1905. 

VOLNEY C. BABCOCK 

was from the town of Stowe. Discharged November 27th, 1862. at Brattleboro, Vt., 
never left the State with the company. 

GEORGE W. BATCHELDER 

was from the town of Stowe. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Lives at Underhill. Vt. 
EUGENE BELLOWS 

was .from the town of Cambridge. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Died at Eden 
twenty-five years ago or longer. 

CHARLES R. BUTTS 

was from the town of Stowe. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted in Com- 
pany M, Frontier Cavalry, January 4th. 1865. Promoted to Corporal, April 30th, 1865. 

Mustered out June 27th, 1S65. Resides at Minneapolis, Jlinn. 

LEMUEL PORTER BUTTS 

was from the town of Stowe. Discharged July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted in Company 
D, August 18th, 1864. Discharged June 19th, 1865. Lives at No. Hyde Park, Vt., where 
he has been a resident for thirty-five years. 

E. DARWIN BUTLER 

was from the town of Cambridge. Wounded July 3rd, 1S63. Mustered out Julv 21st, 
1863. 

GEORGE H. CADY 

was from the town of Cambridge. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Lived at Sutton, 
Companv M, 1st Vermont Cavalry, December 17th, 1863. Mustered out August 9th, 
1865. 

ORSON S. CARR 

was from the town of Stowe. Killed in action July 3rd, 1863. 



SS*^ '^'"' 'I'liirtrottli Kccjiiiicnt J'riiiioiil J'oliintccrs 

DAVID A. CHESMORE 

was from the town of Jolmsoii; wiui W . -i . mii1.i1 hi Kansas. Reported dead. 

ORVILLE CHOATE 

was from the town of Morristown. Dischaised July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted In 
Company C. 17th Vermont. January Ist. 1,S(;4. Discharsed October 12th, 1865. 

LYMAN N. CHURCHILL 

was from the town of Morristown. Discharged July 21st, 1863. Date of death un- 
known. 

SYDNEY C. CADY 

was from the town of CanilnidL;.'. .\l\isiir.cl din .liilv lilst, 1863. Lived at Sutton, 
Vt.. died 1908. 

EDWARD W. CLOUGH 

was from the town of Stowe; detailed as driver of team in ambulance corps. Dis- 
charged July 21st, 1863. Now resides at Morrisvillc. 

AMBROSE C. COLLINS 

was from the town of Morristown. .Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Died April 9th, 
1904 at Hyde Park. 

JONATHAN W. DANIELS 

was from the town of .Morristown. Wounded July 3rd, 1863. Mustered out July 
21st, 1S63. Resides at Morrisville. 

JOHN M. DAVIS 

was from the town of Cambridge. Miistered out July 21st, 1863. Died May, 1903 
at Chadwick, Carrol Co.. 111. 

DENISON M. DICKINSON 

was from the town of Cambridge, Wounded July 3rd, 1863. Mustered out July 
21st, 1863. Re-enlisted in Company A. 6th Vermont, March 1st, 1865. Mustered out 
June 26th, 1865. 

ORRIN H. DICKINSON 

was from the town of Cambridge. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted in 
Company A, 6th Vermont March 1st, 1865. Mustered out June 26th, 1865. 

NATHAN DODGE 

was from the town of Johnson. Promoted to Corporal March l.'>th, lSt'.3. .Mustered 
out July 21st. 1863. Re-enlisted in Company E, 7th Vermont. March Sth. 1S65. Dis- 
charged March Sth. 1866. 

BARNEY S. FULLINGTON 

was from the town of Cambridge. Mustered out .Inly 21st, 1803. Re-enlisted in 
Company M. 1st Vermont Cavalry January 2nd, 1S64. Transfered to Company F. June 
21st, 1865. Mustered out August 9th. 1865. 

GEORGE M. FARRINGTON 

was from the town of Cambridge. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted as 
sub. August 11th, 1864. Transfered to Company M. 1st Vermont Cavalry. Discharged 
June 12th. 1865, for wounds received April 8th, 1865. 

LUKE P. FLEMMING 

was from the town of Cambridge, discharged .lune S, 1863. Located in the West. 



Biographical and Historical of Company E. 557 

SIDNEY P. FRENCH 

was from the town of Cambridge. Detailed as nurse in hospital for Company E. 
Discharged July 21st, 1863. Now resides at Cambridge. 

LEONARD C. FULLER 

was from the town of Stowe. Dif'd in tlie service May 27th, 1863. 
ORLANDO F. GERRY 

was from the town of Morristown. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted in 
Company C, 17th Vermont, September 23rd. 1863. Wounded May 6th, 1864. Mustered 
out July 14th, 1865. 

LEONARD GILLMORE 

was from the town of Stowe. Re-enlisted in Company C, 17th Vermont, February 
27th, 1864. Absent in general hospital since April 18, 1864. No further record. 

RANSOM B. GOODELL 

was from the town of Morristown. Discharged February 15th, 1863. Died in Morristown. 
WILLIAM GOODELL 

was from the town of Stowe. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted December 
8th, 1863 in Company I, 11th Vermont. Transfered to Company A the 11th. Mustered 
out June 29th, 1865. Died August 30th, 1892 at Stowe. 

JOHN H. HALL 

was from the town of Stowe. Mustered out July 21st, .1863. Re-enlisted in Company 
0, 17th Vermont January 2nd, 1864. Killed in action June 20th, 1864. 

GEORGE G. HEBB 

was from the town of Cambridge. Died May 22nd, 1863 in the service. 

JOHN D. HITCHCOCK 

was from the town of Cambridge. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Resides now in 
Cambridge. 

EDWIN W. HOLMES 

was from the town of Cambridge. Died in the service May 30th, 1863. 

HENRY H. HORNER 

was from the town of Cambridge. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Resides now at 
Hyde Park. 

JOHN P. HULL 

was from the town of Cambridge. Tailor by trade in the Company. Mustered out 
July 21st, 1863. Died April 3rd, 1867. In Corning. Adams Co.. Iowa. 

GUERNSEY R. JORDAN 

was from the town of Westford. Discharged July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted in Com- 
pany B, 17th Vermont February 23rd. 1864. Killed in action April 2nd, 1865. 

WILLIAM KELLEY 

was from the town of Morristown. Discharged July 21st, 1863. Died about 1900. 

SAMUEL S. MARSHALL 

was from the town of Stowe. Discharged July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted in Com- 
pany D, 5th Vermont January 12th, 1864. Killed in action May 6th, 1864. 



558 The Tliiitct-iilli Rccjiincnt Vermont Volunteers 

ALMER H. MONTAGUE 

was from the town of Caiiibiidst'- Aliisteii'tl out July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted in 
Company M, 1st Veiniont Cavalry January 2nd, 1864. Proniolefl to Corporal March 1st, 
1865. Transfen-d to Company K. .hine 21st. IKfi.',. .Mu.'ileii-d out August 9th. 1865. 

ANDREW H. MORGAN 

was from the town of Cambridge. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted in 
Company E, 1st Vermont Cavalry. August l?.th, 1864.. Mustered out June 1st, 1865. 

HENRY E. MUDGETT 

was from the town of Johnson. .Mustered out .luly 21sl, 1S63. Resides now in Johnson. 

JOHN H. MUDGETT 

was from the town of .loliiison. Discharged .Inly 21st, 1863. Lost his life at the 
time of the btunins of a hotel at Morrisville. Deeeniher 13th, 1893. 

LOOMIS E. PAINE 

was from the town of Stowe. Discharged July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted in Com- 
pany C, 17th Vermont October 13th. 1S63. Died August 7th, 1864. 

ORRIN D. PECK 

was from the town of Morristown. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Now resides at 
Lower Cabot, Vt. 

HENRY A. PIKE 

was from the town of Stowe. lJis<hai;;ed July 21st, 1863. Now resides in New 
Hampshire. 

JOSIAH PRATT 

was from the town of Stowe. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Died many years ago. 

ALBERT C. RAYMOND 

was from the town of Stowe. Mustered out July 21st. 1863. Re-enllsted in Com- 
pany C, 17th Vermont as Sergeant, promoted to Captain. Wounded July 26th. 1S64. 
Mustered out July 14th, 1865. Died November 11th. 1895 at Stowe. 

HARRISON W. RAYMORE 

was from the town of Cambridge. Re-enlisted January 18th, 1864 in Company B, 
17th Vermont Regiment. Mustered out July 14th, 1865. Died at Cambridge January 
8th. 1892. 

SAMUEL REED, JR 

was from the town of Stowe. Discharged .luly Jlsi. Isc:;. Died October 2nd, 1901. 

JAMES E. REYNOLDS 

was from the town of Cambridge. Mustered out July 21st, 1S63. Resides now at 
Cambridge, Vt. 

REUBEN A. ROBINSON 

was from the town of Caniliridiie. I)iscliart,'cd .lul.\ 2!st. 1863. Died at Johnson 
November 24th, 1879. 

JULIUS D. SAFFORD 

was from the town of Cambridge. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Resides at Pleasant 
Valley, Vt. 



Biographical and llislcrical of Company E. 559 

SETH C. SANBORN 

was from the town of Morristown. Wounded July 3i'd. 1863. Mustered out July 
21st, 1863. Re-enlisted in Company C. ITtli Vermont December 25th, 1S63. Mustered 
out July 17th, 1865. 

ORIN D. SARGENT 

was from the town of Stowe. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted in Com- 
pany D, 5th Vermont August 18th. 1864. Discharged June 19th, 1865. Died October 
29th, 1902 at Johnson. 

WARREN J. SEAVER 

was from the town of Stowe. Mustered out July 21st, 1S63. Died November 7th, 
1902 at Stowe. 

LYMAN J. SEELY 

was from the town of Cambridge. Wounded July 3rd, 1863. Discharged July 21st, 
1863. Died April 16th, 1901 at Jeffersonville, Vt. 

CORNELIUS V. SESSIONS 

was from the town of Stowe. Died March 20th, 1863 in hospital at Wolf Run 
Shoals, Va. 

CARLOS C. SHAW 

was from the town of Stowe. Mustered out .luly 21st. 1863. Resides at Morrisville. 

HENRY C. M. SHERWIN 

was from the town of Stowe. Discharged January 10th, 1863. Resides at Stowe. 

DANIEL M. SMITH 

was from the town of Stowe. Discharged July 21st, 1863. Lived West for a num- 
ber of years, has returned to Stowe and there resides. 

SHELDON STRATTON, JR 

was from the town of Cambridge. Discharged July 21st, 1863. Resides at Cambridge. 
HENRY A. SPARKS 

I was born in Poultney, Vt., in 1834; volunteered on the second day of September, 
1862, and counted on the quota of the town of Stowe. My occupation at the time 
was farming. My education was in the district schools of Vermont. I was 5 feet, 
6 inches tall, liglit complexion, blue eyes and brown hair, quite vigorous, healthy and 
strong and adapted for soldier life. Was iiresent at the organization of Company 
E at Morrisville, and here we drilled for three weelis under Urban Woodbury, a 
returned soldier, who had lost an arm in the first battle of Bull Run, July, 1861. We 
received orders to go to Brattleboro for muster into the United States service. We 
elected officers about September 8, and Joseph J. Boynton was chosen captain; Andrew 
J. Davis, first lieutenant, and Frank Kenfield, second lieutenant, all good men and 
true. Mustered in October 10th, and started for Washington on the 11th. I followed 
the fortunes of my Company and regiment in camp, on the picket line and on the march, 
always on hand and doing duty as well as I could. One day my comrade on the picket 
line made ready his meagre breakfast — all that he had — stubed his toe and spilled 
It, but quickly scraped it up and down it went dirt and all, and such incidents fre- 
quently happened, a true soldier soon adapted himself to such trifles. My tentmates 
were Sergeant Orlo S. Judson of Stowe. Corporal Joseph S. Collins and Amos Towne. 
At Camp Widow Violet so many sick for a time Surgeon Nichols had an extra tent 
put up and I did duty in it for a while until taken sick myself. About June 20th 
was better and up about camp. We broke camp June 25th and started on the great 
march. The sick had been sent a few days before to Alexandria and Washington. 
I was sick enough to go, but there was no room. So on that day was detailed as 
guard of the wagon train. The Quartermaster saw my condition and said, "Pile on 
to the wagon when tired; march when you can," and thus it was march until tired 
out and then ride til) rested and in this way reached Gettysburg. I went through the 
battle and with my company and came out without a scratch, but was ruptured in 



560 'I'he I'Uirtecuth Regiment Vermont Volunteers 

helping roll Colouel Randall's horse off that was shot and fell on his foot and leg. The 
Colonel jumped up and exclaimed, "Damn them, they did not get me that time," 
Since the war I have lived in Stowe for a while; followed farming and then moved 
to New Hampshire, where 1 now reside and have for the last 15 years. I have a little 
home in Warren. I am not able to do much work; failing every day; am now GO, and 
it it was not for the pension of $16 per month could not get along. I am thankful 
I served my country for now when old and feeble am being well cared for and more, 
In a measure discharged the duties that impelled me to volunteer. 
Warren, N. H., March 17, 1902. 

See page 262 for Henry A. Sparks's picture. 

CHRISTOPHER TEDFORD 

■was from the town of Stowe. The only man in the company who had seen service, 
said to have been in British service It) years, was well drilled and a fine valiant soldier. 
Discharged July 21st, 1S63. Died in Fairfax a few years ago. 

BENJAMIN F. TERRILL 

was from the town of Morristown. Discharged July 21st, 1S63. Home now Jliddle- 
fleld, Conn. 

AMOS W. TOWN 

was from the town of Stowe. Jhustircd out July 21st. 1S63. Now resides at Stowe. 

BENJAMIN F. WAIT 

was from the town of Stowe. Was head cook for Company B. Mustered out July 
21st, 1863. Died June 23rd, 1903 at Stowe. 

DANIEL C. WATTS 

was from the town of Stowp. :\luster.d out July 21st. 1863. Died May 18th, 1883 
at Stowe. 

SANFORD 0. WELLS 

was from the town of Cambridge. Wounded July 3, 1863. Mustered out July 21st, 
1863. Died a few years ago. 

CHARLES W. WHITNEY 

was from the town of Wolcott. Died .I\ily, ist;:', of wounds received July 3, 1863. 

GEORGE B. WHITING 

was from the town of Johnson. Mustered out July 21st. 1863. Resides at Johnson. 

EDGAR D. WOOD 

was from the town of Cambridge. .Mustered out .)ul.\ :;ist. 1863. Resides in Middle- 
boro, Mass. 

AHIAL C. WOOLCUTT 

was from the town of Morristown. Promoted to Corporal March 1st, 1863. Wounded 
July 3rd, 1863. Discharged July 21st, 1863. Died some 30 years ago. 

WILLIAM V. WOOD 

was from the town of Cambridge. Mustered out July 21st. 1863. Re-enlisted in 
Company P, 1st Vermont Cavalry December 21st. 1863. Mustered out August 9th, 
1865. 

SAMUEL A. WORTHEN 

was from the town of Morrislowu. Mustered out .I\il> 21st. ISt;:',. Died a few years 



The Historian of Company E, Henry E. Mudgett, out of extreme modesty, only 
mentions the name of his town and date of muster out, as will be seen, leaving his 
comrades no information as to his soldier life or as a citizen since the war. The 
Regimental Historian finds it a privilege to say that Comrade Mudgett was a con- 
scientious, faithful soldier, and discharged with care and promptitude every duty 
throughout his term of service. Nothing occurred that he did not observe and dot 
down in his unfailing storehouse of memory, and to-day, the incidents of camp, march, 
picket and battle, with day and date are readily called to mind. Not a survivor who 
can relate so well and fully the incidents of interest relative to the 13th Regiment 
while in the service. Our esteemed comrade during the great duel of cannonading 
between the two armies in the afternoon of the last day of battle just before General 
Stannard's charge against General Pickett's right flank, amidst the roar and carnage, 
deliberately calculated the number of explosions during each minute of time as coolly 
and accurately as if at his own fireside at home. Such was the peculiarity and bent 
of mind of this quite imique character. In civil life he has manifested the same 
original characteristics and ever sustained a good reputation at home and among his 
comrades and acquaintances. I am under great obligations to Comrade Mudgett for 
valuable information appertaining to the 13th Regiment, for which I am thankful. 

R. O. S., Historian. 




ll'DC.I'. C( iRXl'.lJl'S S. IWl.Mi-.k. 
l'iurlinL;tiin, \ t. 




LIEUT. AKXUIJJ C. ¥.\\. 
Deceasetl. 1906. 

] listoriaii-^ 



ELI .\I':ES( )\ I'l-XK. 
I'.urliiigtin). \ 1. 
)f Co. E. i;,ili \'t. \\)ls. 



Biographical and Historical 



CO. F 



Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers 



CIVIL WAR 1861-1865 



Dedicated to the sacred memory of Corporal Menry C. Russell, slain 
in the battle of Gettysburg, Pa.. July 3rd. 1863. in the famous 
charge of the Second \'ermont Brigade against Gen- 
eral Pickett's right flank. 



Hioijniphicol and Historical of Coiiipaiiy B. 565 



THE CONDENSED HISTORY OF COMPANY F. 



THE Richmond Company was recruited by the selectmen as provided liy the Gover- 
nor's order and the different towns with the nuniljer of men each of them furnished 
are as follows: Williston, 24 men; Jericho, 20 men; Underhill, 19 men; Huntington, 
13 men; Essex, S men; Richmond, 7 men; Bolton, 6 men; St. George, 2 men; and 
Starksboro, one man; making a total of one hundred men. The Company lost three 
men, one by transfer and two were rejected by the medical examiner at Richmond, 
Vt. Three men enlisted into the Company before October 10, 1862, making up the 
loss, and was organized at Richmond, September 10th, 1862, by the election of ,John 
L. Yale, captain; Lucius H. Bostwick, first lieutenant; and Justin Naramore, second 
lieutenant. A hundred boys brought together from the farms, stores and shops of 
Chittenden County, all full of fun and frolic made Richmond a pretty lively place 
during our stay there. Yet I don't believe there was a low, dirty or mean act com- 
mitted, just simply boyish frolics, the overflow of youth, of which no doubt some ac- 
counts will appear in the personal sketches of the boys. The next Monday morning 
after the organization of the company the members assembled for duty and drill by 
the company oihcers. Some of the men that enlisted with the selectmen in .August 
had received Instructions in part one. School of the Soldier. October 10th we were 
mustered into the United States service and took our position as Company F, of the 
grand old l.jth Vermont Volunteers, where we were ever found thereafter, ready and 
willing to perform any and every duty required of us. Captain Yale was sick m the 
winter and fearing he would not be able to again command his company, he resigned. 
We were very sorry to part with him as he was well liked by all the regiment. Bostwick 
was promoted to captain, Naramore to first lieutenant, and your humble servant to 
second lieutenant; the boys very kindly presented me a fine sword and belt, which to- 
day holds a place of honor in our parlor, a constant reminder of the generous donors. In 
the spring Captain Bostwick, a model officer, a true gentleman well beloved by the 
entire regiment sickened and died. Thereafter Lieutenant Naramore had command 
of the Comnany, it being so near the close of our service no more promotions were 
made. 

Company F made very little history apart from the regiment, but when our train was 
captured at Camp Widow Violet, we as a company went down to the Ferry and out 
some five miles into Rebeldom to head off the rascals, but finding they were ahead of 
us and mounted, thought it useless to pursue further, as we had double quicked it 
most of the way out. we leisurely returned to camp without any particular incident. 
I should like to give personal sketches of the 101 members of the Company, but have 
neither the time or the ability to do them justice, of course there were 101 different 
characters and it would require the pen of a Dickens to eliminate them, but I will 
say we never lacked for sport nor any of the fruits to be found in the surrounding 
country. For liquids we generally looked to the Huntington boys and they seldom 
failed us, but the other boys soon caught on and whatever of good things the country 
afforded, Company F was pretty sure to have her share. I think we lost 8 members 
of our company by sickness; 7 discharged, and 2 killed at Gettysburg, making a total 
of 17 missing from our number, 10 of whom had answered their last roll call, giving 
their lives for country, all good and true men whom their comrades sadly mourned, 
and after these many years the comrades living feel it no disgrace to drop a tear to 
their memory. There are 61 who have responded to the last call since our return; 
having lived to see the glorious Union restored and its mighty advancement in all 
things that make a nation great and powerful. They departed with the consciousness 
that they had in some measure aided this great work. What more need be said of 
them? They were good soldiers and after their return good citizens and their names 
are written high on the nation's scroll of honor. There are according to our best 
information, 40 of the company yet living, many of whom, no doubt, have written 
personal sketches, which will probably appear in whole or in part in the forthcoming 
history. To these I will say the hand of greeting is ever extended to welcome to our 
humble home on the shore of beautiful Lake Champlain, any of you who may deign 
to give us a call. I thank you for the courtesy and kindness always shown me while 
tenting together on the old camp ground. My entire remarks apply to every mem- 
ber of Company F. I feel like old Mother Laport, she said she had ten children and 
not a black one among them. It is thus with Company F, 101 members and not a 
black one among them. Your names will undoubtedly appear at the head of the 
Company history to tell the future generations your deeds of valor; that when your 
country called you were not found wanting, l*ut staked your lives that the nation 
might live. Should other historians give their companies greater praise, do as you 
did of old — take it. Ever remember that your old orderly has a warm spot in his 
bosojii lor you and may Gods richest blessings Ije with you one and all. 



S^^i I lie 'riiirlrriilh h'ri/iiiiriil \',-niioni I'oluittccrs 

JOHN LYMAN YALE 

son of William L. and Adelia (Strong) Yale, was lioin in Charlotte. Vt., October 28. 
1840. Educated in the Academies at Williston. Vt., and Watertown, N'. Y. Enlisted 
from Williston, Vt., under the call of August, 4. 1S()2. !)>• the i)resident and the gover- 
nor's order Number i:{, of August 13, 18B2. Hy direction of the selectmen acting as 
recruiting officer.s the volunteers from the several towns assembled at Richmond, 
Vt., September 10, ]8fi2, and after the meeting had been officially organized iiroceedcd 
to the election of officers. The Rev. Joseph Sargent, a volunteer from Williston, 
nominated .John I,. Yale for the office of captain and he was unanimously elected 
captain of the Richmond Company. .Xfter the election of the two lieutenants Captain 
Yale called the conii)any to order and after appro|)riate remarks, informed the com- 
pany that they were in the state service, under jjay and would be furnished with board 
and lodging at Ransoms hoti i and furloughed until .Monday morning next. The company 
assembled as ordered and commenced drilling. The company passed the medical 
examination by Dr. Knox fairly well. The line officers met at Montpelier, Vt.. Sep- 
tember 24. and elected Field Officers and the company was thereafter Company F, 
13th Vt. Vol. Inf.. and left for Camj) Lincoln. Hrattleboro, Vt.. September 29. 1802. 
During our stay at Camp Lincoln the company passed the second examination by 
a United States sm-geon without any rejections. The many interesting incidents that 
took place here and during the regiment's i)assage to Washington will be told by 
others. While on Capitol Hill, death made its first entry into our ranks. At the 
regiment's first dress parade in Virginia at Camp Seward the company boys were 
pleased to see Colonel Rolla fJleason. of Richmond. Vt. The company received its 
first lesson in picket duty of four days time from I've of November first, 1862. The 
description of Camp Vermont and many incidents connected therewith will appear 
in the many personal sketches. At Union Mills the Company did duty at brigade 
headquarters, where some of the members received their first lesson working on a 
railroad. On the 12th of December the company left their log huts at Camp Vermont 
and camped in a pine grove near Fairfax Court House where it remained until 
January 20, 1863. The company was with the regiment in all of its actions while at 
Camp Fairfax. Two men died while in camp here. On account of continued illness. 
Captain Yale resigned, which was accepted February fi. 1S63, and taken home to Ver- 
mont by his father, who had taken care of him from the time of being taken sick. 
In July, ISiil commenced to recruit for Company K, ITth Vt. Inf: commissioned 
captain September 22, 1864. Mustered in Octol)er 8. 1864; mustered out of the service 
July 14. 186.5. Married Effie J. Lewis, of Williston, Vt.. April 1. 186.-,. Five children 
have been born to them. Has been in the lumber business a large portion of the 
time in Burlington. Vermont. Now resides at Bedford. Mass. 

LUCIUS HOYT BOSTWICK 

Only son of Julius Hoyt and Columbia (Chadwicki Hostwick was born September 24, 
1837, at Jericho, Vt. Mr. and Mrs. Bostwick were married at Cambridge. Vt., Novem- 
ber 26, 1833. Their only daughter, Mary C. born September 23, 1835, married Samuel 
M. Walton. May 3(i, 1860. and now resides in Montpelier, Vt. Lucius H. Hostwick was 
a student at Burlington High School and the seminary at Fort Edward, N. Y. After 
which he taught school and then was associated with his father in the care of a large 
farm, banking and speculating, he was universally respected by his fellow citizens 
for his sterling worth and patriotism, a devoted churchman, taking part in the ser- 
vices in the absence of a rector at Calvary Episcopal church at Jericho, Vt. When 
the call came for volunteers in July and August. 1862, both father and son were active 
in helping the selectmen to fill the town quota, generously offering $uO and the son's 
bounty of $50 to the next ten men that should enlist. The selectmen of the several 
towns having complied with the Governor's order No. 13. of August 13, 1862. the vol- 
unteers of said towns assembled at Richmond, Vt., September 10, 1862, and with the 
Hon. E. D. Mason, as presiding officer, proceeded to organize the Richmond company 
by the election of officers. This company was assigned as Company F. 13th Regiment 
of Vermont Volunteers Infantry. Lucius H. Bostwick was elected first lieutenant: 
promoted to captain .^Larch 3, 1863. A good soldier, a model officer. On account of 
continued illness it became necessary for him to resign, which was accepted June 3, 
J863. He was taken from camp to a hotel in Washington. D. C. and later to a private 
family (a Mr. Prentice) by his mother, who tenderly cared for him through his illness. 
His father reached Washington the day before his death which occurred June 4, 1S63. 
Together they took him to his old home in Jericho. Vt., where a last farewell was 
taken by his iiiany friinds. The funeral services were held in the same ehnrch where 
he had so often attended. His body was taken to Montpelier, Vt., and placed in Green 
Moimt Cemetery. The father and mother soon after his death removed to Montpelier 
and made their home with their daughter, Mrs. Mary C. Walton. Madam Bostwick. 
bom November 14. 1S14, &wA of tyi>hotd fever October 14. 1880. Mr. Bostwick bora 
June 10. 1805, died of old age February, ISSV; both of them were buried in Green 
Mount Cemetery, Montpelier, Vt. 



Bi(i(jra[^liiciil and H isfurical of (.'njiipaiiv [■ . 567 

JUSTIN NARAMORE 

son of Hawley A. and Fanny Martin Naramore, was born in Underliill, Vt., July 4, 
1S40. Kducaied m me common scnoois and Academy ot liis native town. Eniistea 
under tlie call lor nine months' men and was elected second lieutenant ot the Rich- 
mond Company, September 10, 1S62, at Richmond, Vt.. which became Company F, 13th 
Vt. Vol. Inf., September 24, 1862. The company history has been written by others 
and only a tew tacts remain to be noted. Upon the resignation of Captain Bostwick 
June 3, 1S63, the command of the company devolved upon me as first lieutenant. The 
company ot luu men increastd by one rtcruit January 1, ISuS, making 101 men, was 
reduced to S7 men iVIay 31, 1S63, as shown by the monthly report of that date on file 
at Montpelier, Vt. It is impossible to give account of the company's record because 
the company morning report book is not available for reference as it ought to be. 
Every man who was a member of the company has a right to see the book. The 
company's record will compare favorably with the other companies of the regiment 
as to age, physical ability and military discipline. When the order that assigned 
the brigade to the First Army Corps came, the cori]S was at Edward's Ferry, en route 
to Barnesville, Md.; this was sufficient to show that a rapid march was necessary 
in order to join the corps. The Company left camp in heavy marching order but the 
order w'as soon changed. Many incidents occured on this march which indicated the 
individual idea of a soldier's duty to himself and country. That the march of an 
average 18 miles a day for seven days in the rain, would be a severe test on the men. 
was expected, and their ability to fight not improved, but General Stannard reported 
that the "Officers and men behaved like veterans." I am certain that the patriotism 
of the men of the company who staid on the firing line during the battle, was not 
tainted with commercialism. Others have written of the company's doings and the 
return to Vermont for muster out. Company reached Richmond on the morning of 
July 23, and was given a royal welcome by the citizens, and broke ranks, and went 
to their homes. Twenty-five members of the company entered the service in defense 
of their country the second time. The seven men who left the company because of 
physical disability never fully recovered. Several of the men were mustered out, 
■were physically unfit for military duty. Lieutenant Naramore commanded the com- 
pany during its period of history, making and well earned the rank of a captain. He 
married Jennie Metcalf of Underbill. Vt.. November 15, 1864, and followed the rail- 
roading business most of the time in New Jersey and the South. Died at his home 
in Philadelphia. Pa.. February 27. 190S. and was buried in Arlington Cemetery, Lansdown, 
Pa., leaving a family of a wife, tliree sons and two daughters. 

ARNOLD C. FAY 

was born March 4th, 1840. in Essex, Vt., the son of Nathan and Polly (Colby) Fay, 
the grandson of Nathan and Mary (Safford) Fay. Nathan then a boy of 17 was in the 
battle of Bennington, his father, John, was killed in said battle, and his father, 
Stephen, was owner of Catamount Tavern, the headquarters of the Aliens and other 
liatriots during that stormy period. Was reared on the farm at Fay's Corners, in Rich- 
mond, attending the common school, also the academy at Underbill and Williston. 
In August, 1862, enlisted in what proved to be Company F, 13th Vermont, organized at 
Richmond September lUth. from the towns of Bolton, Underbill. Jericho, Essex Willis- 
ton. Huntington and Richmond. J. L. Yale was captain and as good a lot of boys as ever 
went out in the defense of our country. The story of our marches, picket duty and 
fighting will be told by better pens than mine, also the scenes of fun and frolic and 
rest assured that Company F was always there. We lost by sickness several fine 
fellows, among them Captain Bostwick, as fine a gentleman as the regiment mustered. 
Reared in luxury, the hardships of campaigning and camp life were more than his 
constitution could endure. Corporals Russell and Baldwin answered the last roll call 
at Gettysburg, and in a few years more the last one of the grand old regiment will have 
been mustered out. I was first sergeant at the organization of the Company, promoted 
to second lieutenant March 3rd, 1863, and mustered out with the regiment. During 
the following year was most of the time in recruiting service. In August, 1864 again 
enlisted and helped to recruit Company K. 17th Vt. Inf.. and was commissioned first 
lieutenant September 22. 1864. date of the company organization and was sent to New 
Haven, Conn, soon after. Mustered into the service October 8. 1864. and went to the 
regiment as soon as the rolls were ready, reaching the regiment and brigade October 
27, 1864, which was then stationed in front of Petersburg. It had suffered severely in 
its seven months' service and our company numbered as many as were there present 
for duty. Guard and picket duty kept us pretty busy through the winter. The regi- 
ment was in the grand charge April 2nd. finding tort Mahone too big a mouthful for 
us. After several attempts we lay down and chewed on it till next morning when we 
w-ent over it and into Petersburg, howling: took breakfast without any special invita- 
tion in General Pryor's dining room. We then follow-ed up Lee and were at Burkeville 
at the final collapse; returned to City Point, thence to Alexandria, Va., where we 



5^iX I lie 'ihirtcciith l^r(/iiiiriit W-nnmit I'oluiitccrs 

iiMiiaiiK'd till after the grand review. I was In coniniand of Company A during most 
of my service in the 17th. Was promoted hrevi t captain April 2, ISti'., for meritorious 
conduct in charge on Fort Mahone. Promoted captain of Company D June 2(i. lS6r>. 
Mustered out as first lieutenant of Company K. The regiment was mustered out July 
14, 1865; reached Hurlington, Vt.. on the isili; paid off on the 24th of July and dis- 
persed to their homes. 

In Xoveniber, 18(;.'), my brother who had k» rved in a New York regiment, and 
myself, bouglit a farm in Irasburg, Vt., and in October, 1866 1 was married to Helen 
M. Webster, of St. Albans. We sold out in the fall of 1868, and bought the farm on 
which I now live in Milton on the Lake Shore and between fishing and farming manage 
to eke out a fair living. The door latch is always out and we are more than glad to 
greet any of the old comrades. In 1881 my wife died and in 1883 1 married Flora J. 
\\ iliiams, of Richmond, \ t. We have never been blessed with any childreti of our own, 
but have endeavored to make ui> for that by helping others and making as much 
sunshine in life as possible. I have held the office of lister, selectman, and represented 
the town in the legislature of 1890, commander of Reynolds Post No. .'>9, Department 
of Vermont, G. A. R.. in 1904. and in closing, will say. God bless all the old 13th 
boys. Died at his home March 17, 1907, after a short illness, burial in Miltoi', Vt. 

LUCIUS M. BOOTH 

son of Samuel C and Eunice Woodworth Hooih was born in Essex, Vt.. in 1841. Edu- 
cated in the common schools and Academy of my native town. In September, 1861, 
I went as cajitain's waiter in Company 1, 6th Vt. Vols., and returned home in March, 

1862. Enlisted from Essex, September 10, 1862, in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Int.; ap- 
pointed corporal and promoted to first sergeant March 3, 1863. I was always ready 
for duty when the company or re.giments had anything to do. Was with the com- 
pany in Dunifrie's raid and the entire Gettysburg campaign. Mustered out July 21, 

1863, since which time I have followed the lumber business in Essex, Vt., Canada, 
Michigan and Illinois. Married Jennie A. Hand, of Colchester, Vt., October 4, 1864, 
and by this union four children have been born to us, two sons and one daughter are 
now living. Residence 2820 Hermitage Ave., Chicago. 111. 

JOHN B. ELLIS 

son of John and Katherine (Bunker) Ellis, was born at Huntington Center, Vt., Octo- 
ber 12, 1823. Educated in the common schools. Occupation a farmer. Married Sylvia 
Gotham October 23. 1844. Enlisted from Huntington September 10, 1862, in Company 
F, loth Vt. Vol. Int.. and mustered into the service as second sergeant October 10, 
1862; was with the company in all of its actions. Mustered out July 21, 1863. Again 
married in October, 1889, to Julia Farr. One son and three daughters were born to 
him. Died March 14, 1896, and was buried in Huntington, Vt. 

JOSEPH H. SMITH 

son of Nathan and Lucy (Hall) Smith, was born in Jericho, Vt., September 12, 1822. 
Educated in the common schools. Married Mary Hall December 8, 1842. Enlisted from 
Bolton, Vt.. September 10, 1862, in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf., and mustered into 
the service as a sergeant October 10, 1862. Sergeant Smith's first night on picket, 
which was also the company's first picket duty, after an all day's march, leaving 
Hunting Creek Hay soon after siindown, the last of the company, a sergeant, two 
corps, and one private reached their post on the corner of a road crossing the Tele- 
graph road at the Mason farm, southeast of Vernondale, Va., about 2 o'clock a. m., 
November 2nd, 1862. A sharp fight was on southwest of us. and the roar, rattle and 
smoke, caused us some anxiety. The experienced orderly from General Casey's staff 
who placed us on duty, staid with us a short time, soon after he left the corporals 
rolled up in their blankets; this made the private anxious of course. The sergeant 
says go and get some of the dry brush and throw it down here and then smash it down 
and cover it with dry leaves, while 1 cut some green boughs and soon the private was 
rolled up in his rubber sheet, enjoying his bed of brush, leaves and boughs, while the 
sergeant did picket duty, sitting on a root at the foot of a tree, smoking his pipe as 
happy an any soldier could be. Soon the sergeant and private changed jobs, the officer 
took the ready made bed and the private shouldered his musket, and did picket duty, 
having learned that soldiers who wore stripes on their arms were exempt from guard 
duty. Sergeant Smith knew how to live a soldier's life on the tented field in active 
service. Mustered out of the service July 21, 1863. Occupation a farmer. Died at his 
home in Bolton, Vt., November 21, 1S91; burial in West Bolton, Vt. 

NORMAN J. ROYCE 

enlisted from Jericho, Vt., September 10, 1862. at the age of 33 years. Mustered into 
the service as a sergeant in Company F. I3th Vt. Vol. Inf., October 10, 1862. Mustered 
out of the service July 21, 1863. Died at Holyoke, Mass., date unknown. 



Biographiiiil and tlistorual of Coinpanx F. 569 

HIRAM SHATTUCK 

enlisted from Huntington, Vermont. September 10, 1862, at the age of 37 years, in 
Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service as a sergeant October 10. 
1862. Served as Drum Major until promoted second lieutenant of Company D, June 
4, 1863. Mustered out of the service July 21, 1863. Died; date unknown. 

LONDUS FULLINGTON TERRILL 

son of Asaph L. and Ruth i Fulliiij;toiu Ttrrill, was born in ruderhill, Vt., April 13, 
1837. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools of Underbill 
and in Barre Academy. He taught school four winters. Enlisted from Underhill 
September 10, 1862, and appointed first corporal in Company F, 13th Regiment Vermont 
Volunteer Infantry, and with it participated in all of its actions and in the battle of 
Gettysburg. Mustered out July 21, 1863. Was postmaster at Underhill from 1868 
to 1879. Was town representative and has held various other town offices, a director of 
the Burlington & Lamoille Railroad many years, senator from Chittenden county in 
1888. He was a member of Post 10 in Cambridge until L. H. Bostwick Post 69 
was organized in 18S3, of which he was the first commander. A delegate from Ver- 
mont to the National Encampments held in 1882-3 and 4. Since the war has been a mer- 
chant in Underbill until 1898, and then w^as in a jobbing business at Jericho to 1902. 
Married at Lowell, Mass., in 1860 to Miss Susan A. Fernald. Four sons were born to 
them; three are now living. Mrs. Terrill was the first president of the Woman's 
Relief Corps in Underhill, Vt. She died in 1901, loved and respected by all who knew 
her. Comrade Terrill was a member of the 13th Vermont Regimental Association, 
Vermont Officers' reunion society, and the Congregational Church at Jericho. Married 
again in Wakefield, Massachusetts, where he resided until his death, which occurred 
December 1.0, 1907, -iji-, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston. Mass. Funeral services 
and burial were held'^'St Underhill. Vt., December 12, 1907. 

GEORGE P. BURNHAM 

son of George and Abigal P. (Bui^lli Hurnham, was born in Burlington, Vt.. July 
1, 1827. Educated in High School, Detroit. Mich. Occupation a farmer. Married 
Abigal Pierce February 3. 18.53, two sons and one daughter were born unto them. En- 
listed from Huntington, Vermont, September 10, 1862, in Company F, 13th Vermont 
Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered into the service as a corporal October 10, 1862. 
Mustered out of the service July 21, 1863. Died June 13, 1873, and was buried aS 
Huntington, Vermont. 

OSCAR F. PHELPS 

enlisted from Wllliston, Vt., September 10, 1862. at the age of 27 years, in Company 
F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf.. and mustered into the service as a corporal October 10, 1862, and 
mustered out July 21, 1863. Died at Williston, Vt., February 3, 1898. 

LOREN P. BENTLEY 

enlisted from Jericho, Vt.. September 10. 1862, at the age of 24 years, in Company F, 
13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service as a corporal October 10, 1862, and mus- 
tered out of the service as a private July 21. 1863. Now resides in New Bedford, Mass. 

JOHN C. WHITE 

enlisted from Underhill, Vt., September 10, 1862, at the age of 38 years, in Company 
F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf., and mustered into the service as a corporal October 10, 1862. 
Died of pneumonia at Camp Fairfax, Va., January 13, 1863. 

HENRY C. RUSSELL 

enlisted from Richmond, Vt., September 10, 1862. at the age of 30 years in Company 
F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf., and mustered into the service as a corporal October 10, 1862, 
and assigned to duty with the regimental colors. Killed July 3, 1863, at Gettysbiirg. 
just before the regiment made the flank attack on Pickett's charging columns. After 
the regiment returned to its place in the line, the body of Corporal Russell was buried 
on the field by his company comrades, and the grave marked by a head-board prepared 
by Corporal B. F. Brown. After the Company had been mustered out and returned to 
Richmond, Vt., Private Amos Brown went to Gettysburg and removed the body of 
Corporal Russell for its final resting place. 



5/0 'J In- 'I'hirlcciith Ncf/iincnl I 'cniuml I 'oluiitccrs 

HOLLIS P. TOMLINSON 

son of Eliphlet and .Mary (Stiei'ter) Tonilinson was Ijoiii in Kden. Vt.. August 30. ISIi.'j. 
Educated in the loninion schools. lOnlisted from Holton, \'l., September IM, ]86:i, and 
mustered into the service as a corporal Octoljer 10. 1862. Was with the regiment in 
all of its actions. .Mustered out .lul.v 21, \m:'>. Married .Jennie Wade February 22, 1866. 
and by this union six children have been born to them. Occupation a farmer. Resi- 
dence, West Bolton, Vt. 

HALL WOODWORTH 

son of Lysander and Martha (Cilii Wood worth, was born in Essex. Vt., July 22, 1845. 
Educated in the common schools. Occupation a farmer. Enlisted from Essex Sep- 
tember 10. 1862, as a musician in Company F, i:Uh Vt. Vol. Inf. .Mustered into the 
service October 10, 1S62; on duty with his company until taken sick. Died of typhoid 
lever at the brick hotel luiildius used as a regimental hosjiital. Fairfax Court House, 
Va., January 9, 1863. liody sent home and buried in the cemetery at Essex Center, 
Vt. Young Woodworth's death was the second to occur in the company, an only 
son. leaving father, mother and five sisters to mourn his loss. 

FRANCIS VOLTAIRE RANDALL, JR. 

son of Francis V. anil Caroline E. (Andrews) Randall, was born in Montpelier, Ver- 
mont. April 3, 18.")1. On my father's side the ancestors were of Welsh descent. My 
grandfather served in the War of 1812. My grandmother. Laura Warner, was a de- 
scendant of Seth Warner, of Revolutionary War fame. My father within one month 
after the firing on Fort Sumter left his profession as lawyer in Washington County, 
recruited and drilled a company of which he was chosen captain and assigned as 
Company F, 2nd Regiment, Vt. Vol. Inf., and mustered into the service of the United 
States June 20, 1861. and left the state June 24th. I went with father to Washington. 
The regiment went over into Virginia and commenced its history, making captain 
Randall become a colonel by promotion. September 24. 1862. and assutned command 
of the 13th Vt. Vol. Inf., which was mustered into the service of the United States 
October 10, 1862. Young Randall's introduction to the men of the regiment was under 
the title of "Jinimie." son of the colonel. Jimmie was given much attention by the 
young members who always sympathized with him in his boyish fun and frolic, also 
because of his being without the influence of a good mother, home and the schoolroom. 
Young Randall enlisted and was mustered as a musician January 1st, 1863, and as- 
signed to duty as a drummer iii Company F. While the regiment was in camp near 
the Occoquan he had several narrow escapes from being captured by bushwhackers 
while carrying dispatches. Was personally thanked by General Stannard for staying 
on the field at Gettysburg. Mustered out with the regiment July 21, 1863. .Again 
enlisted from Montpelier, Vt.. January .S, 1864. and mustered in March 3. 1864 as a 
musician in Company E. 17th Vermont Volunteer Infantry. The company left the 
state with the batallion .April IS. 1864. and reached .Alexandria on the 22nd, and was 
assigned to second brigade, second division of the Ninth .\rmy Corps. The regiment 
joined the brigade .Ajiril 2.5th, and started on the 27th of .\pril. 1S64. for the Wilderness 
battlefield. .Mustered out July 14, 186.5. Have followed various occupations since I 
left the service. Married and have a daughter, Rowena M. Randall. Now reside at 
West Medwav, Mass. 

FREDERICK A. SLATER 

son of Augustus and Laura D. (Littlefiekl) Slater, was l)orn in Essex, Vt.. .\ugust 10, 
1843. I was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools and Essex .Aca- 
demy. Enlisted from Essex, Vt.. September 10. 1862. as fifer in Company F. 13th 
Regt., Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered in October 10. 1862. and was with regiment in all of its 
duties. At Gettysburg the bursting of a shell so close to my ear caused total deafness 
of the left ear. Mustered out of the service July 21. 1863, and re-enlisted December 
24, 1863, as fifer in Company 1, 6th Regt.. Vt. Vol. Inf., and joined the regiment at 
Brandy Station, Va.. and was with the regiment in all its engagements luitil mus- 
tered out June 26. 186.5. Married Miss Cynthia S. Chappell at Wayland, Mich.. .April 
10. 1867. By this union eight children have been born to us of whom six are living. 
I have served 20 years as township clerk of Royalton township, Ohio, secretary of 
Masonic Lodges for several years here, also quartermaster of Baxter Post No. 238, 
G. A. R., about 15 years. .A manufacturer of harnesses and dealer in horse goods 
and carriage trimmings at Lyons' Ohio. 

THOMAS J. LEE 

enlisted from Williston, Vt . at the age nf 21 years. Septemli(>r 10. 1S62. as a wagoner 
in Company F, 13th VI. Vol. Inf.. on duty with the regiment at all of its movements. 



Bioi/nipliical and Historicul nf Coinpanv P. 571 

Mustered out of service July 21, 1S63. Occupatiou a carriage maker and with his 
family lives in South Manchester, Conn. 

JAMES J. AMBLER 

was born in Huntington, Vt., Xoveniber Hi. 1832. Enlisted from his native town Septem- 
ber 10, 1S62, as private. Company F, 13th Regt., Vt. Vol. Inf. Clustered in October, 10, 1862, 
was with the company in all of its engagements. Mustered out July 21, 1863, and 
went West soon after. A mechanic by occupation, author of several good songs. Died 
at Wapello, Iowa, February 23. IHI).',. leaving three children. 

ALBERT B. ATCHINSON 

enlisted from Underbill. Vt.. September 10, 1862, at the age of IS years, as a private. 
Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 10, 1S62. Mustered 
out of the service July 21, 1863. Resides at Eastford, Conn. 

REUBEN M. BABCOCK 

son of Selah and Prudence B. (Buxton) Babcock, was born in Jericho. Vt.. June 30, 
1843. Educated in the common schools, a farmer's only son. Enlisted from Jericho, 
September 10, 1862, in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 
10, 1862. Died of Typhoid pneumonia January 29, 1863, at the brick hotel, branch of 
Green Mountain Post Hospital. Fairfax Court House, Va. lUiried in Church Street 
cemetery. Jericho, Vt. 

GEORGE L. BALDWIN 

son of Charles G. and Rachel (Downer) Baldwin, was born in Williston, Vt., March 
9, 1S40. Educated in the common schools. A farmer by occupation. Married Lucy 
Cooley August 28, 1862. Enlisted from his native town September 10th, 1862 as a 
private, Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 10, 1862. 
Promoted to corporal March 3. 1863. Seriously wounded during the cannonade on 
the afternoon of July 3, 1863, at Gettysburg, Pa., and was carried to the rear by his 
company comrades. Died July 30, 1863, of wounds received July 3, 1863, and is buried 
in the national cemetery at Gettysburg. 

HARMON H. BALLOU 

enlisted from Essex, Vt., September 10, 1862, at the age of 32 years, as a private in 
Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 10, 1862, and was 
discharged February 28, 1863, for disability. Died in 1893. 

WILSON A. BENTLEY 

son of Shelley and Abigal (Stevens) Bentley, was born in Jericho, Vt., May 5, 1841. 
Educated in the common schools of his native town, from which he enlisted Septem- 
ber 10, 1862, as a private in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service 
October 10, 1862, and performed faithful service in defense of his country until he 
died of typhoid fever, .June 25, 1862, in a hospital at Alexandria, Va., and was buried 
in the national cemetery of that city. 

JULIUS BLISS 

born in Jericho, Vt., April 1.5. 1833. Educated in the common schools. Occupation a 
farmer. Married Helen A. Balch, and by this union four children have been born to 
us. Enlisted September 10, 1862, as a private in Company F, 13th Regiment, Vermont 
Volunteer Infantry, leaving a wife and two children, which was the hardest battle 
I fought. Mustered in October 10, 1862, and was with my company always ready for 
duty when called on; was in the seven days' march to Gettysburg and in the battle, 
being slightly wounded in Pickett's charge. I did my whole duty, and was mustered 
out of service at Brattleboro, Vt., July 21, 1863; re-enlisted and was rejected. A 
charter member of Post 4, G. A. R., Morrisville. Followed farming with fair success 
and am now living with my son on a large farm in Morrisville, Vermont. 

GEORGE S. BLISS 

enlisted (rom Essex, Vt., September 10, 1862, at the age of 19 years, as a private in 
Company F. 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 10. 1862, and mustered 
out with the regiment July 21, 1863. Educated in the common schools ard Essex 
Academy. Resides at 190 June St., Worcester, Mass. 



5/2 The riurtc.'iilh Rcgiincut I'cnnoiil i'olunlccrs 

CASSIUS M. BOOTH 

second son ot Samuel C and Eunice (Wood worth) Booth, was born in Essex, Vt., 
August 7, 1843. Educated in the common schools and Academy of Essex. Enlisted 
from Essex, Vt., September 10, 1862, as a private in Company F, Kith Regt., Vt. Vol. 
Inf. Mustered in the service of the United States with the regiment at Urattleboro, 
Vt., October 10. 1862. He was a i)erson liking excitement and as a soldier preferred 
active duty rather than staying in cam)). An expert forager he had many close calls 
in borrowing from the enemy or their friends, when rations were short or a need of 
changing the diet. Scouting in the enemy's co\intry is always considered hazardous 
duty. Private Hooth was taken quite sick at Camp Occoquan and refused to go to a 
Hospital and requested to be allowed to remain in quarters, which was granted and he 
was soon able to do light duty. .lune 2.'Jth when the regiment started on the Gettysburg 
campaign being convalescent was detailed as guard to the wagon train, obeyed orders 
and performed the duty in a faithful manner as any good soldier would. .Mustered out 
with the regiment at Hrattleboro. Vt., July 21. 186.3. Again entered the service, enlist- 
ing October, 1864, as ordinary seaman in the Volunteer Navy, Mississii)pi Squadron, 
under Commodore Foote, was assigned to duty on the gunboat (ieneral Thomas of the 
Upper Tennessee Fleet, of which Captain Gilbert Morton was commander; was pro- 
moted to ijay master steward and acting in the capacity of assistant paymaster on 
the gunboat. Officer Hooth was in all of the engagements that the gunboat General 
Thomas took part in. Captain Morton highly complimented Officer Booth for his 
coolness and braveiy in action, valuable service as a volunteer scout, and meritorious 
conduct during his term of service. Honorably discharged from the naval service 
June 25, 1865. Married Miss Julia Hunt, of Essex. Vt., November 21, 1865. A member 
of Sherman Post 86, G. A. R. A faithful official in the Customs service tor many 
years, he was serving as deputy collector in charge of the port at Alburg. Vt., at the 
time of his death which occurred June 24. 1903. .Mr. Booth leaves a wife and daughter 
living at the village home at Essex Junction and two sons that reside in Burlington, Vt. 
Funeral exercises of Cassius M. Booth were held on the afternoon of June 26, 
1903, in the Congregational church at Essex Junction, Vt., there being a large attend- 
ance of friends, relatives, members of his Post, delegation from Stannard Post G. A. R., 
and Custom House officials from Burlington, The services at the grave in the village 
cemetery were in charge of R. S. Sherman. Post, G. A. R. 

ISAAC N. BROOKS 

son of Christopher and Mary (McColum) Brooks, was born in Richmond. Vt.. Novem- 
ber 8, 1845. Educated in the common schools and Underbill Academy. Enlisted from 
Jericho, Vt., September 10, 1862, as a .private in Company F,.13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mus- 
tered into the service October 10, 1862:- Died at the regimental hospital on Capitol 
Hill, Washington, D. C, October 28, 1862, of typhoid fever, the first death in the 
company and the regiment. His death caused much sadness among his company com- 
rades, who realized that rebel bullets were not the only enemy they had to contend 
with in their defense of the nation. Private Brooks was a good soldier and gave his 
young life in defense of his country before he had reached his seventeenth birthday. 
The body w-as sent to his family and friends and buried in the cemetery at Underhill, 
Vermont. 

AMON BROWN 

enlisted from Richmond, Vt., September 10, ]S62, at the age of 20 years, as a private 
in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf., and mustered into the service October 10, 1862. Was 
with the company and regiment in all of its actions and engagements during its term 
of service. Mustered out July 21. 1S63. Last known residence, Montreal, P. Q. 

BERTRAM F. BROWN 

born in Essex, Vt., Decemlier 5. 1839. My part^nts moved to Fletcher, Vt., aljout 1848. 
on to a farm where I lived until 19 years of age, and then went to Cambridge to learn 
the carriage maker's trade. In the spring of 1862 I went to Williston and opened a 
shop with John L. Yale. Enlisted from here as private in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. 
September 10, 1862, at Richmond, Vt.. where we were drilled in the school of a soldier 
until September 29th, 1862, on which date the companies of the regiment rendezvoused 
at Brattleboro, Vt. Mustered into the service October 10, 1862; reached Washington, 
D. C, on the 13th; camped on Capitol Hill and while here reviewed by Generals 
Banks and Casey. From this time until mustered out I was with the company in all 
of its guard and picket duty at every camp and on every march made. Promoted to 
corporal June 20, 1863. At" the battle of Gettysburg we arrived at Cemetery Hill on 
the afternoon of July 1st. 1863. The next day while supporting a battery on Cemetery 
Hill a solid shot after killing one artilleryman and horses, buried itself in the ground 



Biographical and Ilislorica! of Company P. 573 

between Lieutenant Naramore and myself. July 3, during the heavy artillery fire 
before the charge, Corporal Baldwin, one of my tentmates, was wounded by a shell 
within two feet of me, while we were lying on the ground. I helped to carry him back 
to a barn used as a hospital and never saw him again. After the battle we had two 
hard days' march. We took the cars at Monocacy Junction for Baltimore, M!d. 
Mustered out July 21, 1S63 and went to Cambridge, Vt., and went to work at my 
trade. Was married to Olive E. Stearns March 22, 1S64, five children were born to 
us; lived here six years and then bought a farm in Brookfield, Vt., where I now live. 
Mrs. Brown died here February 13. 1902, leaving three children, Wm. E. Brown, ot 
Burlington, Rollin H. Brown, of White River Jet., Vt., and Hattie M., who lives with 
me at the family home. North Williston. Vermont. 

BUEL BURT 

enlisted from St. George, Vt., at the age of 44 years, Sept. 10, 1S62, as a private in 
Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered in with the company and mustered out July 
21, 1S63. Died at the home of his son, Norman Burt, May 11. 1S94. 

LINUS BURT 

enlisted from St. George, Vt., September 10, 1862, at the age of 18 years, as a private 
in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf., and mustered into the service October 10, 1862, and 
mustered out July 21. 1863. A mechanic by occmmtion, and with his family now lives 
at 54 Mechanic St., W^estfield, Mass. 

JESSE P. CHIPMAN 

enlisted from Huntington, Vt., September 10. 1862, at the age of 21 years, as a private 
in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf., and mustered into the service October 10, 1862. 
Mustered out July 21, 1863, and again enlisted July 26, 1864 and mustered into the 
service as second sergeant of Company K, 17th Vt. Vol. Inf., August 22, 1864, and out 
of service July 14, 1865. Now resides at Friend, Saline Co., Nebraska. 

MYRON D. CUTTING 

enlisted from Huntington, Vt., September 10, 1S62, at the age of 21 years as a private 
in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf., and mustered into the service October 10, 1862, and 
mustered out July 21, 1863. Again enlisted August 11, 1864, for one year in Company 
K, 7th Vt., Vol. Inf., and mustered out August 18, 1865. Resides at Starksboro, Vermont. 

ALONZO J. DOUGLASS 

son of Joseph and Alma (Hall) Douglass, was born January 5. 1841, in Richmond, Vt. 
Educated in the common schools. Enlisted from his native town September 10, 1862, 
as a private in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf., and mustered into the service with the 
company. Mustered out July 21, 1863. Married Mary E. Edwards February 17th, 
1880. A farmer by occupation. Residence, Morrisville, Vt. 

CARLOS C. DOUGLASS 

enlisted from Richmond, Vt., September 10, 1862, at the age of 18 years, as a private 
in Company F, ,13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 10, 1862. Detailed 
as officer's orderly. Mustered out July 21, 1863. Died in Washington, D. C, about 1905. 

TIMOTHY DRINKWATER 

enlisted from Huntington, Vt., September 10, 1862, at the age of 34 years as a private 
in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf., and was mustered into the service October 10, 1862. 
Mustered out of the service July 21, 1863. Died at Worcester Center, Vt., February, 
1901. 

PETER DUBIA 

enlisted from Williston, Vt., September 10, 1862, at the age of 25 years, as a private 
in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf., and mustered into the service October 10, 1862. 
Mustered out July 21, 1863. Died at Bethel, Vt., in 1898. 

CHARLES HOWARD DUNTON 

born in North Underbill, Vt., in 1844, and enlisted from Underbill September 10, 1862. 
In February, 1863, at Wolf Run Shoals I suffered a severe attack of pneumonia. After 
six weeks in camp hospital Dr. Nichols thinking quick consumption would ensue, a 



374 11'^' Tliirlrt-iilli Kci/iiiu-iil ]'criiu>nt I'cituittccrs 

dischai-Ke was grantid Marcti 17. l.sO.i. Prepared lor college at New Haiiiploii liislilu- 
tioii. Fairlax, \ t., Graduated from I'liiversity of Vernioiu in IS'iU, and took a post 
graduate work for one year at Hoston University. I then entered the ministry of the 
Methodist Episcopal church, and joined Troy Conference. 1 wan stationed for two 
years in .Manchester where 1 was superintendent of schools. In 1874 was 
appointed teacher of mathematics in Troy Conference Seminary. In 1877 became princi- 
pal of that institution. In 1897 resigned tliis position and became county examiner for 
Rutland county. Spent the school year of 1899-1900 as dean of Clafiin I'niversity, 
Soutli Carolina, In 1900 was recalled to the principalshij) of Troy Ccnference Academy, 
and am now holding this position. For nine years ending 1892 was slate examiner 
of Normal schools. In 1881 a representative of Vermont in the Inte --State Kducational 
Convention at Louisville, Ky, In 1898 representative of the town ol Poultney in state 
legislature. Commander of ,loyce Post No, 49, Driiartmeiit of Vermont, G. A. K. 190G-7-8. 
Hesidence Poultney, Vt. 

HORACE L. ELLSWORTH 

son of Aaron and Roana (Klmer) Kllsworth, was born in Cambridge, Vt., May 1st, 
1839. Educated in the common schools. A farmer by occupation. Married Sarah 
C. Sheridan .January 12, 1862. Enlisted from Underhill, Vt., September 10, 1862. and 
mustered into the service as a private in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf., October 10, 
1862, and mustered out July 21, 186.3, Died May 16, 1909, and buried :it Pleasant Valley, 
Vt., leaving a wife and son, 

JOSEPHUS ELLSWORTH 

son of Aaron and Roana (Elmer) Ellsworth, was born in Cambridge, Vt.. May 6th, 
1842. Educated in the common schools. A farmer by occupation. Enlisted from 
Underhill. Vt., Sejitember 10, 1862, in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Int, Mustered in 
October 10, 1862, Wounded at Gettysburg; mustered out July 21. 1863. .Again enlisted 
August 31, 1864, in Company A, 2nd Vt. Vol. Inf., and mustered out June 19, 1865. 
Married Ellen P. Dickinson November 26, 1863, and by this union lour sons and one 
daughter have been born to them. Died at his home in Cambridge, Vt.. Octolier 1, 1892, 
and is buried at Pleasant Valley, Vt. 

JAMES N. GATES 

enlisted from Essex, Vt,, Septtnibtr 19. I8tj2. at the age of 19 years, as a private in 
Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf., and was mustered into the service October 10, 1862. 
He was with the regiment until mustered out July 21, 1863. DwA at his home in 
Essex, Vt., April 13, 1903. 

DANIEL GORTON 

enlisted from Huntington, Vt.. September lo, 1862, at the age of 27 years, as a private 
in Company F. 13th Vt, Vol, Inf,, and mustered into the service October 10, 1862, and 
was with the regiment until mustered out July 21, 1863. Died at his home in Hunt- 
ington, Vt,, -August 1, 1S91, 

MORRIS L, GRIFFIN 

son of Jasper and Parmelia (Holti Griffin, was born in Jericho, Vt.. October 28. 1842. 
Educated in the common schools, enlisted from Jericho as a private in Company F, 
13lh Vt. Vol. Inf., and mustered into the service October 10, 1862. Was with the regi- 
ment in all of its duties until mustered out July 21, 1863. Married Margaret Peverly 
September IS. 1871, and by this union two children have been born to us. Occupation 
a sash and blind manufacturer. Resides at Westford, N. Y. 

HARMON HALL 

son of Asher and Hope (Lyman) Hall, was born in Bolton, Vt.. March 24, 1830. Edu- 
cated in the common schools and Underhill Academy. Married Aiuia Seeley, March 
.">, 1851, and by this union four sons and a daughter were born to them. A farmer by 
occupation. Enlisted from Bolton, Vt., September 10, 1862, as a private in Company F. 
13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 10. 1862. and mustered out with 
the regiment July 21, 1863. Difrt July 7. lS7.'i. and l)uriPd at West Bolton, Vt, 

CHARLES A, HARPER 

enlisted from Williston, Vt„ September 10. 1862, at the a.ge of 20 jears, as a private 
in Company F, 13th Vt, Vol, Inf, Mustered into the service October 10. 1862, and 
served with the regiment until mustered out July 21, 1863. Died in San Francisco, 
Cal., January 11. 1904. 



Bioijrapliifdl and Jlisforiral of Ci^iiipany F. 575 

JOHN F. HARPER 

enlisted from Williston, Vt., September 10, 1862, at the age of 24 years, as a private 
in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf., and mustered into the service October 10, 1862. 
Served as company cook a portion of the term of service. Mustered out July 21, 
1863. Occupation a groceryman. Resides at 592 Pawtucket Ave., Pawtucket, Rhode 
Island. 

NELSON HARPER 

enlisted from Williston, Vt., SeiittnilxrT ](i, 1802, at the age of 21 years, as a private 
in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 10, 1862, and was 
on duty with the regiment until mustered out July 21, 1863. Again enlisted from 
Morristown, Vt., July 28, 1864 as a private in 2nd Vermont Battery. Light Artillery. 
Mustered out of service July 31, 1865. A member of Henry Post 27, G. A. R. Died 
at Chester, Vt., August 29, 1887. 

ALFRED W. ISHAM 

son of Milton and Julia Isham, enlisted at the age of 21 years fmm Williston, Vt., 
September 10, 1862, and mustered into the service October 10, 1862, and mustered out 
with the regiment July 21, 1863. Occupation fruit grower in Ventura, California. 

MILTON E. ISHAM 

son of Milton and Julia Ishani, enlisted from Williston, Vt., at the age of 18 years, 
as a private in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf.. on September 10, 1862. Mustered into 
the service October 10. 1862, and mustered out with the regiment July 21, 1863. Occu- 
pation fruit grower in Ventura, California. 

JOHN W. JACKSON 

son of William and Laura (Williams) Jackson, was born in I'nderhill. Enlisted from 
Underbill, September 10, 1862, at the age of 19 years, as a private In Company F, 13th 
Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 10, 1862. Mustered out July"21, 1863. 
Again entered the service August 25, 1864, as a private in Company A., 2nd Vt. Vol. 
Inf. Mustered out of service June 19. 1865. A farmer by occupation. Married and 
died at Underbill Center, Vt., May 12, 19oi. •- -. '/ ■' '• 

NATHAN JOHNSON 

born in Jericho, Vt.. in 1844. Enlisted from Williston, Vt., September 10, 1862, as a 
private in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 10, 1862, 
on detached duty most of the time. Mustered out, and again enlisted December 15, 
1863, in Company E, 1st Vt. Cav., and discharged Jlay 5. 1865, for disability. Married 
and occupation lumber business. Died January 4, 1S70, and buried in Williston, Vt. 

THOMAS JOHNSON 

born in the parish of MuIIin, County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1827. He came to this country 
in 1837 and the family settled in Williston, Vt. Unmarried: he made his home with 
his sister, the late Mrs. Maurice Sullivan, in Willislon, Vt. .Occupation a farmer. 
Enlisted October 9, 1862, as a private in Company F, 13th Vt. V'ol. Inf. Mustered in 
with the regiment and was on detached duty as an orderly a largt portion of his 
term of service. He spent several years in the West and Burlington, Vt. A good 
soldier and citizen: an honest man wlio had the respect of his feliow men. Died 
February 4, 1908, and the funeral services were in St. Mary's Cathedral, with burial 
in St. Joseph's cemetery, Burlington, Vt. 

GEORGE W. JONES 

enlisted from Huntington. Vt., September 10, 1862, at the age of 29 years, as a private 
in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 10, 1862, and 
mustered out with the regiment July 21. 1863. Died, date unknown. 

LAWRENCE KELLEY 

born December 3, 1836, and enlisted from Williston, Vt., September 10, 1862, as a private 
in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered in October 10, 1862. and was with the 
regiment in all of its movements. Wounded at Gettysburg, and mustered out July 21, 



57^ J lie Thiitcciith h'cijiDiciit rcrniDiit roliiiiti\-is 

1863, and again enlisted December 19, 180.'}, as a private in Conipaiiy D, 8th Vt. Vol. 
Inf., and mustered out June 2X. ISti.'i. Died May is, ins:!, liurled in St. Joseph ceme- 
tery, Hurlington, Vt. 

THOMAS P. KELLEY 

enlisted from Williston, Vt., September 10, 18B2, at the age of 22 years, as a private 
in Company F. 13th Vt. Vol. Inl. Mustered into the service October 10, 1862. Mus- 
tered out July 21, lS6:i, and again enlisted September :!, 1864, as a private in Company 
A, 1st Vt. Cav. .Mustered out June 21, 1S65. Died at Underbill Center, Vt., date 
unknown. 

ANDREW C. KENYON 

eiilistt'd I'roni lluiuingtoii, Vt., Sfptciiibri- l<i. ]S02. al the age of 26 years, as a private 
in Compauy F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 10, 1S62. Mustered 
out and again enlisted in the United States Navy SeiJtember 1, 1864, and discharged 
from gunboat Penobscot, July 29, I.Sd.'i. A member of Post 4."i, G. A. R. Died October 
8, 1899, at Kast Corinth, Vl. 

CHARLES S. LAVANWAY 

enlisted from Kichnioiid. Vl., September lu. IHiVI, at the age of 28 years, as a private 
in Company F, l.^th Vt. Vol. Inf., and mustered into the service October 10, 1862, and 
mustered out with the regiment July 21, 1863. Died at Richmond, Vt., date unknown. 

ALONZO N. LEE 

born in Williston, and enlisted from his native town Sei)teml)er 10, 1S62, at the age 
of IS years, as a private in Company K, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service 
October 10, 1862, and mustered out July 21, 1863, and again enlisted December 15, 
1863, as private in Company E., 1st Vt. Cav. Taken prisoner June 29, 1864; paroled 
November 30, 1864, and transferred to Company A, June 21, 186.">. and mustered out 
August 9, li565. A pajjer. maker by occupation. Resides in Bellows Falls, Vt. 

HARMON LEE 

born in Williston, Vt., December 29, 1844. Enlisted from Williston, September 23, 1862, 
as private in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 10, 
1862, and was with the regiment in all of its services. Mustered out July 21, 1863. 
A mechanic by trade; now lives with a daughter in So. Manchester, Conn. 

MELANCTHON S. LEE 

enlisted from Williston, Vt., Sei)t ember 10, 1862 in Company F. 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mus- 
tered in October 10, 1862, and discharged for disability April .">, 1S63. Died in Los 
Angeles, Cal., February 13, 1902. 

BYRON D. MATTHEWS 

born in Essex, Vt. Enlisted from Jericho. Vt., Seijleuilier 10, 1S62, at the age of 30 
years, as a private in Company F, 13th Vermont Volunteer Infantry. Mustered into 
the service October 10, 1862. On duty with his company and regiment at all times. 
Wounded at Cettysburg and mustered out with the regiment July 21, 1863. Died at 
Morrisville, Se])teniber, 1906. 

FRANKLIN MARTIN 

enlisted from Underbill. Vt., September 10, 1862, at the age of 21 years, as a private 
in Comi)any F. 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 10, 1862, and mus- 
tered out July 21. 1863. .\gain enlisted from Jericho. August IT, 1864, as a private 
in Company A, 17th Vt. Vol. Inf. Was taken prisoner September 30. 1864. and released 
July 6, 1865, and mustered out July 23. lS6.'j. Resides at Waterbury, Vermont. _ _ 

HIRAM MARTIN 

enlisted from Underbill, Vt., September 10, 1862, at the age of 23 years, as a private in 
Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 10, 1862, and mustered 
out July 21, 1863. Residence, Waitsfield, Vermont. 



BicHjraphical mul fl istoriral of ('<niil'(nix F. 577 

CHARLES McCART'S 

born in Ireland. Enlisted from Jericho, Vt., at the age of 36 years, as a private in 
Company F. 13th Regt., Vt. Vol. Inf., September 10, 1862. Died May 8, 1863, in Wasu- 
ington, D. C. 

NIAL McGEE 

born January .5, 1840 in Jericho, Vt. Enlisted September 10. 1862, from Jericho, as a 
private in Company F, 13th Regt., Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered out July 21, 1863. Married 
and has two sons living. Qccupation, mill hand and s:rocervman. Resides at West 
Bolton, Vt. 

PATRICK McGOVERN 

was born in Ireland. Enlisted at the age of 18 years from Jericho, Vt., September 10, 
1862, as a private in Company F, 13th Regt., Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered out July 21, 1863. 
Again enlisted December 4, 1863, as a private in Company H, 9th Vt. Vol. "inf: taken 
a prisoner February 2, 1S62; paroled November 26, 1864; transferred to Company C 
June 13, 1865, and promoted to corporal October 28, 1865. Mustered out December 1, 
1865. Married and has a family and is a farmer: resides in Richmond, Vt. 

MORRIS D. MEAD 

born in Underbill, Vt. A farmer by occupation. Jlarried Sarah Terrill Mead, and by 
this union a son and two daughters were born to them. Enlisted from his native town 
at the age of 33 years September 10, 1862, as a private in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. 
A faithful soldier and a good citizen. Mustered out July 21. 1863. Died May 3, 1909 
at his home in Underbill, Vt. Bostwick Post Xo. 69, G. A. R., of which lie was a 
member, conducted the services at the grave. 

JULIUS GALEN MORSE 

eldest son of Calvin and Mercy (Mead) Morse was born June 20, 1837, at Underbill. 
Vermont. His twin sister, Julia E. Moulton, survives him as also does his sisters, 
Sarah F. Hayden. Lavinia Moore. Mercy J. Wilbur and a brother, Ira C. Morse. The 
Morse ancestry dates back to Samuel Morse, one of seven Puritan brothers, who came 
from England to America in 1636. Samuel settled in Dedhani. Mass., and died in 1654 
at Medfield. Mass., where stands a monument to the memory of the seven brothers. 

Julius Galen Morse was educated in the common schools of his native town and at 
Bell Institute at Underbill' village. September 10, 1862. he enlisted as a private in 
Company F. 13th Vt. Volunteers, and was mustered into the service at Brattleboro, 
Vt., October 10, 1862, following the fortunes of the regiment until its discharge July 
21. 1863. He was present and maintained his proper position in the movement which 
turned the famous Pickett's charge at the battle of Gettysburg, July 3, 1863. October 
13. 1863 he was united in marriage to Mary E. Tyler of Underbill, Vt., and to 
them were born one son and three daughters, all of whom are living. The son. Colonel 
Ira E., still living on the old Morse homestead, was commander of the Vermont Division 
Sons of Veterans, 1899-1900. In 1866 the sub.iect of this sketch located with his family 
on a farm in the adjoining town of Cambridge, but at the end of six years returned 
to his native town, purchasing the old homestead where he lived during the remainder 
of his life. He died of heart failure May 6, 1863, and was buried in the family lot in the 
cemetery at Cambridge. 

Mr. Morse was very enthusiastic in G. A. R. work, because a member of Post No. 10 
of Cambridge in its early history; was its commander for several years; was detailed 
to organize several posts in surrounding towns, attended many of the Department 
Encampments, and went as a delegate to the National Encampment at Denver, Col., 
in 1883. He was a member of Warner Lodge, F. & A. M.. and Pearl Lodge I. O. G. T.. 
both located in Cambridge, and a member of the First Congregational church of the 
same town In politics he was a staunch Republican. Liberal almost to a fault he 
was always found on the side of the right, assisting in trouble, always keenly alive 
to any movement for the betterment of the community in which he lived. These strong 
characteristics impressed all who knew him and made him an invaluable citizen. 

CHAUXCEY H. HAYDEN, Jericho. Vt. 
WILLIAM M. NARAMORE 

(Son of Hawlev A. and Fanny (Martin) Naramore. was born in Underbill. Vt.. October 
I'l. 1844. Enlisted from Underbill, September 10. 1862. as a private in Company F. 
13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered in October 10. 1862, Assi£r'-'>d to duty in the ambulance 



5/8 I he 'I'liiitcriilli Rctjiiiioil I cniioiil I ' ulnnlccrs 

corps and had a varied experience. One of the incidents was being captured by a 
scouting party of rebs while stucl< in a Virginia nuidhole with my team. Mustered 
out July 21, ]8(i3. Again entered the service as sergeant in Company K, 17th \'l. Vol. 
Inf., AugUbt 1.1, 18G4, and mustered out July 14, 18Ga. Married .Medora L. Porter, and 
by this union two sons and a daughter have been born to us. .A merchant by occupa- 
lion In rnderhill. and then ri iikiv( d m Uakcrsni'lti. \'t., where I now reside. 

CALEB P. NASH 

son of Ansel and Clarissa (Parker) Nash, was born in Jericho, Vt., July 31, 1844, a 
farmer's son. .\ly ancestors were in the revolutionary war. Enlisted September 10, 
1862, as a private in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf., from Jericho, Vt. Mustered into the 
service October 10, 18()2, and was with the regiment in all its duties during its term of 
service. While in camp on the Occoquan a Virginia citizen complained to Colonel 
Randall about his men milking his cows. He is said to have denied this because the 
regiment was comi)Osed exclusively of theological students. The most satisfactory 
guard duty 1 ever performed was my last two hours guarding the person of General 
Stannard while he slept like a common soldier on the field of Gettysburg. Mustered 
out July 21. 1863. Married Celestia Chainberlln August 28. 1871. Came to Brattleboro, 
Vt., in 1896. Conmiander of Sedgwick Post Xo, 8, G. .\. R., in 1902. Employed in the 
United States postal service as a rural letter carrier at Hrattleboro, Vt. 

ALFRED D. OLMSTEAD 

enlisted from Essex, Vt., at the age of 19 years as a private in Company F. 13th Vt. 
Vol. Inf., September 10, 1862. Mustered in October 10, 1862; was with the company in 
all of its duties: did my part in borrowing from the enemy, marching and shooting 
when we had it to do. Fifer Slater and Private Gates were schoolmates of mine, and 
tentmates now. During the second day when the shells were bursting all around us. 
Slater came to the Company, having picked up a gun and cartridge box, and took a 
place in the ranks and refused to go back to the drum corps where he belonged. 
A shell burst so near our heads as to deafen Slater in the right ear and myself in the 
lelt ear. Mustered out July 21. 1863, and went to Wisconsin soon after and have been 
farming most of the time since. 1 am quite deaf and can do only light work. Died 
at his home in Clear Lake, Wis., October 7. 190:;, leaving a wife and son. 

JAMES PATTEN 

son of John and Nancy (Brewster) Patten, was born in WiUiston, Vt., September 23, 
1833. Educated In the common schools. Enlisted from WiUiston, Vt.. Sejitember 10, 
1862. as a private in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 
10. 1862, and did a gun soldier's duty uutil mustered out July 21. 1863. Married Septem- 
ber, 1863, Mary Ann Wilson, and by this union three children have been born to us. 
A farmer by occupation. Residence, WiUiston, Vermont. 

CORNELIUS S. PALMER 

was born in Underhill. Chittenden Ccmnty, Veinioiit, .Xdvember 2nd, 1844. Parents, 
Jonah Ferris Palmer, Chloe iMead) Palmer. Tlu're were four sisters and one l)rother, 
Martha M. Palmer married Edwin Wood, Burlington, Vermont: Sarah A. married A. F. 
Chapin, Essex, Vermont; Freelove W. married RoUin Smith. Essex. Vermont; Carrie 
W. married Silas Smith, (deceased), and William TroUinger. Cassville. Mo.; Simeon 
M. Palmer married Hattie L. Tyler, Underhill, Vermont. Jonah F. Palmer died April 
14th, 1871, aged sixty-ei.c;ht years. Chloe (Mead) Palmer died May, 1869, aged sixty- 
four' vears. Both are buried at Underhill, Vermont. 

Cornelius S. Palmer married Annis R. Fassett in Jericho, October 30th, 1870. 
Annis R. deceased in Minneapolis. December 2.")th. 1901. Of this union there were 
two children. Chloe E. and Louie A. Chloe E. mairied Hiram E. Ross of Minneapolis, 
Minn and she deceased in 1909, leaving three sons. Palmer. Donald and William 
Ross Louie manied V. S. G. Cherry of Sioux Falls. South Dakota, and has one 
daughter, Annis Virginia. Cornelius S. Palmer was again united in marriage with 
Marv K Marshall of New York City and now resides in Burlington, Vermont. 

The subject of this sketch in 1862, being then seventeen years of age was frail 
iihyslcally and for three years had suffered many periods of severe illness. Simeon 
M the brother, and four years the elder was the mainstay and chief reliance of an 
aged father and mother, struggling to save a heavily mortgaged farm. Both boys 
at that time were fuUv charged with the spirit of that day. thinking by day and dream- 
ing by night of the great conflict then in progress. The natural parental opposition 
was present, Simeon could not be spared from the farm and Cornelius was too young 



Biographical and Historical of Company f. 579 

and t'lail- In the quiet of the farm both l)oys saw thr force of such reasoning, 
but it came about one day after the haying was done in 1862, Simeon could not resist 
the patriotic enthusiasm of a war meeting at Underbill, and he enlisted. In the days 
following the boys engaged themselves with the great problem of weighing up Simeon's 
duty to his country on the one hand, and his duty to father and mother in the scale 
opposite, with the result that the boys decided that for the then present Simeon ought 
not to have enlisted. But his act was past recall, and the situation was accepted. 
At this point Cornelius began to quietly plan to take Simeon's place. As steps to 
accomplish this end he secretly procured some old papers bearing his father's hand 
writing, and at times when he could be alone practiced imitating his father's signature. 
Then a formal consent was given out and his father's name was forged to it, and 
with this accomplished he went to Lieutenants Bostwick and Naramore, of Company 
F, 13th 'Vermont, and pledging them to secrecy, unfolded his plan. Both these officers 
promised to say nothing, if no one else did. But they told Cornelius he would have 
to get his father's consent in wi'iting. to which he replied. "I have it." He then went 
to Dr. Edward P. Howe, then living at Underbill, and who had successfully carried 
him through two attacks of lung fever, and also pledging him to secrecy, requested 
the doctor to make a thorough physical examination and afterwards answer if possible 
two questions. First, if he could pass the medical examination, and second, the 
doctor's opinion whether he could stand the exposures of the life in camp. Doctor 
Howe g'ave as his judgment that there was no organic lung difficulty, and that he 
would probably pass examination, and gave his opinion that the camp life would 
either kill him quickly or it might greatly benefit his health. Cornelius replied, "I 
take the chance," and the latter prediction was correct, (he never being off or absent 
from duty but two hours during his period of service, and that time being spent in 
the guard house for dodging a brigade drill. 1 Shortly following this Simeon, who was 
home on furlough, received notice to report at Richmond, Vermont, on a certain 
Sunday to start for the front on Monday morning. Sunday came and Cornelius (as 
he expected), was told by his father to hitch up the team and "drive his brother to 
Richmond." This he did after witnessing a portion of the parting scene between 
Simeon and his father and mother and sister. Arriving at Richmond Sunday ni,ght 
the boys slept together with the rest of the Company on straw thrown upon the floor 
of the dance hall of J. H. Ransom's hotel. Cornelius anticipating the conflict when his 
purpose was first made known to his brother, slept but little, arose early and before 
Simeon awoke, had donned the uniform and awaited events. About the break of 
day the boys began to "stir out," and when Simeon awoke and searched for his 
uniform, finding it upon his brother inquired what it meant and Cornelius replied, "1 
am going to the war and you are going to sta.v with father and mother." Simeon's 
reply would not look well recorded in this narrative. From that moment the battle 
was on, and it lasted for Just one hour. The subjects of loyalty, duty to country, 
duty to home, physical ability, age, endurance, and all kindred questions w-ere vigor- 
ously discussed and no irrelevant language used. Cornelius having a bit the best of 
the argument from the fact that he had on the uniform. Finally Simeon said, "Go," 
and if you ever get back, I shall enlist again." When the company formed to go to 
the station on the way to Brattleboro Cornelius "tell in" and when Simeon's name 
was called he answered "Here," was mustered in and mustered out as Simeon M. 
Palmer, with a descriptive list and discharge that of Simeon M. Palmer. And when 
the regiment returned Simeon made good his threat by again enlisting in Company 
A, Second Vermont Infantry, and served therein till the war closed. 

Thirty years after the war it occurred to Cornelius, then in Dakota, that it was 
due to his family, that the record in the War Department should be corrected. Going 
to Washington he submitted his story to Senator Edmunds who became interested in it, 
and who suggested that he thoiight Congress had recently passed an act which, would 
allow the correction of the record, and referred Cornelius to Redfield Proctor, then 
Secretary of War, who he said would know certainly about it, and promised to secure 
special act of Congress, if the act referred to was found inadequate. Secretary 
Proctor directed Cornelius to procure an affidavit of some soldiei- who served in 
Company F, that he w-as the person who I'endered the service and forward the same 
to him. This was done and in December, 189<S, Cornelius received from the Secretary 
of War, a regular discharge with his own name together with a very interesting letter 
from Secretary Proctor in which he said, "The enclosed discharge is probably the last 
one which will ever be issued to a volunteer soldier who served in the War of the 
Rebellion," and very naturally the possessor prizes it highly. 

When the regiment came upon the field at Gettysburg and after leaving the 
Emmitsburg Pike some of us noticed three or four cows traveling from the direction 
of the Cadori Farm buildings toward a point about in line with that occupied by our 
Pickets on the following dav. During the forenoon of July 3rd we were getting 
short of water and recalling the incident of the rows, the farmer boys knew they were 
going for water and it was decided by five or six of us that one of our number should 
take the canteens of all and try to find the spring. We "drew cuts" and as usual 



580 rite Tliirlcciitli RiUjiiiicnl I crmoitt I \)hiiitccrs 

the subject of this ski-tdi (iicw ilic' slioit stiaw. Stringiiif; thr caiitcens across his 
shoulders he started down tln' rear oi our line \n the direction of the left of our regi- 
ment and soon located the spring l).v reason of a bunch of boys from other commands 
being there ahead. Reaching the spring, which was just in the rear of our pickets, 
we found a square box sunk in the ground, and the water entering the box through 
a hole in the bottom. So many boys, with canteens were there that they were in 
turn scooping the water up from the l)Otlom of the box as fast as it ran in. We 
could get about a teacupful at each scrape of the cup on the bottom of the box. This 
made it mighty slow work for eight or ten of us to fill six or eight canteens apiece. 
Soon after arriving at the spring a rifle ball struck in the mud at our feet, and it was 
then said that a rebel sharp-shooter had wounded a comrade at the spring a few 
moments before. This made the water question a somewhat serious proposition, but 
we kept on till the second shot struck at our feet, but not so close as the first one. 
I had secured about one canteen of water, and calculating the time betw'een shots 
I left the spring just before the third shot was due. When 1 was about three or 
four rods away 1 heard the boys again yell at the third shot. On my return to the 
comi)any and passing in the rear of the batteries, I came across a sharp-shooter. I 
recall his heavy gun was resting on a frame, and a telescope extending over his 
rifle barrel. I told him of my experience at the spring. He had learned of one of the 
boys being hit, and said he had been trying for an hour to locate the Johnnie, and 
thought he had him and pointed to a tree standing away dow-n on the opposite slope, 
nearly as far down as tlie Cadori house. He said he had seen puffs of smoke come out 
of the tree top three or four times, and he was trying to get his glass on him. 
Nothing more was said, and 1 returned to my comrades, with just about water enough 
for each one short drink. When our regiment left the field in pursuit of Lee the line 
passed three or four rods south of this tree in reaching the pike, remembering the 
water question, I, in passing, looked over to the tree, and saw lying at its foot what 
seemed to be a body. Running out from the line I went to the tree and there at its 
foot lay a great six foot Confederate, all in a bunch, and seemingly just as he had 
fallen out of the tree. A few- feet from him lay his big smooth bore, muzzle loading 
rifle, with barrel about as long as its owner. A rifle ball had pierced his forehead just 
over one eye and apparently had gone directly through his head. The Yankee sharji- 
shooter had evidently found his man. 

The subject of this sketch was being educated in the common schools and 
TTnderhill Academy, till the war broke out. Returning he taught district school in 
t'nderhill winters and I'ead law in the office of L. F. Wilbur, at .Jericho Corners: was 
admitted to the Chittenden County Bar in 1870; was State's Attorney for Chittenden 
County, 1876-7; represented Jericho in the Vermotit Legislature, 1880; appointed 
assistant U. S. .\ttorney for Dakota Territory in 1882. Upon recommendation of Sen- 
ator George F. Edmunds was in 1884 appointed associate Justice of the Supreme 
Court of Dakota. Held that office for four years and until the term expired under 
President Cleveland's administration, and a Democrat was appointed his successor. 
Resumed the practice of his- profession in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and was State 
Senator in South Dakota in 1894-.5. Department Commander of the Department of 
South Dakota, G. A. R., in 1889. Returned to Vermont in June, 1904, and formed a 
law partnership with D. J. Foster, M. C, from the First Vermont District and located 
at Burlington, where he now resides. 

ELI NELSON PECK 

son of Moses and Sylva (Scribner) Peck, was born at Jericho Center, Vt., September 
22, 1844, lineal descendant of the eighth generation of Joseph Peck, who came from 
England and settled at New Haven, Conn., about 1638. My parents died early leaving 
me under the care of a guardian. Attended the schools of my native town. On or 
about August 14, 1862. on a pleasant afternoon, fresh from making hay, I walked over to 
the Corners to attend a war meeting in the old brick church, where seven of us volun- 
teered and signed our names as directed by the selectmen, as they had not received 
the enlistment rolls, we being the first to volunteer under this call, but we had a long 
wait to September 10, 1862, when I became a private of Company F. i:!th Vt. Vol. 
Tnf., and was mustered into the service October 10, 1862. During my service with the 
company I feel very grateful that I was able to promptly take rations, answer roll 
call, respond for duty at all times and that 1 never of my own option, was introduced 
to, or excused from duty by a surgeon. Took part in repulse of Stuart's cavalry 
(Dumfrie's Raid) December 28, 1862, at Fairfax Court House, Va. Soon after entering 
the rifle pits. 20 men volunteered from the company for the skirmish line under 
Captain Yale, but were ordered back when out a short distance for fear of our being 
captured. Upon our return Colonel Randall ordered a portion of the squad to support 
the 2 gun section of the battery on the south side of the jiike. But only Private) 
Southwick and myself did so. .it, the time the fires were built by the rebels on the 



Biographical and Historical of Coinpaiiv F. 581 

pike quite a dispute occurred between us as to the direction tlie enemy was going. 
Soon after the section of the battery ceased firing, another wordy scrap occurred as 
to colored lights up in the air west of us. General Stoughton and Colonel Randall 
took part in settling the disputes. Stuart's cavalry went north and tne colored lights 
were signal lights put up by rebel sympathizers back in the village. The company 
■went into quarters about 5 o'clock a. m.. of the 29th. At T o'clock a. m., the company 
was called out for roll call to go to Centreville. While waiting for my name to be 
called, two small volleys w-ere fired into the company from a road in the woods at 
our right and rear. I was knocked over and rendered unconscious by the bullets that 
hit me in the left breast causing my being taken to the surgeon's tent in a dazed 
condition by Sergeants Fay and Ellis, and to the regimental hospital on the morning 
of December 30, 1862, by Privates Henry and Samuel York. I know nothing about 
having any care or treatment by any person while in the hospital tent. W&r Depart- 
ment records show that I was admitted to the "Regimental Hospital, brick hotel 
building, Fairfax Court House, Va., January 2. 1863, and treated without diagnosis;" 
"January 3, diagnosis, fever;" and then "typhoid malarial fever;" "typhoid malaria;" 
"cerebro spinal meningitis;" and "spinal meningitis." Finally discharged from the 
service at Occoquan, Va., April 6, 1863, and from "Fairfax Seminary General Hospital." 
April 13, 1863, on "surgeon's certificate of disability from chronic spinal meningitis." 
As soon as able, May 18, 1863, I entered the Classical Institute at Essex Center, Vt. 
Attended school one year here. Taught school three winter terms, working on a farm 
summers. Studied medicine 18 months, including a term in the Department of Medi- 
cine, University of Vermont, session of 1865. On account of ill health went into the 
building business at St. Albans in 1869. Removed to Burlington in the fall of 187.5. 
Entered the custom service September, 1899. and served to November, 1893. An 
officer of Stannard Post, G. A. R.. from September 22, 1878, to January 14, 1910. Senior 
Vice-Commander, May, 1909, and have held several other offices. Department of 
Vermont, G. A. R. Elected secretary of the 13th Vermont Regimental Association 
June 26. 1907. Married in this city in 1865; wife and daughter now living here. 
Unemployed at the present time by reason of chronic spinal meningitis, disease of 
heart and respiratory organs of service origin. Residence, Burlington, Vt. 

GEORGE ANDREW PINE 

born in Richmond. Vt., January 4, 1846. where he lived until eleven years of age. 
•when his mother died and he was left to care for himself. Enlisted from Williston 
September 10, 1862, as a private in Company F, 13th Regt., Vt. Vol. Inf. Always 
ready for duty when called. When the regiment started on the Gettysburg campaign 
he was ill, but put the surgeon's written excuse from duty in his pocket and went 
with the company and did his duty the best he could. Mustered out July. 21. 1S63. 
Having recovered from a serious illness of several weeks he again enlisted December 
15, 1863, as a private in Company E, 1st Vt. Cav.. and was seriously wounded at 
Meadowbridge, Va., May 12, 1864. He was taken to Hammon General Hospital, Point 
Lookout, Md. His friends sent Dr. I. D. Alger to attend him and by earnest effort he 
got him to New York, where he was cared for by his uncle and the doctor until he 
died June 13, 1864. His death, like his life, was one of valor and courage. The 
officers wrote his sister letters of condolence, and in them said "He was the smallest 
and youngest of his regiment but what he lacked in size and age, he made up in 
bravery, in fact was called the 'Brave Recruit.' " 

ZIBA PIXLEY 

enlisted from Underbill, Vt.. at the age of 39, as a private in Company F, 13th Vt. 
Vol. Inf., September 10, 1862. Mustered in October 10, 1862. Was taken sick at Brat- 
tleboro, Vt., and discharged for disability May IS, 1863. Died at Jericho, Vt., date 
unknown. 

ERASTUS POWELL 

son of Solomon W. and Sarah (Ingalls) Powell, was born in Cambridge, Vt., June 10, 
1840. Educated in the common schools and Underbill Academy. A teacher in the 
public schools bv occupation. Enlisted from Jericho. Vt.. September 10, 1862, as a 
private in Company F, I3th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 10. 1862. 
Private Powell was a good solider, always ready for duty until stricken with typhoid 
pneumonia, of which he died May 25th, 1863, at Occoquan, Va. The body was taken 
by his friends to his home, where the funeral services were held in the Congrega- 
tional Church, Jericho Center, Vt., burial in the village cemetery. 



582 The Tliirtrriitli Rc(jiiiiriit J'rniioiit I'ohintccrs 

GORDON REYNOLDS 

enlisted from Williston at the age of 36 years as a private in Company F, 13th Vt. 
Vol. Inf., September 10, 1862. Mustered into the service with the regiment and 
mustered out July 21, ISfi:!. Hi'd \n .Mcmlillci. Wis.. .Iiiniiary S, 1906, and buried in 
Montello cemetery. 

BENJAMIN F. ROBINSON 

born in Knslanil. ICnlistfd Ironi .Tcriiho. Vt.. September 10, 1862. as a private in 
Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Int.. at the age of 24 years. Mustered into the service 
October 10, 1862, and nuistered out with the regiment, and again enlisted in Company 
F, 11th Vt. Vol. Inf., December 7, 1863, from Barton, Vt. Discharged for disability 
June 12, 1865. Resides at Barre, Vt. 

ZADOCK W. ROCKWOOD 

enlisted from Jericho, Vt., September 10, 1862, as a private in Company F. 13th Vt, 
Vol Inf.. at the age of 44 years. Mustered into the service with the regiment and 
mustered out July 21, 1863. A painter by occupation. Married Caroline Pratt, and by 
this union four sons and two daughters were born to them. Died November 13, 1833, 
and buried at Jericho, Vt. 

MONTRAVILLE ROSS 

enlisted from Starksboro, Vi.. September 10. I,sti2, as a private in Company F, 13th 
Vt. Vol. Int. Mustered into the service October 10, 1862, and stayed with the regiment 
in all of its various movements until mustered out July 21, 1863, and settled in Hunt- 
ington, where he lived most of his life after leaving the army. Was an officer of 
Wallace White Post No. ."lO, G. A. R., for many years. Died September 1.5, 1907, at 
the age of 72 years, at Proctor. Vt., while on his way home from the National Encamp- 
ment G. A. R., at Saratoga, N. Y. He leaves a wife, son and tw-o daughters. The 
funeral services were held at the Union church in Huntington; the services were in 
charge of Post 'A. G. A. R. 

BYRON C. ROUNDS 

enlisted from Huntington, Vt.. September 10. lb.02 at the age of 35 years, in Company F, 
13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 10. 1862, and mustered out of the 
service July 21, 1863. Died April. 1898 at Monkton, Vt. 

SILAS J. ROWELL 

born in Stowe, Vt-. May 13. 1S40. My parents were born in West Fairlee. Vt., and died 
in Waterbury, Vt. .Married to Zidany Douglass of Richmond. Vt.. August 22. 1S62. 
Enlisted from Richmond. Vt. as a private in Company F. 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered 
into the service. October 10, 1862, and mustered out July 21. 1863- Was sick for a year 
at Waterbury, Vt.. and then went to dairyfarming in Richmond, Vt.. Alsfed, N. H., 
Waitsfield aiid then to Waterbury, Vt., where 1 have lived since. Mrs. Rowell died 
June 1894, and the husband, March Ifi, HHis. 

HORACE L, SHELDON 

enlisted from Underbill. A't.. September 10, 1862 at the age of 25 years, as a private 
in Company F. Kith Vt. Vol. Inf Mustered into the service October 10, 1862, and 
mustered out July 21. isr.n. Died August 4. 1 86:! at Underbill. Vt. 

ALONZO H. SHERMAN 

son of Harmon and Lucy Humphrey Sherman. \v:is born in Underbill. Vt.. June 7. 1840. 
My maternal grandfather was an officer on the staff of General Scott, war of 1812. 
I was reared on a farm; educated in the common schools. Enlisted from Underbill. 
September 10, 1862. as a private in Comiiany F. 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Was with the regiment 
in all of its various movements. Met the Washington Pedler with their goods seasoned 
with ground glass. On the march to Union Mills fell into a washout and the injury 
received has troubled me ever since. Mustered out July 21, 1S63. Again enlisted 
March 13 1865 as a private in Company G. 2nd Vt. Vol. Inf., and mustered out of the 
service July 15, 1S63. Married Mrs. Julia M. Stevens at Underbill, March 20, 1897. 
and moved "to St. Albans. Vt., where I now reside- 



Biographical and Historical of Company f. 583 

CHARLES SISTER 

enlisted from Huntington, Vt.. September 10. 1S62 at the age of IS veais as a private 
in Company P, IStli Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service October 10, 1862 and again 
enlisted December 16, 1863 from Williston, Vt., in Company D, 8th Vt. Vol. Inf and 
mustered out June 28, 186.5; went West, and his last address was Cheyenne, Wyoming. 

FREDERICK A. SOUTHWICK 

born in Peabody, Jlass- Enlisted from Bolton, Vt., giving his age as 31, September 10 

1862, as a private in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered in October 10, IS62' 
Private Southwick was a good soldier, always ready for duty. Mustered out July 2l! 

1863. Again entered the service from Duxbury, Vt., December 17, 1863 as a private 
in Company H, 9th Vt. Vol. Inf.. transferred to Comi>any C, June 13, 186.5. Supposed 
to have been mustered out December 1, 1865- Was with the regiment in all of its 
engagements, after Joining same. Died at West Lynn, Mass., March, 1907, age being 
given as 92 years. 

CHARLES C. TILLOTSON 

born in Waterville, Vt., October 14. 1839 with his parents moved to Lowell. Vt., in 1853 
A farmer by occupation. Married Eliza A. Taylor. December 18, 1861. Enlisted from 
Underbill, \t.. September 10. 1S62 as a private in Company P, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf 
Mustered in with the regiment; promoted Corporal. January 19, 1863. Mustered out 
July 21, 1863. Represented the town in general assembly, 1890, and held other town 
offices. Died after a long illness, February 8, 1905, leaving a wife, two sons and a 
daughter. 

STEPHEN W. TILLISON 

enlisted from Underbill, Vt, September 10. 1862 at the age of 29 years. Mustered into 
the service October 10, 1862. Mustered out July 21, 1863 and again enlisted from 
IW^oretown, Vt-, February 10. 1865 as a private in Company K, 8th Vt. Vol. Inf., and 
mustered out of the service June 28. 1865; went west and died; date unknown. 

FRANK J. C. TYLER 

enlisted from Williston, Vt., Septcmbei- 10. 1862 at the age of 21 years. Mustered into 
the service October 10, 1862. On detached service as a clerk most of his term of ser- 
vice. Mustered out July 21, 1863. While residing in Burlington. 1868 joined Stan- 
nard Post No. 2 G. A. R. at first meeting July 20, 1868. and was elected first quarter- 
master. Went West in 1870 and was an inmate of the Soldiers' Home, South California, 
March. 1909. 

ALBERT WALSTON 

son of James G., and Roxana Green Walston was born in Richmond, Vt., July 17, 1842 
and lived here until early summer of 1862- Educated in the common schools. Occu- 
pation a farmer. Married Annie E. Baty, August 26, 1862 and two children have been 
born to us. Enlisted from Williston. Vt.. September 10, 1862 as a private in Company 
F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered in October 10, 1862. I was with the regiment in all of 
its movements. At the battle of Gettysburg 1 was knocked down three times in quick 
succession by the bursting of shells near me in our flank movement on picket charging 
columns, but not seriously injured. Mustered out July 21, 1863. Moved to Milton, Vt. 
about 1891. I served as town representative, 1906, and held other town offices. 
Residence, Milton, Vt. 

ROYAL C. WARD 

enlisted from Bolton, Vt.. September 10. 1862. at the age of 39 years as a private in 
Comi)any F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. Mustered into the service with the company and mustered 
out Jul\ 21. 1863. Last known residence. Boston, Mass. 

WILBUR F. WARD 

enlisted from Bolton, Vt., September 10, 1862 as a private in Company F, 13th Vt. Vol. 
Inf. Age 18 years. Mustered into the service October 10, 1862, and mustered out July 
21, 1863. and died, date unknown. 



584 'Jli>: Tliirtccntli Rcyiiiwiit I'cniioiit J'oluiitccrs 

WILLIS T. WELLS 

enlisted from Jericho, Vt., September 10, 1862 at the age of 42 years. Mustered Into 
the service October 10, 1862. Owing to th st-vere duties of a soldier's life and advanced 
age he soon became crippled with rheumatism and discharged for disability, February 
2. 1S63. A shoemaker by trade. Married and had a family. Died at Starl<sboro, Vt., 
May 15, 1S89. 

ALVIN D. WHITE 

enlisted Iroiii Iliinlington. Vt.. Si'ptcinlni in. ]m;j at the age of 21 years as a private 
in Company !•'. Kith V^t. Vol. Iiil-. and mustered into the service with the regiment 
October 10. 1S62 and served his couiilry faithfully. Mustered out July 21, 1863 and 
again entered the service as a ))rivatc in Company M, Frontier or 26th N. Y. Cav., 
December :',0. 1864. Mustered out June 27. 18fi.">. A member of the Masonic Order. 
A post commander of Post .")0. G. A. R. Had served as town representative and assist- 
ant door-keeper of the senate. A prominent citizen of his town- Died February 22, 
18!I6. only two members of his family survive him. 

WILLLAM F. WHITNEY 

son of Kdiiuinil and Fstlier Klagg Whitney, was born in Williston. Vt.. October 17. 1S42. 
Educated in the common schools and Williston Academy. Bnlisted from Williston, 
September 10. 1862. Mustered into the service October 10. 1862 as a private in Com- 
pany F, 13th Vt. Vol. Inf., and mustered out of the service July 21. 1863. Married 
Tesiiah F. Brownell December 18, 1866, and by this union three children have been 
born to us- By occupation a farmer. Xow reside at Essex Junction, Vt. 

HENRY W. YORK 

son of Harvey C. and Roxanie Wliile York, was born in Underbill. Vt. Enlisted at the 
age of 2.5 years from Jericho, Vt.. as a private in Company F. 13th Vt. Vol. Inf.. was 
with the regiment in all its movements. Mustered out of the service July 21, 1863. 
Educated in the common schools and academy of I'nderhill. By occupation a farmer. 
Married Miss Annette P. Sabens. September 28, 1^63. By this union four children have 
been born to us. Residence, W^est Bolton. Vt. 

SAMUEL YORK 

son of Harvey C. and Roxanie White York, was born in Underbill. Vt. Educated in the 
common schools of his native town. A farmer by occupation. Enlisted from Jericho, 
September 10. 1862. as a private in Company F. 13th Vt. Vol. Inf. A good soldier, 
always ready for duty. Married Mary A. Sabens. Died February 24. 1906 at his home 
in W'est Boiton. Vt.: age 65 years, leaving a w-ife and one son; burial in the village 
cemetery near his home. 




KKV. GEORGE H. SCOTT, 
HistDi-iaii of Co. G. 13th ^■t. Vols. 



Biographical and Historical 



Co. G 



Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers 



CIVIL WAR 1861-1865 



Dedicated in loving rememberance nf Jude Xewcity. killed in the great 
battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 3rd. 1863. This youthful hero 
of 18 was among the bravest of the brave. Because 
of what he and his comrades did on this Battle- 
field the life of the Union was saved. 



Bioyraphical and Historical nf Coiupan\ G. 589 



THE CONDENSED HISTORY OF COMPANY G. 



THIS Company was made up of volunteers from the towns of Bakersfield, Enos- 
burg, Montgomery, Richtord, Berkshire and a few from some of the other 
adjoining towns. The place of rendezvous and organization was Bakersfield and 
the date. September 11th, 1862; and therefore at first called the Bakersfield Company, 
but subsequently known by the letter G, and by this letter given its place in the line at 
time of regimental organization. It was known and called during its term of service 
Company G. It was indeed quite fortunate in the selection of commissioned and 
non-commissioned officers because of a large number of able young men from w'hich to 
choose. There were many in the ranks of Company G equally as well qualified for 
officers as those who were originally elected and appointed. Nearly all who volunteered 
into this company were of the best and most reliable class of citizens from the several 
towns that furnished recruits for the Bakersfield Company. Subsequent history of 
Company G during its service demonstrated on all occasions its stalwart men. brave 
and alert, and was at the end of its service recognized as having won as much credit 
during the battle of Gettysburg as any company in the 13th Regiment. This statement 
is made from quite intimate acquaintance with the rank and file and knowledge of the 
distinguished part contributed in the struggle for victory, especially in the 2nd and 3rd 
days. Captain Merritt Williams was mortally wounded early on the 2nd day and then 
the command tell to 1st Lieutenant Albert Clarke, and his quick comprehension and 
grasp of the situation, and his deliberate manner and inspiring conduct encouraged 
every man of his company to do his very best. Colonel Randall, while his regiment was 
dow'n in the valley of Plum Run gathering in the prisoners of General Picketts defeated 
heroes, very properly turned to Lieutenant Albert Clarke and said "Captain take your 
company and conduct these prisoners to the rear and return as soon as possible." 
Colonel Randall knew upon whom to call for this dangerous and important duty. I 
would not make invidious comparison or distinction for quite likely any would have 
executed this important order with promjjtness, skill and satisfaction. To Company G 
must be given the credit of being first and foremost in the building of the breast-work 
out of a rail fence to the front of our then position in the forenoon of the last day of 
the battle in anticipation of a charge of the enemy against our then position. This 
forethought and conception originated with Company G. Lieutenant Clarke saw the 
opportunity and called for his daring Sergeant who was then acting as a Lieutenant 
and requested that he seek volunteers to go out on the open field and erect the breast- 
work, and it was quickly executed with Ser.geant George H. Scott in command. This 
move proved to be of great importance in the desperate charge made by General Pickett 
in the last hours of the battle. 

There are many lengthy sketches of individuals of this company and I fear some 
will prove a tiresome task to read. The soldiers written of are entitled to all that has 
been said of them in this comjjany history, and yet I realize some of the articles might 
have been much abridged. The author has been embarrassed in the preparation 
because of not having for the last few years a more intimate touch with the survivors 
of this company, and because his letters have not been answered by the comrades 
when w^ritten to. Hence it some appear to be slighted such must understand the reasons 
are lack of better and more accurate information. The author regrets his inability to 
do justice to the dead and livin.g of Company G. and with reluctance agreed to accept 
the task, but have done his best to meet expectations. I was warned against long 
sketches but I find it impossible to mention each with a line or two of reference. To 
express briefly and accurately a few w-ords concerning each one, and tell of duty done 
in the service and in civil life, and avoid criticism could not be exnentpd. I would 
have said more of some and less of others and not so much of all. The comrades of 
Company G will excuse omissions, errors and accept thanks for information furnished 
and preparation of individual sketches. William Oakley Brigham, Lieutenant Albert 
Clarke and others have furnished interesting articles that appear in this company 
history, and to those your attention is called. The object of the regimental historian 
is 1 trust attained so far as Company G is concerned for one and all have been men- 
tioned. 



590 Tin- Tliiiti\-iith h't-i/inuiil W-niumt I'i'hintccrs 

CAPTAIN MARVIN WHITE. 

Vour liisloiiai> lias loiiiul it (UlTiciilt to piocure details of tlie early life of Captain 
Whiti-. Coiiiiade H. II. Stevnis has secured for him after c-areful inquiry the following: 
He was born in Rlfliford, Vt.. had few advantages lor sfhooling in his boyhood.— 
learni-d the tiade of a blacKsinilh and set up a shop in Knosburg. People speak of him 
as a good bla( ksmith— and "like other boys of his stamp." He married a Hanister girl 
of Riihford. by whom he had two daughters. These survivi- him. His widow has 
never married. His daughters, both married. All have left Enosburg. and our in- 
formant could not ascertain what has become of them. When the call came for ;;U0.000 
nine months' men. White was ready to leave his trade and bid good bye to his 
family and fight for his country. He was thi- first man to enlist in Knosburg and by 
his exami)le and coun.sel did much to induce others to enlist. When in a public meeting 
volunteers were being called for and "some one from West Enosburg said, the first one to 
enlist would command the company. White walked right up and put his name down." For 
the above reasons doubtless, the Enosburg quota felt bound to nominate him for the 
office of captain, though older and abler men remained in the ranks. It should be said 
of him he was kind hearted, patriotic and tried to be a good officer, and thoughtful of 
his men. but he lacked some of the iiualities necessary to one in command, while 
he could not do his best, because he felt his company did not respect him as their 
Captain. When death entered our ranks and Homer Fletcher was called home, he 
showed his thoughtful kindness by making the arrangements necessary for the funeral, 
and went to Washington to arrange for sending the body home. Soon after while the 
regiment was at Camp Vermont he sickened and was taken to the hosi)ital. When the 
regiment left that cam|). Captain White was left behind, and Comrade Ward Pijier was 
detailed to care for him. In a few days he died. December 13th, 1862. The same ser- 
vices were rendered him that he rendered to Fletcher. His remains were sent home, 
and now repose in the cemetery at West Enosburg. 

The nurse who attended him in his last sickness, paid this tribute to his memory: 
"In justice to Captain White let me say that while he may not have been all that was 
desired as a company commander, he impressed me as a man who had a very kind 
heart." Surely he died for his country as truly as his successor Captain Williams 
who fell mortally wounded on the battlefield of (iettysburg .July 2nd. ISfiS. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN WILLIAMS, CO. G, 13th, VT. 

i;v coiii'ui:.\i. .i. w. lUiUKotK. 

Captain Merritt Bates W'illiams was born May 9th, 1S40 in Bakersfield. Vt.. son of 
George W. Williams a faiiner and prominent citizen, and Emily Williams, his wife, 
daughter of Zebulon and Luna Leach. He was my own cousin. Early life was spent 
on his father's farm, where he grew up, industrious, temperate and conscientious; re- 
ceiving a common school and academic education. He was large-hearted, observing: 
shrewd and practical rather than analytical and scholarly: naturally social, vivacious 
and winning: being a favorite among the young people of the town, he was a con- 
spicuous and leading spirit. In childhood he became a Christian. Sometime previous 
to enlistment he united in marriage with Miss Jennie Hooker of Bakersfield. The 
beginning of his military service was in the fall of 1862, when he enlisted at the age 
of 22. for nine months, from Bakersfield, Vt. 

At the organization of Company G. Kith Regiment Vermont Volunteers, he wae 
elected First Lieutenant. After Captain White's illness in the latter part of November, 
and subsequent death, command of Company G devolved on Lieutenant Williams. In 
February, 1863, he was iiromoted to the rank of Captain in command of Comiiany G: 
filling that position with credit until luortally wounded by an exploding shell, at the 
head of his companv on the battlefield at Gettysburg. Jiily 2nd. 1863. eight days before 
expiration of the time for which he enlisted. He was removed from the battlefield to 
the home of Thomas Hooker, his wife's father in Bakersfield. Harvey Barns accom- 
panied him as nurse and assistant. The shell that wounded him exploded above, in 
front and a little to the right of him: a small fragment entered the right breast, taking 
a downward and backward (ourse to the liver, as was su|)posed. although it was never 
exactly located. Evervthing possible was done by devoted friends for his comfort and 
recoveVy: and for sometime he was very hopeful. A fatal result was doubtless inevit- 
able After eleven weeks of suffering, patiently and heroically endured, death brought 
relief. He viewed death calmly and said he was ready to go. in hope of Christian im- 
mortality. 

"Like cue wlio wraps the drapery cf his couch about him and lies down to pleasant 
dreams" He gave minute diretticns for his funeral, requesting that Company G nlight 
be there and that Rev. E. A. Titus preach the funeral sermon. It was held at the Con- 
gregationalist church in Bakersfield. attended by a very large gathering of citizens 
and soldiers, with impressive services, and many demonstrations of love and mourning. 
His body reposes in the now beautiful cemetery of his native town. 



Bioc/raf^liical and fl istorical of Coiiipany C. 591 

He was greatly beloved, and lived in the hearts of his friends: as a citizen was 
highly esteemed. As an officer he was ever attentive to duty, solicitous and self-denying 
for his men; bravely standing at his post at all times, winning the love and confidence 

°^ ^"- REV. JOSEPH W. HITCHC3CK. 

LIEUTENANT ALBERT CLARKE. 



"Who's who in America" gives the following sketch of Colonel Clarke. 

Albert Clarke, lawyer, economist, secretary Home Market Club, Boston, since .luly. 
J889; born Granville, Vt., October 13th, 1840; son of Jedediah and Mary (Woodbury) 
Clarke graduated at Bane, Vt., academy, 18.59; (honorary A. M. Dartmouth College. 1888; 
studied and practiced law. Montpeiier, Vt.. 1859-6.5; married at Rochester, Vt., January 
21st, 1864, Josephine Briggs. Enlisted 13th Vermont Volunteers Infanti'y. August, 1862; 
thrice promoted, commander of company at Gettysburg and captured cannon and prison- 
ers. Member of Vermont senate, 1874; Massachusetts House of Representatives.. 1896- 
7-8. chairman of committee on Ways and Means; delegate National Reimblican Con- 
vention, 1892; colonel on Governor Dillingham's stalt, Vt., 186.5; judge advocate general, 
G. A. R., 1897; president Vermont and Canadian R. R., 1885-6; member United States 
Industrial Commission. 1899-1900; chairman. 1901-02. Editor and most of the time 
proprietor of St. Albans (Vt. ) Messenger. 1868-80; on staff Boston Daily Advertiser, 
1883-5; editor and manager of Rutland (Vt.) Herald, 1886-9; editor of Home Market 
Bulletin (now Protectionist Manager) since 1889. Author of many addresses and 
pamphlets, etc. Residence, 879 Beacon St.; office, 77 Summer St., Boston. 

There are fuller sketches in Lamb's Biographical Dictionary, in The National 
Cyclopedia of American BiograiJhy. and in several other biographical and genealogical 
publications. From these sketches and from jiersonal knowledge the writer has been 
able to prejjare the following: 

Albert Clarke was born in Granville, Addison County, Vermont, on the 13th day of 
October, 1840, and he had a twin brother, Almon, who resembled him so closely that 
for 60 years they were mistaken for each other. They descended from Richard Clarke, 
who came to this country from Rowley in Yorkshii'e, England, in 1638 and settled in 
Rowley, Esse.\ County, Massachusetts. The line of descent is Richard. John, Richard, 
Ebenezer, who removed to Connecticut. Timothy, who removed to Rockingham, Ver- 
mont, and became a Revolutionary soldier, participating in the battle of Bunker Hill. 
Jonothan Rogers, who removed to Rochester, Vei-mont, Jedediah and Albert. On his 
mother's side his first ancestor in this count) y was John Woodbtny "ye old i)lanter of 
Salem", who was a prominent citizen and was sent by Governor Endicott on a mission 
to England. The line runs thus: John Woodbury, Peter. Peter. Benjamin, Peter, who 
was captain in Colonel Job Cushing's regiment in the Revolutionary aimy and marched 
to Bennington to reinforce General Stark: Peter, who was a member of his father's 
company and who removed to Bethel, Vermont, in 1792; Ruth, Maiy. the wife of Jedediah 
Clarke and the mother of Dean. Albert and Almon. Mary's parents were both Wood- 
burys, her father, Daniel, being sen of Gideon, son of Joshua, son of their common an- 
cestor, Benjamin- Nearly all of the Woodburys in this countiy descended from John, 
including former Governor U. A. W^oodbury of Vermont and Hon. Levi Woodbury of 
New Hampshire, who was judge, speaker of the house, governor, secretary of the navy, 
secretary of the treasury and justice of the U. S. supreme court. 

The father of the Clarke boys was a shoemaker and farmer, who had but small 
means and a limited education, his father having died when he was but eight years old. 
Nevertheless, he did what he could to make U]) for his early disadvantages and helped 
his sons to obtain good educations, though the financial crisis of 1857 and the gathering 
storm in the South led them to give up going to college, after having prepared at West 
Randolph and Earre academies, and to take up professional studies instead. Dean and 
Almon choosing medicine and Albert the law. AInion. having graduated in medicine 
at the University of Michigan, became Assistant Surgeon of the 10th Vermont Infantry 
and after two and one-half years was promoted Surgeon of the First Vermont Cavalry, 
with which he served until the close of the war. Then he practised for 20 years in 
Sheboygan. Wis., became president of the Wisconsin State Medical Society, professor 
in the Milwaukee Medical College, and Surgeon for several years of the National 
Soldiers' Home at Milwaukee. He died at Pensacola, Floi-ida, May 1st, 1904. 

Albert, the subject of this sketch, read law at Montpeiier and began practise there 
in partnership with Hon. W. G. Ferrin, who was afterwards State Auditor. He en- 
listed August 25th, 1862, in what became Company I, 13th Veimont. He sought no 
office but was appointed sergeant and before leaving the state first sergeant, and he was 
in command of the company during the legimenfs advance at Union Mills. January 
22nd, 1863, he was promoted first lieutenant of Company G. and held that office until 



5<.)J I'hc Ihirtcciilli h'lV/iinoit J'cniioiit rdlitiitci-is 

musfpied out. Owing to the illiipss ami death of its ia|)taln the conipaiiy had fallen 
behind some of the others in drill. The new taiitain. Menitt B. Williams, devolvi-d 
mucli of the drill of the company and the care of its accounts upon Lieut. Clarke, and 
gave him all needful sujiport. The comiiany rapidly im|)roved and was soon equal 
to the others in efficiency. When the cai)tain received a mortal wound in the second 
day's battle at Gettysburg, and was taken from the field. Lieutenant Clarke of course 
succeeded to command, .\fter Weir's or Turnhull's batleiy was re-captured by the 
right wing of the regiment. Colonel Randall, supjiosing that Captain Williams must 
have died, and wishing to reward the lieutenant for what he spoke of as gallant con- 
duct, promoted him as captain and addressed him as such until it was learned, after 
the battle, that Williams was still living. As he lived until after the regiment was 
mustered out. of course Clarke <ould not receive the commission that he had earned. 
An incident of the recovery of the battery is worth recording in this connection. The 
men found some difficulty in ha\iling the guns up the slope and Clarke aided them by 
carrying as many of their rifles as he could hold. This greatly amused Private .lohn 
McMahon. who afterward be<anie the chamiiion wrestler of the world, and when taking 
back his rifle he slaijped the lieutenant upon his back and iiromoled him to be a brigadier 
general. This shows that some of the boys were not devoid of humor, even amidst the 
terrors of battle: but it was more than a joke; it was ai)iireciation of good service and 
the subordination of rank to heli)fulness. 

It was before this charge and when the brigade was awaiting oiders just south of 
Cemetery Hill that a spherical case shot exploded over Company G and gave the captain 
his mortal wound. A fragment of the same missile struck Lieutenant Clarke on his 
right ankle, but he was so much occui)ied in attending to Private M. B. Smith, who 
thought he was mortally wounded, that he did not notice it at the time, furthi'r than 
to think he had been hit by the butt of a musket but a little later he found that he had 
received a painful bruise. By the time the battle was over the ankle had become so 
inflamed that he was obliged to go into hospital for two days, and he did not fully 
recover for two months. What came so near being a tragedy to Private Smith would 
have been amusing if it had not been serious. Smith clasped his hands across his 
stcmach and told Lieutenant Clarke that he was killed and his bowels were coming 
out. Seeing no bowels or blood the officer pulled the man's hands ai)art and foimd his 
belt plate doubled like a fist, a fragment of the si)herical case having sti-uck it with 
great force and dropped to the ground. The clothing was not penetrated nor the flesh 
broken but Smith has never fully recovered from the internal injury resulting from 
the blow. For a minute Lieutenant Clarke had difficulty in convincing him that his 
belt |)late had saved his life. 

11 seems proper to record here another incident of that day's fighting. After the 
battery had been recaptured and the guns turned over to other troops. Colonel Randall 
re-formed his line and charged back over the same ground as far as the Cadori and 
Peter Rogers houses. The hour was twilight and the field was smoky. Company C. 
(Captain Coburn) was ordered to the left, as far as the Peach Orchard, to bring in 
what appeared to be some abandoned guns. The other com])anies were fired ujion 
from the Rogers house, which chanced to be in front of Company G. and the fire was 
returned. The next coni]iany on the right. Coni|iany A. (Captain Lonergan I moved 
around to the rear of the house, and Adjutant .Tames S. Peck went to the door and 
commanded the Confederates to come out. They surrendered without further resistance. 
Years afterwards Captain Lonergan was granted a medal of honor for his part in this 
affair. 

The next day the experience of Lieutenant Clarke was like that of most of the 
other officers and men. under the terrific artillery fire of the early morning and in the 
afternoon preceding Pickett's charge. When the regiment advanced to the rails that 
had been placed in line along the edge of the low table-land above the valley of Plum 
Run. Pickett's a|iproaching line had come within short rifle range and was firing as well, 
as advancing. As soon as our men halted and were ordered to lie down, they sought 
to return the fire but Lieutenant Clarke commanded us to hold our fire until we re- 
ceived an order. This annoyed us and we could not understand it. for. resting our 
rifles on the rails, we secured perfect aim. Soon, however, the skirmishers — our com- 
rades of the 16th Vermont and shaipshooters fell back through our line and then 
came the welcome order to fire, and it was obeyed with alacrity and with such fearful 
execution that Pickett's column, which was already oblinuing to the left, hastened its 
n^rvenient and soon uncovered our front. Then came General Stannard's memorable 
order first to Colonel Randall of the l.'Jth Regiment and then to Colonel Nichols and 
Wazey of the 14th and Kith Regiments to "change front forward on first conii)any." 
The order was not heard except by those near him. seeing which Colonel Randall, ran 
along the line and gave a simpler order. "By the right flank, follow me. double quick", 
and this was obeyed and the regiment, four men abreast, moved "head on" as railroad 
men say, towards Pickett's light, which had then got some .''.00 yards away from us. 
Pcforc starting. Lieutenant Clarke gave orders to have Corporal Snell, who had been 
wounded in the head, taken to the rear, and while running he was overtaken by Corporal 
Humphrey of Company I. his former company, who infoimed him of their losses up to 



Hi(i(/nipliiail and Historical of Coiiif^auy (i . 593 

that moment, for which lie cxliressed regret. When the regiment got within a tew 
rods of the enemy it moved "on the right into line", which position was at a right 
angle from the main line of our army and was facing Picketfs right flank, which very 
soon became massed under the fire from two directions. Here we soon began to gather 
in prisoners and by chance many of them came in through Company G. As the air 
was thick with hissing shot. Lieutenant Clarke ordered the prisoners to lie down, 
which they were very glad to do. One of our men said to him "You are treating the 
enemy better than you treat us," to which he replied "that Is 'true, but we are at work 
and their work is over." The splendid array before us was rapidly falling, scattering, 
and disappearing and very soon Clarke received an order to conduct the prisoners to 
the rear. Soon after the column started we were reinforced by Company I and by 
Ma.ior Boynton and we moved over the low- ridge where Cushing's battery was an- 
nihilated to the Baltimore pike and thence past our artillery reserve to the provost 
guards and the hospitals in the rear. It seems proper here to insert the following 
incident, which was published in the Boston Transcript. June 21, 1902. 

"At a gathering of veterans of the Civil War, held In Boston a few years ago. Dr. 
E. N. Whittier. who died last Saturday, told how near he came to firing upon a detach- 
ment of the Union Army. He was first lieutenant in command of Stevens's Maine 
battery, on the northwest spur of Culp's Hill, east of Cemetery Hill at Gettysburg. 
The battery had done magnificent service on the late afternoon of the second day of 
the battle in helping to repulse the charge of the 'Lousiana Tigers,' but during th« 
third day it was disengaged. Dr. Whittier said that by turning to their left and rear 
they had a perfect view of Pickett's charge, and when he saw the Confederates break 
through the Union line at the copse of trees, he wheeled about his guns, aimed at the 
position and intended to fire as soon as he could see the column emerge from the 
smoke and from the intervening Union soldiers. What he expected did not take place, 
but a few minutes later he saw a body of Confederates a little further to the left 
surge out of the smoke and move towards the Baltimore pike. Then he thought his 
opportunity had surely come, but looking through his glass he saw a thin line of 
blue surrounding the column of gray and then realized that the men were prisoners 
and were being conducted to the rear. He expressed his great thankfulness that he 
looked thus carefully before firing, and then Colonel Albert Clarke arose and said. 
'Doctor, I. too, wish to express thanks, for I was in command of that column.' The 
applause which followed this wholly unexpected incident can be imagined. The two 
veterans, who had never met before, shook hands as though they had been old friends, 
and, of course, they were friends ever after," 

After reaching the rear. Lieutenant Clarke went into hospital for two days, to have 
his ankle treated, but hearing that Lee had retreated and our army had started in 
pursuit, he secuied an abandoned horse and followed as fast as he could, overtaking 
us that night at Emmitsburg, Md. The next night, after a hard day's march, while 
crossing Catoctin Mountain in the dark and rain, he fell unconscious froiu pain just 
before reaching the summit and might have died if he had not been found by Captains 
Lonergan and Wilder, who had become separated from their companies in the con- 
fusion, and who aroused him, learned who he was, and assisted him to a log house 
and obtained for him the service of a surgeon. The next morning he found himself 
alone with the rebel but kind hearted family and managed to limp down the mountain 
to the west until he could see the army in the valley below. He reached Middletown 
and then ascertained the location of our regiment and overtook us before night. There 
about midnight he received a visit from his twin brother. Assistant Surgeon of the 
Tenth Vermont, who, having heard of our arrival, had turned back from the march over 
South Mountain to find him. The greeting between the brothers and their heart-to- 
heart talk of two hours can be better imagined than described. So can the brave 
parting. 

The service of the Thirteenth practically ended here. Nothing of note occurred 
on the homeward .journey which need be mentioned in a sketch of Lieutenant Clarke 
except that when the regiment reached New Haven and was requested to return to 
New York to assist in quelling the draft riots, and Colonel Randall left it to the com- 
panies to decide what they would do, Clarke favored returning and most of his men 
were willing to go with him, but the decision of the regiment as a whole was in favor 
of obeying the order to go to Brattleboro, so of course they kept on together. When 
the Washington county men reached Montpelier on the evening of July 24, cannon were 
fired, bonfires were lighted and a great throng of people had assembled to greet them. 
Speeches were made by Colonel Randall, Captain Coburn and Lieutenant Clarke, and 
the next day these soldiers and their comrades quietly resumed the civil life which 
they had left about a year before. Clarke soon visited Rochester, drawn thence by 
tender ties. His mother had died during his absence, an elder brother had brought a 
bride to their home, and his own fiance was waiting to receive him. He resumed the 
practice of law at Montpelier, or, as he described it. "the practise of patience." was 
married the following January to Miss Josephine, the youngest daughter of Hon. E. D. 
Briggs of Rochester, and after some months this alliance led him to transfer his office 
from Jlontpelier to Rochester. 



5i;4 '/'I' Ihirti-cHlli Kcijinicnl I'rniioiit I'oliiittcvrs 

From 1864 to 1868 he was tlrst assistant ilerk in llie house of rei>rfsenlatlves of 
the state and became legislative correspondent of tlie St. Albans MessenRer. This led 
to his beconiinR an editor and soon proprietor of that journal and also of the Transcript 
which had competed with it for some years, althouRh he had no thought of leaving the 
law except temporarily. The exacting nature of the business, however, changed 
his career and for twelve years he was a recognized leader in Verniont journalism and 
politics. In 1S70, while reporting the Fenian raid from Franlilin, Vt. to Ecdes Hill in 
Canada, he came under fire and narrowly escajied. He there made the acquaintance 
of ,lohn Boyle O'Reilly, which in later years was renewed in Boston. The fighting 
occurred after noon. Having gathered the main particulars, he drove twelve miles 
to St. Albans, writing whenever the road was smooth enough to permit, issued a three 
column account at five o'clock and wired a full report to the .New York Tribune, for 
which he received $8(1 and a complimentary letter from Whitelaw Held. The most 
noteworthy feature of his newspaiier life in St. Albans was a ten years' battle royal 
with the men then in control of the Vermont Central Railroad and of the politics of 
both jiarties in Vermont. One phase of it was the starting by the railroad faction of 
on op|)Osition ncwspajjer. Able writers were brought from Washington and Boston 
and more brilliant controversial writing has seldom been seen in New England than 
marked the editorial i)ages of both pai)ers for several years. As an incident of the 
controversy. Clarke was elected after a hitter fight to the state senate in 1874 but he 
declined a second term on account of the exactions of his business. Former Governor 
J. Gregoiy Smith was jjresident of the railroad and one year was desired, by many 
Republicans for first delegate at large to the national convention. Clarke was chair- 
man of the St. Albans delegation and became chairman of the Franklin county dele- 
gation. It was thought to be a delicate matter to ask him to favor his leading opponent 
and especially to present his name in the convention. Finally a mutual friend broached 
the subject to him and Clarke promptly replied that if the home delegations desired 
it, he would with pleasure nominate Governor Smith, for he recognized his eminent 
fitness for the service. This was done and before long newspapers began to mention 
Clarke for the next lieutenant governor. For some time the railroad people acquiesced 
but because Clarke refused to pledge any change of policy in the conduct of his news- 
paper, their opposition began to appear and he declined to be a candidate. 

AH this, of course, was public but a year or two later something occurred which 
never became publicly known, and of which even now 1 lack full knowledge. It was 
rumored after a peace or lull of some months that Governor Smith had sent for Clarke, 
proposed to him a consolidation of the newspapers, offered him the printing and sta- 
tionery business of their 700 miles of railroad, on which a reasonable profit, coupled 
■with the newsi)apers, should yield at least $10,000 a year, and reminded him that but 
for their opposition he could have been lieutenant governor and in -due time governor, 
leaving him to infer that with their opposition withdrawn those honors would yet come. 
Whatever offer was made, if any, failed. Whenever he has been asked about it since. 
Clarke has always replied that the talk was confidential and he had better continue 
the confidence, esjjecially since the governor has deceased and cannot speak for him- 
self. It is believed, however, that Clarke felt that he could not bring his friends into 
the proposed peace and he would not even seem to desert them. In 18S0 he sold the 
business to Mr. S. B. Pettengill, a former editor of the Rutland Herald, and removed 
to Boston. He continued in newspaper work and also became a director and a little 
later president of the Vermont and Canada railroad company. After the Supreme 
Court of Vermont had decided that the Vermont and Canada had become jointly liable 
for the debts of the Vermont Central to which it was leased, a consolidation followed, 
and Clarke devoted himself wholly to work on the staff of the Boston Daily Advertiser, 
until 1SS,T, when he was called to be assistant to the president of the Boston & Lowell 
railroad. He with others soon began a negotiation for the purchase of the Rutland 
railroad and this led to his going to Rutland as editor and manager of the Herald. 
The effort to a((iuire the railroad failed because the Delaware & Hudson offered more 
than his friends offered, and in 1889 Clarke returned to Boston and was elected Secre- 
tary and Manager of the Home .Market Club, and has been annually reelected ever 
since, at this writing his service having continued nearly 18 years, during which time 
he has made more than a national reputation as an economist and as a writer and 
speaker for the protective tarift. This work has brought him into close and con- 
fidential relations with many of the principal men of the country, especially in the 
Rei)ublican party. 

In 1896-7-8. Clarke was a member of the Massachusetts house of representatives, 
where he became chairman of the committee on ways and means. When the Si)anish 
war broke out he prepared an api)ropriation bill which was enacted and signed by the 
governor in 20 minutes, under a suspension of all rules. He was also author of the 
law under which the soldiers and sailors of that state were paid seven dollars a month 
by the state. A framed copy of the bill and the quill with which it was signed hangs 
in his office, accompanied by this certificate: 



Hiotjra tallica! and flistoriral of i'oiiif'aiiy G. 595 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts, 
Executive Department, 

Boston. June 23rd, 1898. 

This is the pen with which I signed the bill granting seven dollars a month state 
pay to Massachusetts soldiers and sailors in the service of the United States, and I 
have presented it to Representative Albert Clarke, who introduced that feature of the 
bill, and who. as chairman of the committee of ways and means, had charge of the 
measure in the house. 

(Signed) ROGER WOLCOTT, 

Oovcrnor: 

Clarke naturally took pride in having induced Massachusetts to adopt a policy 
which worked so well in Vermont during the civil war. He was author of other im- 
portant laws, among them the one which put a stop to prize fighting under the dis- 
guise of boxing matches. In 1S9S and again in 1902 he was a candidate for tlie Republi- 
can nomination for congress in the Fourth Massachusetts district. The first year his 
leading opponent won on the fifth ballot by one ma.1ority in the convention and the 
next time another man won on the third ballot by two majority, in both cases methods 
having been employed to which he would not stoop. In 1899 President McKinley 
telegraphed him. asking him to accept an appointment on the Industrial Commission, 
to fill a vacancy. It was nothing that he had sought or thought of. but with the 
understanding that it would not necessitate his resignation from the Home Market 
Club, he accepted and served to the end. The commission was composed of five U. S. 
Senators, five Representatives and nine men from private life, appointed by the Pres- 
ident and confirmed by the Senate. Among them were two former members of con- 
gress and General Harris, the present governor of Ohio. Clarke, by reason of joining 
after all committees had been appointed, had to take places at the foot of such as he 
was assigned to. Before long it was discovered that he could e.xamine witnesses and 
when sub-commissions went to Philadeljjhla, Chicago, Boston. Providence and New 
York to take testimony, he was chosen to preside. On the death in 1902 of Senator 
Kyle of South Dakota, who was chairman of the commission. Clarke was unanimously 
chosen his successor. The commission was created to investigate all the great in- 
dustries — agriculture, manufactures, mining, transportation, telegraphy, the trust prob- 
lem, immigration and irrigation, with power to recommend legislation to congress and 
the states, it examined more than 700 witnesses, most of them leaders and experts in 
industry, finance and labor, and its reports filled 19 volumes, aggregating more than 
17.000 pages. Its term expired in February 1903 and ever since then the principal 
topics considered by congress have been those investigated by the commission. Profes- 
sor Alfred Marshall of Cambridge University. England, spoke of its reports as "the 
best prepared and most instructive ever issued by any similar body." 

In 1897 Clarke was .ludge-Advocate General of the Grand Army of the Republic, 
which was another honor that he did not seek. Several difficult cases, involving points 
of law. drew from him written opinions, of which a committee of lawyers, each of 
whom had formerly held the office, reported as follows at the National Encampment: 

•'The committee, having carefully considered the work of the .ludge-Advocate General, 
report that the opinions, some of which are elaborate and long, requiring very con- 
siderable labor and research, evidence unusual care and scholarly ability in their prep- 
aration and form a valuable addition to our Grand Army opinions. We recommend 
the adoption of the following resolution: 

Resolved. That the Encampment hereby extends to .ludge-Advocate General Clarke 
its thanks for his able, earnest and conscientious performance of the duties Imposed 
upon him." 

Many other honors came to him from time to time, among which were his election 
seven years in succession as president of the Wellesley Club, and his election as dele- 
gate to the Republican National Convention in 1892. in 1905 he was president of the 
Vermont Association of Boston, of the Vermont Officers' Reunion Society and of the 
Thirteenth Regiment Association in Vermont, of the National Staff Association In 
Massachusetts, and was first vice-president of the Society of the Army of the Potomac. 
At this writing (1907) he is president of the company which owns the franchises for 
an Independent telephone system in Boston and seme other Massachusetts cities. He 
is also president of the electric light company in the town where he was raised. The 
writer knows it would be against his wish to have these positions mentioned, but they 
are appropriate here as showing the esteem in which he is held by his association In 
various relations. 

He has published no books but his writings published in newspapers and magazines 
and official reports would aggregate many volumes if brought together. His earliest 
speech to attract considerable attention was delivered in the Vermont Senate in 1874 
against the free pass abuse and in favor of the right of the state to supervise railroads, 
thus showing that he grappled a present problem more than thirty years ago. The 



y)Ct I lie I'liirtccnth h'r(/iiiiciit W-niunit I'dhintrcrs 

next year he delivi-red an address before the National I'riscn As.soiiation in Sleiiiway 
Hall, New York, against capital imnishnient, whith was published in their annual 
volume and has been (|UOted from many times sinri' in various state legislatures. In 
1896 he was invited, (perhaps challenged would be a more appropiiali- word), to 
address the New ICngland Free Trade Leagui-. and he a<cei)led and gave them a spc-ech 
on "I he Failures of Free Trade" which was published in the m-wspapers and has been 
extensivi'ly circulated in pamphlet form. A few years later he had a debaO with 
Edward Atkinson, wl;o was perhaps the ablest free trader in Ameiica. before the 
Twentieth Centuiy Club, and the next year he had a debati' with {-"rofessor Charles J. 
Bullock of Harvard I'niversity before the Boston Refoi ni Club. His audiences on these 
occasions were generally not in sympathy with his views but they treated bini with 
distinguished consideration. In ISIO:' he addressed the American Academy of Science, 
(composed chiefly of college professors I at I'hiladelphia, on Reciprocity, and was oi)posed 
by Hon. .lohn A. Kasson and .Mr. A. B. F'ar-iuhar. That year and the next he spoke on 
the same subject before the Massachusetts and the .Maine state boards of trade. One 
of his most noteworthy addresses was on the same subject before the Economic Club 
of Boston, in November, 1905, in debate with Hon. Henry .M. Whitney of Boston, the 
other speakers beins (jovernor Cummins ot Iowa and Congressman .\IcCleary ol .Mm 
iiesota. Pamphlet reports of this debate are .-till circulated. In December 1'.106 he 
addressed the American Economic Association, (chiefly composed of university men 
in all 1)31 ts of the <ountry). at their annual meeting in Providence, on the subject of 
Trusts and the Taiiff, and his address was published in their transactions and other- 
wise extensively noticed. His .Memorial Day addiesses have been many and for such 
occasions he has often been engaged from one to three years in advance. His writings 
and si)eeches have a directness, condensation and finish which make them instructive 
as well as interesting and his delivery is lucid, animated and impressive. 

(The foregoing had been prepared by Comrade Scott, when he was suddenly taken 
away. Previously the late Captain Stephen F. Brown had volunteered to write the 
sketch of Colonel Clarke, but had died before completing it. It remains for the 
historian to add a few particulars from the remaining data which they had gathered. 
R. O. S.) 

In 1890 Clarke was president of the Vermont Veterans' Association of Boston and 
he made a speech on Boston Common, welcoming the Old Vermont Brigade to the 
National Encampment which was held there that year, and introducing them to Mayor 
Hart, who extended a welcome in behalf of the city. The next morning Senator Dil- 
lingham, after reading Clarke's sjjecch in a Bcston daily newsiiaper. said it was the 
finest and most elo luent tribute he had ever seen paid to the Old Brigad?. Clarke 
has always been a great admirer of that famous or.sanizaticn and in 1906 he was 
chiefly instrumental in getting Major General L. A. Giant to visit Veimont and in 
arranging for him to come as the guest of the State and to leceive the thanks of the 
General Assembly — an act for which General Grant expressed his great gratitude. 

In ISS.'i, by invitation, Clarke addressed the General .Assembly and secured an 
approijriation for building a state house of torretlicn. He and N. P. Sinicns of Rutland 
and Wm. \V. C!rout of Barton w'ere appointed commissioners to locate and build it, 
which they did within the api)ropriation and received the thanVs of the legislature. 
In 1S8T-S-9 he was secretary of the state commission to build mcnuments at Gettys- 
burg. Governor Ormsbee was chaiiman, and the other commissioners were the most 
prominent men of the different regiments. The work was admirably done and the 
secretary and executive officer received their share of tlie ciedit. 

As previously mentioned, on both his father's and mother's sides Clarke's ancestors 
had served in the Revolution. As his great grandfather Clarke had died away from 
home and his grave had been neglected, in 1904 this soldii'r descendant caused it to be 
suitably marked by a stone in the style of one bundled years ago, and at the dedica- 
tion then- was a large .gathering and some interesting exercises, an account of which 
is published in the Genealogy of the family, found in many public libraries. 

During the first decade of the married life of Colonel and Mrs. Clarke three children 
were born to them- -a sen who died in infancy, a daughter who died at the age of ten 
in St. Albans, and a daughter now living, who is the wife of Samuel Williams, ,lr.. a 
grandson of Governor Charles K. Williams of Veimont. who was raised in Philadelphia 
but is now in trade in Fitchburg. Mass. They have a little son, who has spoken for 
his grandfather's sword. Mrs. Clarke's health has t.etn declining for several years 
and she and an older brother of Albert, who is a helpless invalid, have been ob'ects 
of his tender care, while public calls upon his time and strength have been increasing. 
But he keeps young and optimistic and carries life and sunshine into every presence. 
Since 189,') he has been trustee of a considerable estate, whi( h has handsomely increased 
In his hands. He has often expressed a desire to return to Vermont and the hope of 
his many friends here is that he w^ill come while yet alert and in touch and sympathy 
with our affairs and public life. 



Biiujviiplucal and Historical of Comically G. 597 

LIEUTENANT CHARLES W. RANDALL. 

When the Colonel promoted his son, a stripling of only 10, to the second lieuten- 
ancy of Company G there was some quiet grumbling, but the youth made a good 
officer. When the company with four others was charging to recapture Wier's or 
Trumbull's battery (am not positive which) on the second day of Gettysburg, he 
rushed to Lieutenant Clark, in command, and said, "I want to go to the Colonel, he 
is shot." and he was granted leave. In a moment he returned, almost breathless, 
saying, "He's all right; it was his horse." He re-entered the service as Second 
Lieutenant of Company C, 17th Vermont, but contracted small-pox, as he believed 
from infected underwear which he purchased in Washington, and came so near dying 
that his health was utterly broken and on the 9th of March, 1863, he was discharged 
for disability. He opened a country store in East Montpelier. but in the course of a 
year or two passed away. 

JOHN H, DWYER. 

I was born near Burlingtcn, Vt., October 23rd, 1837, but was raised in Richford. 
Franklin county, where I enlisted. I had no fighting ancestors that I know of — though I 
have seen some of them mad enough to fight, so I conclude my patriotism was net in- 
herited. Our company's letter was G. and we rendezvoused at Bakersfield for a short time 
before going to Brattleboro where we were mustered into United States service. I valtie 
my army experience very highly, though short. It enabled me to understand many things 
about war and to realize what our martyred Lincoln meant when he said he had a big 
job on his hands. Forty-four long years have slipped away since those days and many 
of the comrades have answered to the last roll call, but the memory of those marches 
and counter marches, the Sunday reviews, are all fresh in our memory and the big run- 
away, when our Colonel slipped away from Colonel Blunt of the 12th Regiment and 
we came back to our old camp only to find it ruined. We were consoled by the thought 
that it was all necessary to put down Rebellion. 

After we left Brattleboro nothing of sjjecial note occurred while in ti-ansit to Wash- 
ington. I recall the very cordial greeting we received at Philadelphia, Pa, It was 
Sabbath afternoon when we reached the city and the crowd that greeted us was immense 
the ma.1ority were of the fair sex. The train was delayed there for a time and the 
boys passed the time by visiting with the girls and it is said that there were friend- 
ships formed there that resulted In marriage. We arrived at Washington a tired lot 
and I never eit.ioyed a better night's rest than that night with my knapsack for a jnllow 
and the soft floor of the depot tor a bed. We finally settled at camp Vermont on the 
Potomac River. While at this camp we visited Mount Vernon quite often. As I was 
returning one day from one of these visits we called on a dootor's family there were 
two nice appearing young ladies at home. They said their father was in Capitol prison 
because he would not take the oath of allegiance. Also they had four brothers in' the 
Confederate army and they (though girls) wished they had five. 

I contracted typhoid fever while at camp Vermont, which came near terminating 
fatally — from which I did not fully recover until I reached home. I shall never forget 
the kindness of Surgeon Nichols, also of our Lieutenant Clarke while on the Gettys- 
burg march. I fell out one day and the Provost Guard picked nie up and reported me to 
Surgeon Nichols who came riding back and insisted that I ride his horse while he 
walked, and Lieutenant Clarke would always have me ride his horse. The Major was 
taking a fine horse through for Lieutenant Clarke — when the Major would send it 
back for Lieutenant to ride. I was mustered out at Brattleboro, Vt., July 21st, 18(!3, 
and the next year I was married and came to Iowa where 1 now live in the town of 
Glenwood. I have four children living, two girls and two boys. One of the girls has 
settled in Washington. One of the boys is teaching in Robert College, Constantinople, 
Turkey, and the other boy and girl are living at home with us. My wife's maiden name 
was Amanda Grant: the children are Lotta B., Gertie E., lone E., and Oliver M. The 
Lord has been very good to us. 

P. S. — In reply to your letter I may say my occupation before and since the war 
has been farming . As to civil office I have been very fortunate and have escaped 
thus far. exceirt some township office such as clerk. As to my religious life, I ex- 
perienced a change of heart just before the war broke out and joined the Methodist 
Episcopal Church and have been a member ever since. The Saviour is precious to me. 
I find him to be a complete Saviour. John H. Dwyer. 

In his very interesting and exhaustive sketch, to which I refer the reader, John 
in his modesty failed to tell us that he was one of the most efficient orderly sergeants 
of the regiment. The boys all loved him and were glad to serve under him. They 
have the most pleasant memories of him. At roll call how he would rattle oft the 
names, often from memory, till many in the company could repeat them. He was 
a hail fellow, pleasant, good natured, honest as a deacon — ready for fun or a fight, 
If the enemy were rebels. His many virtues as a soldier have evidently served him 
■well since the war. 



59*^ / /'i' 'I'liirtrriilli Rcf/iiihiit I'l-niioiit I iiliiiitccrs 

GEORGE W. LADD, 

the son of Avery S. Ladd and Sally Cole, was born in Johnson, Vt.. 1836. He secured 
a common school education. He enlisted in and for Enosburg. September 11th, 1862. 
He was married September I'Oth. 1862 to Miss .lane Leach. The pro.ximity of these two 
(Ijites IS siKiiiliram. His patriotism did not eclip.si- his lov.-. His enlistment did not 
deter his sweetheart from marrying him. 1 doubt not he made all the better soldier 
by leaving a wife behind him. He was tall, slim, erect, active and every inch a soldier. 
His standing among his Enosburg comrades is indicated by the fact that he was thus 
chosen as Sergeant of Company G. He held that office during his term of service. He 
performed its duties efhcii-ntly and conscienciously. His pleasant address: his large 
sympathies: his thouglitful kindness showed his fitness for service among the sick, 
and he was soon detailed as Sergeant in the ambulance corps. In a letter to I he writer 
he says: — 

"In regard to my military life, what I did seems so small to me It is hardly worth 
mentioning. 1 am conscioufe of doing all in my power to help my comrades and I 
believe 1 saved some lives in so doing. My time was all spent in caring for the sick 
and wounded night and day. Hence I became the bearer of the last parting words of 
some dying comrade, to loved ones at home. This I was glad to do though not agree- 
able to my sympathetic nature. I had a hard day's work on the day we started for 
Gettysburg. 1 was sick all the time from that time till we reached Hrattleboro. and 
there I gave up. The last time I saw Sergeant Scott was at my bed-side with Dr. 
Crandall." 

To care for and nurse back to health and service the sick and wounded is as 
patriotic a work as achievements upon the battlefield. Since the war Sergeant Ladd 
has resided in Northfield. Vt. There he has done hi.s work and raised his family and 
commanded the respect of his fellow citizens. He has three children, all married and 
properous. Mamie E. Ladd (Parker). Wolcott. Vt.; Sarah E. Ladd (Stone I, Williams- 
town, Vt.; and Joseph H. Ladd, Waverly, Mass. Sergeant Ladd rendered 
service in the First Vermont Regiment of three months men. His experience then 
made him a veteran and of real value in the 13th. While the company was at Enosburg 
and Bakersfield he acted as drill-master and trained us in the mysteries of Hardee's 
tactics. He had patience and forbearence when we blundered and mistook our left 
foot for our right. He was a big hearted fellow and endeared himself to all his 
comrades. After his service in the 13th he was too patriotic to stay at home, and for 
a third time enlisted and served one year with the 7th Regiment in the army of observa- 
tion at Brownvllle. Texas. 

SERGEANT AND REVEREND GEORGE H. SCOTT. 

liV COL. ALBERT CLARKE. BOSTO.N 

George Hale Scott was the son of Thomas Woodburn and Jerusha (Shattuck> Scott 
of Bakersfield. He was the grandson of Robert and Hannah (Hazelton) Scott and 
Oliver and Sally (Start) Shattuck. His grandparents were among the first settlers of 
the town of Bakersfield. 

The subject of our sketch was born In Bakersfield, April 23d, 1839. where he spent 
his boyhood. His parents were ambitious for their boy and encouraged him to get an 
education. His maternal uncle, Erastus Shattuck. while a member of Burlington College, 
often made his home in the Scott family, when George was a mere boy, and by precept 
and example inspired him with a desire to go to college. 

His first school was held in the little log school house, soon sui)erseded by the "little 
red school house." He prepared for college in the academies of Bakersfield, The Fort 
Edward Institute and East Hampton ( Mass. 1 Academy. 

How could he meet the exi)ense of a college course? His father promised all the 
help he could render — $200 a year he thought. But there were other children to educate, 
and a farmer's income was small. So George refused all help and decided to pay his 
own way; determined to earn the money before spending it and dreading college debts. 

When in his 17th year, he went to California, where he taught school for nearly 
three years, spending his vacations farming or cooking to add to his income. He thus 
acquired sufficient to meet his expenses in college with a handsome surplus to aid him 
to pursue his professional studies. 

On returning from California and completing his preiiaratory studies, he. with his 
friend and cousin Fernando C. Willett. joined hands and hearts and entered the Troy 
L'niversity, Troy. N. Y. Here they remained for two terms. Foreseeing the failure of 
this Institution, they withdrew and entered Williams College, at Williamstown, Mass., 
In the class of '64. 

In college began and grew that somewhat unique Intimacy between these two 
friends. They were room-mates and class-mates, as they were tent-mates and mess- 
mates In the army. No brothers could be more loyal and loving. Their life-long 



Biographical and Historical of Company G. 599 

fi-llowsliiii kni-w no .jealousy oi- luisuiulerstandiug. Xo fiuarrel ever separated them. 
Their trust In each other was absolute. In a report by the Class Secretary, some years 
after graduation, he said. In speaking of them. "Willett — I never think of him without 
thinking of Scott, nor of Scott without thinking of Willett." 

The subject of our sketch was a close student. What success he achieved was the 
result of hard work. He ranked well in Scholarship, won the respect and affection of 
both teachers and students, and graduated with honors. His college course was broken 
in two by his service in the army. On account of absence for a year he dropped back 
a class, and graduated in the class of '65, as did his friend Willett. In college he was 
prominent as a writer and speaker. Some will remember a public debate he had with 
his fellow-townsman Jackson Tupper. It took place in the town hall in Bakersfield, 
during one of his college vacations, while the war was going on. Tupper was a pro- 
slavery man and a Democrat, and had the reputation of being a "copperhead", and 
prophesied the certain dissolution of the Union. The college boy was an abolitionist, 
hated slavery and dared to challenge the doughty champion of the South to a public 
discussion of the subject "Is Slavery a Divine institution?" The college boy had this 
advantage: besides the justice of his cause he had a college library to aid him. No 
vote was taken. No doubt the friends of each thought their favorite had the weight 
of argument. 

HIS MILITARY RECORD 

He entered college before the war began and left it after its close. During the 
Bprlng vacation of his first college year, while in Bakersfield, he heard the news of the 
fall of Sumter. The whole country was ablaze; Bakersfield was no exception. The 
war had actually commenced. The citizens in goodly number.s gathered on the com- 
mon. Somebody must make a speech. Scott was called upon and lifted into a wagon 
near by. Xo reporters were present, and the speech was lost to posterity. It appears 
to have been the first gun of the campaign fired in Bakersfield. 

The war was on. The three months' men were in the field, but other men must go. 
The president called for two years' men. Bakersfield was enlisting its quota. The call 
came to him and his friend with compelling force. They enlisted and joined a regiment 
which rendezvoused at Burlington. After two weeks an order came from Washington 
disbanding the two years' regiments and asking its members to re-enlist for three years. 
This released all from their engagement, and it was optional with them to re-enlist or 
not as they deemed best. Again George and his friend confronted the question of duty. 
A three years' enlistment would break up their college course, and doubtless change their 
plans in life. They could enlist later If the country needed them, so they resumed 
their studies in college. 

At the close of this second college year, Scott was again in Bakersfield with his 
friend. The naticn was in jeopardy. Lincoln issued a call for :jOO,00ii nine months' 
men. Enlistments were in the air. Bakersfield young men were responding, and Scott 
and Willett enlisted. According to an agreement between the towns whose quota 
made up what became Company G of the 13th Vermont, Bakersfield was entitled to 
First Lieutenant and one sergeantcy. The Bakersfield quota nominated Williams 
and Scott for these offices and they served as such during their term and was acting 
First Sergeant at Getty.sburg. While in camp he improved his leisure time in study 
and mastered the art of shorthand. 

He recalls some incidents of the service. Just before we broke camp at Camp 
Vermont to make that needless, all-night march In the rain and mud to Fairfax 
Court House, he and his friend received a four feet square box of all sorts of goodies 
from Bakersfield, with eatables enough to last them a month as a supplement to 
army rations. They had hardly opened it when the order came to fall in. Light 
marching order would permit but few extra rations, so the boys were told to help 
themselves, and they did, pies, cakes, etc., were soon distributed. The return to 
Camp Vermont was by freight train. The box cars were soon filled, but many — among 
them George and Fernando had to ride on tops of cars, facing a driving snowstorm. 
Arriving at Alexandria after dark, too late to get back to camp, they were left the 
alternative to shiver beside a campfire through the wintry night or to sleep on the 
floor of a hotel filled with soldiers. They chose the latter and escaped the pelting 
of the storm. While at Camp Carusi, typhoid fever became epidemic and many suc- 
cumbed to the disease. Scott came down with intermittent fever, bordering on typhoid. 
Deaths were so frequent in the hospital he declined to go there but engaged a rebel 
family by the name of Davis to board and care for him. The mother and daughter 
were not specially trained nurses but they were kind hearted and nursed our com- 
rade as well as they knew how. They Ivnew many remedies for rattlesnake bites, 
but had to be taught how to prepare milk toast and eggs for sick people. The mother 
boasted of sons in the rebel army and the daughters were greater adepts at snuff 
dipping than the Yankee soldiers at pipe smoking. Will power, more than quinine, 
helped George back to health. He vowed he would walk out daily during his sick- 
ness. When too weak to walk without help he would throw his arm over the shoulder 



'^lOO The 'J liirtcciith Rcyiiiioil \\-iiiu>iit Idliintccrs 

of Fernando and h\ his help stagger across the piazza. This friend visited and cared 
for him daily, and he owed much to this tender nursing. He recovered in time for 
the seven days' march to Hettyshurg. 

While the regiment was doing guard duty along Wolf Run Shoals. George and 
Fernando did a little scouting on their own hook. One day they i)assed a mile or 
so beyond our lines, and being hungry, they called at the house of a widow and her 
daughter, who had lost 'M\ slaves and whose home and estates near Fredericksburg 
had been devasted. They needed Yankee money and gladly got supper lor the boys. 
They were ladies of culture, and Ceorge evidently had his double in the Southern 
army, for these ladies believed him to be a rebel surgeon who had often visited them 
a few months previous, while his regiment was encamjied near by. They thought the 
surgeon must be disguised as a spy within the I'nion lines. They were not convinced 
of their mistake till these friends visited them again, as they did later. 

Our term of service was drawing to a close with little prospect that we should 
meet the enemy in battle for we had been within sound and a day's march of two 
great battles without having been ordered in. Scott, wishing to see active service 
before he left the army, sought a commission in a negro regiment — the Government 
having just begun raising such. General Casey was chairman of a commission, sitting 
in Washington, to examine candidates for commissions in such regiments. He told 
Scott he would in due time cite him before the Commission, but before he did so we 
were making our seven day's march witli the army of the Potomac to Pennsylvania. 
Two days before Gettysliurg. while resting for an hour. Scott received a letter in an 
official envelope. It contained an order and pass from General Casey authorizing him 
to come at once to Washington and api)ear before the Commission. "When did you get 
this?" asked Scott of Willctt. who had handed him the letter. "Just as we were break- 
ing camp to start on this march", was the reply. "Why did you keep it from me?" 
"Because I had no idea of leaving you behind and taking this march without you." 
So this joke of a friend iierhaps changed the whole future of our comrade. With the 
prospect of a great battle soon to occur. George stuck to his regiment and shared its 
fortunes at Gettysburg. He was actively engaged at two great crises of the battle — 
on the second day when a part of the 13th re-took a battery and restored our lines, in 
the rapid rush Srott was the first man to reach the guns. As the regiment pursued 
the enemy towards the jjeacli orchard, he passed over a wounded confederate who 
was crying — 'O. boys give me some water!" Unable to stop, Scott tossed him his 
canteen and hastened on. Earlier In the day he had seen Captain Williams fall and 
carried from the field. 

On the third day of the battle Sergeant Scott did his share in the attack on Pickett's 
flank, as appears by the following extract from the history of the Thirteenth Vermont 
Regiment in Adjutant General Peck's "Revised Roster of Vermont Volunteers"; During 
the fornoon a volunti'er detail of ten men from each comiiany under Command of 
Sergeant Scott of my company gathered some fence rails and placed them in line 
about forty-five yards In front of our regiment. The object was not then apparent 
but It became so later. Though there was a sharp fire of sharp shooters, the men 
cheerfully volunteered for this work, all led by Sergeant Scott of Company G. W'hen 
Pickett's charge was well advanced. General Stannard ordered the 13th, which held 
the right of his brigade, forward to the slight Ijreastwork of rails. On arriving 
Randall ordered them to halt, lie down and hold their fire. Soon the 13th received 
the welcome order to lire. The men had a short range and steady aim and as the 
smoke lifted it was seen that they had done awful execution. " 

It was awkward work to load lying dow'n behind those rails, and soon most of the 
line arose, without orders. Previous to this charge and during the artillery duel, while 
the company were hugging the ground a storm of fragments of shell tell among our men 
and wounded many. One struck the ground within arm's length of the sergeant's head, 
plowing into the earth, but a boy's curiosity led him to dig it up with his bayonet. He 
was one with others who fell asleep during the cannonade — the sleep of utter ex- 
haustion. 

After the rebel lines were broken. Sergeant Scott, seeing a rebel officer just over 
a fence, demanded his sword. The officer tendered it. While the Sergeant wa.s scaling 
the fence to get it. a Second Lieutenant steiiped in before him and secured the prize. 

As the eneni\ began to give way. Sergeant Major Smith, whom we all loved, came 
up to Sergeant Scott and clapping his hands exultantly said. "Scott, aren't we giving 
them h — "? A moment later a cannon ball struck him, taking off his leg next his 
body, instantly killing him. His remains rest in the battlefield cemetery at Gettys- 
burg. 

After Pickett's lines were broken, the confederate artillery reopened fire, endanger- 
ing friend and foe. Both were anxious to get off the field. Hastily we gathered up 
the prisoners and Companies G and 1 were delegated to take them to the rear. A 
North Carolina confederate wounded in his leg and unable to walk without help, 
begged Sergeant Scott to help him off the field. The Sergeant bade him throw his 
arm about his neck and so helped him to a place of safety. The poor fellow in ■■ci"acker" 



Biographical and Historical of Com ['any G. 601 

dialect kept expressing liis gratitude for this simple act. He said he would not believe 
any longer that the Yankees were such a hard lot as he supposed. While locked in 
each others arms, they passed near an artillery tiain. A solid shot struck one of the 
horses in the breast killing him instantly, and he came near falling upon them. "Hurry 
up", said the Sergeant, "that must have been meant for us." Hastening en to over- 
take his company, he passed an officer, finely dressed, leaning against a tree, with his 
hat pulled over his face. Was he dead or asleep? The Sergeant lifted the hat, and 
behold! — O horrid sightl — the head was gone — a headless trunk. 

After returning from the prison camp to the line of battle, the Sergeant sought 
shelter behind the now historic stonewall, as the enemy were still keeping up a desul- 
tory fire. Locating the enemy's battery, he would watch the flash of the gun and then 
dodge behind the wall till the ball passed over his head. During the 4th of July our 
regiment remained upon the battlefield. A telegram came flashing over the wires 
"Vicksburg is taken." How we threw our hats in the air and cheered: 

Though it rained hard, our Sergeant had thoughts of the wounded. He went out 
upon the field, over which the battle had raged for three days and where bodies of 
horses and men, swelled to twice their natural size, were festering in the sun. The 
path of Pickett's first line of battle, as it marched by the left flank was marked by a 
winrow of corpses. In places bodies were so thick that a man could step from one 
to another. iMost of the wounded had been taken off the field, but some supposed to 
be dead, had reived and were in terrible need. One poor fellow said he had lain there 
fearfully wounded, unable to move, for three days and within touch of a putrid body. 
He begged of the Sergeant to drag away the body. This he did and ministered to the 
wounded man and others as he was able. One poor confederate had evidently sought 
the comforts of religion in the dying hour. His body lay upon its back, and on its 
breast lay a Xew Testament, upon the fly leaf of which was written "from your sister." 
Had name and place been given he would have written her words of comfort. He 
made sure that an ambulance came down to collect the remaining wounded. Every 
house and barn for miles around was converted into a hospital. He visited some of 
them and saw the wounded lying so thick he had to step over their bodies to walk 
among them. On the outside of these hospitals were usually rows of corpses of those 
who had died the night before. 

After the battle. Colonel Randall sent to Sergeant Scott a sword and requested that 
he act as Second Lieutenant, which he did till the regiment was discharged. After 
reaching Baltimore. Scott paced the depot platform for two hours to determine the 
question of duty — whether to use his pass and go to Washington and secure a commis- 
sion in a Negro regiment, or return to his home and his studies. Again he stayed 
with his regiment and returned to 'Vermont. While at Bakersfield, Colonel Randall 
visited him and urged him to raise a company and command it in the ITtfi. He de- 
clined the offer and returned to college, where he graduated in 1865, 

After the war he made the battle of Gettysburg a careful study, making prominent 
the part the 'Vermont troops took in that action. He corresponded with many prominent 
Generals, and secured their opinion of the gallantry of the Green Mountain boys. The 
result of his study was a lecture on Gettysburg, which he has delivered scores of times. 
At the meeting of the 13th Regimental Association, at Essex Junction, he by invita- 
tion delivered this lecture. 

While in college he partly prepared himself by extra study for admission to the 
Bar. After an additional study of a year in Bakersfield, in the office of Judge Wilson, 
he was admitted to the Franklin County Bar at St. Albans in 1S66. He opened an 
office the same year in 'Vergennes and won a good practice. He was much sought to 
prosecute claims of soldiers and their widows and children for bounties and pensions, 
and was uniformly successful. 

He practiced law for four years. Meantime he married Miss Celia Goodspeed of 
Charlestown, Mass., October 23rd, 1867. She died February 6th, 1870, at the birth of 
her child. This child, George Celian Scott, who is his only child, married Miss Susan 
B. Jacox. They have two daughters, Ruth Marian and Celia Katherine. The death 
of his wife re-awakened in Mr. Scott a desire to preach the Gospel. Though he had a 
lucrative practice, he left it to enter the ministry. After three years' study at Andover 
Theological Seminary, he received a call to the Congregational church in Plymouth, 
N. H., one of the largest churches of the State, and was ordained over that church, 
September 3rd. 1873. 

During his ministry of eight years in Plymouth, he gathered in 124 members, 
greatly strengthening the church. While there he again married, June 1st, 1874., 
Mrs. Lydia (Tucker) Cutler. After closing his first pastorate, he took a year of 
extra study in Andover. While in Andover he was called to the pastorate of Plymouth 
Congregational Church in the city of Lawrence, Kan., the oldest and at that time the 
largest congregational church in the State. Here he remained for two years. Re- 
turning east, he became acting pastor of the church at Rockland, Me., for one year, 
after which he was installed pastor of first church, Ipswich. Mass. Here he remained 
for six years, till 1892. In 1893 he began lalois in Atkinson, N. H.. where he remained 
.as long as he lived, enjoying a long and happy pastorate. 



(>02 The Tiiirtccntli Rajiiiicnl I \-niuitit I 'uliinlccrs 

His denomination lionored him frequently. Wlille In Plymouth he servi-d on the 
executive conimittfe of the New I-lampshire Home Missionary Society and was Moderator 
of the State Association. The Kansas State Assotiaticn sent him as delegate to the 
Triennial National Council at Concord. N. H. He was elected by his New Ham|>shire 
conference to represent them in the same Triennial Council In Portland. Oregon. While 
In Plymouth. N. H., be was su|>erintendent of schools. In Atkinson he worked hard 
for and secured the establishment of a free town liurary. While in Plymouth. N. H.. 
his health failing, his church gave him four months' vacation and continued his 
salary. He improved the opportunity and took a trip abroad, visiting most of the 
countries of Europe. He attended the Grand Encampnient of the G. A. R. in San 
Francisco. Cal.. in 19U3, and visited the Yosi'mite Valley and the Yellowstone Park. 
He delivered before his people many lectures on his travels. 

He attended the regimental reunion in 1906 and greatly enjoyed it. He looked 
younger than most of his comrades and gave promise of many years of usefulness, 
but on Sunday. March 10. 1907. he was stricken in church with apoplexy. He lingered 
unconscious until Tuesday, the 12th and peacefully passed away with the setting sun. 

Thus it has been shown how "the boy is father to the man." The ambitious and 
diligent student, the moral and upright youth, logically became the brave soldier, the 
devoted minister of the Gospel and the worthy citizen. Although he had long resided 
outside of Vermont, he was extensively known in his native state and was universally 
admired and respected. 

The following account of his death appeared in the Exeter, (N. H.) News Letter 
of March 15th. 1907, under the head of Atkinson news: 

At the close of a veiy impressive sermon on old age suggested by the death of Mr- 
Thomas Little, the oldest member of the church, the pastor, Rev. G. H. Scott, leaned 
upon the Bible in his usual attitude for the closing prayer, but no word was spoken; 
fi lends rushed to his side and the stricken man was tenderly carried to his home. He 
scon became unconscious and passed away with the setting sun of Tuesday. His last 
sentence was "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord." And now the hush of sorrow 
broods over the town, for every one has lost a friend. 

The following account of the funeral and remarks upon his life, appeared in the 
same newspaper, March 22: 

In accordance with the wish of the family, the funeral service of Rev. G. H. Scott 
was of the utmost simplicity. It was conducted by the Rev. G. H. Hubbard, assisted 
by Rev. .Toseph Kimball. The attendance was very large, and an unusual number of 
ministers were |)resent from the Rockingham conference, and from the Essex North 
association, of which Mr. Scott had long been a member. His former church at Ipswich, 
Mass., was represented by pastor and deacon. The flowers were very beautiful and 
many of them. 

At the Sunday n;orning service a letter to the church from Rev. H. A. Merrill was 
read, expressing sympathy for the people, and an appreciation of the work and worth 
of our late pastor. In the evening a sketch of Mr. Scott's life, written by his friend 
and comrade in the Civil War. Colonel Albert Clarke, was read; this paper dealt with 
his life in the army. 

Mr. Scott was not only a soldier but a very successful lawyer before he responded 
to the call to be a minister, bo that he brought discipline, breadth of culture, and a 
knowledge of men to the profession which was really the choice of his heart. 

A college classmate writes: 'A man of fine spirit and fine mind, adoring his high 
calling, and honored of his divine Master in the blessing which has attended his 
ministry. And his was an ideal translation voicing the gospel of the Savior he so 
devoutly served, and then called to his great reward." 

Another, a ministerial neighbor, says, "He had all the good qualities of the best 
ministers." 

Mr. Scott had the advantages of travel at home and abroad, of a wealth of books 
which he so devotedly loved, of a sense of humor which sometimes makes hard things 
easier to bear, of a ready wit. and a dramatic power as a story teller which made him 
a desired acquisition at any social function. 

In common with many men of literary habits Mr. Scott w'as very fond of his 
garden: early morning found him there at work, and twilight found him watering his 
shrubs and flowers. The parsonage grounds were his care before he was settled in the 
new home and trees and vines set out at once. 

As a pastor Mr. Scott was fond of young people and children: he was "comfort- 
ing to old people," very attentive to the sick, and to those who suffered and sorrowed 
he brought from his own rich experience and sympathy, a moral support, as well as 
the ministrations of a pastor. All this he has been to Atkinson for 14 years! 

Mr. Scott held the church in "a fine spirit of respect and love." and was so identi- 
fied in every way with the town that it was "home." and here he planned to spend 
whatever time of waiting there might be. So it is fitting that he rests in the cemetery 



Biofjrapliical and Historical of Coin pony G. 603 

here with other pastors who have given themselves to the church and the town: Rev. 
Stephen Peabody. the first minister: Rev. Mr. Pierce, who fell almost before the race 
began; Rev. S. H. Tolman, twice a resident, and Rev. Jesse Page, "who filled a large 
space in the history of his native town." 

Numerous instances have been recorded in American history of the bravery dis- 
played by the troops on both sides during the civil war, and many stories have been 
related of the personal valor of soldiers in the important engagements between the 
forces of the north and south. 

These stories have been told by the veterans of 1861-5 in their reminiscent talks, 
and it has been due to the latter that many soldiers of the rebellion have been awarded 
medals of honor for their conspicuous bravery. 

With the excitement attending engagements on the battlefield the gallantry of 
many soldiers is often overlooked, and it is only in after years that the feats performed 
which played an important part in deciding conflicts between warring forces are re- 
called. This is true in the case of Rev. George H. Scott of Atkinson. N. H., who twice 
figured prominently during the battle of Gettysburg. 

It is seldom that such bravery as his has been shown in the face of an enemy on 
the battlefield, and the members of the old 13th Vermont Regiment believe that he is 
justly entitled to recognition from the government for the valor he displayed in one 
of the greatest battles of the civil war and which until now has escaped the historian, 
having been recalled by his company commander. Colonel Albert A. Clarke, secretary 
of the Home Market Club of Boston. 

Often since the civil war. Rev. Mr. Scott has delivered lectures upon the battle of 
Gettysburg, but never has he referred to the prominent part which he took. When 
he was questioned regarding the incidents in which he figured during the repulse of 
General Lee's invasion of the north by the union soldiers at Gettysburg, he was loath 
to talk and it was only after he was assured that his bravery had become known after 
41 years that he consented. 

"My part in the Civil War," said he, "was a very humble one. I was a schoolboy at 
Williams college when the war broke out. I remained Impatiently at my books until 
1862. I had previously spent two years in California teaching school to earn money 
to defray my college expenses. My father was a Vermont farmer with six children to 
support and educate. He was unable to assist me, and so I was forced to work my own 
way when I decided to go through college. 

"I therefore shrank when the civil war broke out from sacrificing my ambition 
for an education, but when the call came from my native state (I was a native of 
Bakersfield, Vt.), for a brigade of nine months' volunteers, which was formed into the 
2nd Vermont Brigade, I and many other schoolboys saw an opportunity of serving our 
country, aind, if spared, to return and complete our college course. 

■'That call swept many young men from Williams and other colleges into the ranks, 
some of whom, and 1 was one of them, lived to return and complete our education by 
dropping back a year. 

■During my summer vacation in 1862 I decided to enlist, assisting In raising tu 
company from the ciuota of five towns, including my native place. This company be- 
came Company G, of the 13th Vermont Regiment, Colonel Randall commanding. Our 
services during the fall, winter and spring were with the department of Washington, 
and we only saw actual fighting at Gettysburg. 

"As our regiment was in at the two great crises of the battle of Gettysburg and 
helped to turn the tide in our favor we were naturally proud of it. Two or three days 
before the battle I received from Washington a pass authorizing me to appear at once 
before the Casey commission as a candidate for a commission in a colored regiment 
which they were organizing at that time. 

"Knowing that a great battle was impending at Gettysburg, I refused to leave my 
regiment until the conflict came. After a forced march of six days we reached the 
battlefield and joined the 1st corps. After the defeat of the first day at Gettysburg, 
during which our corps commander. General Reynolds, was killed and our forces driven 
from Seminary Ridge and the town, we took up a position on Cemetery Hill. 

"On the morning of the 2nd there was brisk skirmishing. But each side was de- 
laying the decisive battle, waiting for its forces to gather and scheming for favorable 
positions. General Sickles had thrown forward his lines a half-mile in front of our 
main position. 

"When the battle began it raged with great fury. The shot and shell fell among 
us and Captain Williams fell mortally wounded. Lieutenant Albert Clarke, now secre- 
tary of the Home Market Club of Boston, succeeded to the command led his company 
most gallantly during the remainder of the battle. 

"Longstreet, with the flower of the rebel army, attacked Sickles, and after a stub- 
born resistance Sickles gave way. Many left the northern ranks and went fleeing pell- 
mell to the rear. Artillerymen cut loose their horses, abandoned their guns and were 
flying to escape capture. General Wright had thrown a brigade upon our main line 
and broken it. The rebel had seized a battery and were dragging it from the field. 



C04 i Iw '1 hirtcciilh Rc(iimciil I crmoiil I nlKnti-rrs 

"To us in reserve it seemed our retreat iiad alri'ady l)eguii. and if tlie disaster was 
not at once retrieved tlie retreat might l)e converted into a rout. Hancock calied upon 
i:)oul)leday lor reinforcements. Douljleday rode toward our regiment and meeting 
Colonel Randall he said: 

" "Colonel, where is your regiment," 

"" "Near at hand, sir.' was the reply. 

"'"Can your legiment fight?" said Uoubleday. 

"" "Yes,' replied Colonel Randall, "I personally have been in most of the battles of 
the army of the Potomac. My regiment has seen little fighting, but 1 have the utmost 
confidence in them." 

■" Then go in.' repli<'d Doubleday. hut first introduce me to your regiment." 

"They both rode down to where we were impatiently wailing our summons to 
adion. Said Colonel Randall: "Boys, this is General Doubh^day, our cori)S commander." 

"■".Men of V'erniont.' said the general, 'you are about to be led into battle. Yoxi 
will have hard fighting, and much will be expected of you. To-day is to decide whether 
Abraham Lincoln or .lefferson Davis shall rule this country. The jiraises of the old 
Vermont brigade are upon every tongue. You will sustain the honor of your native 
state." 

""Our colonel longed for the fray. He at once commanded "attention, by the right 
flank, march.' As we were marching up the incline under fire, our colonel's horse was 
shot from under him and fell. His foot was caught under the horse. The regiment 
faltered. 

" Go on, boys: go on,' shouted the colonel. "I'll be at your head as soon as I get 
out of this d — d saddle.' 

"In a moment he was up on his feet, running, with a limp, around his regiment to 
the front. Swinging his sword in the air, he cried, 'Come on, boys. I'm all right.' 

""We were thrown into the breach, deployed in line of battle, and fired into the 
enemy 10 or 12 rounds, and were then ordered to charge. The confederates were sur- 
rounding our guns and dragging them from the field. 

"After advancing to. say. within 10 rods of the guns, we halted. Volunteers were 
called for to retake the guns. This incident I remember with most vivid satisfaction. 
I si>rang forward and called for ethers to follow me. Perhaps because 1 could run faster 
than those who followed me. 1 was more than a rod in advance. Then. only. 1 feU 
that rebel muskets were aimed at me and that 1 should fall before I reached the guns. 

"1 reached the first gun. Others followed and we dragged it to the rear. The 
artillerymen came back with their horses and thanked us for the recapture of their 
guns. The enemy did not await us. They abandoned the guns and retired. 

"'Colonel Randall then did a little fighting on his own hook without orders. He 
continued the pursuit of the enemy over the field from which Sickles -was driven, and 
surrounded a house filled with rebels and captured S'i of them. After the capture we 
retired half way across the Held over which we had advanced and he ordered a halt. 

"An aide to General Stannard rode down to see what we were up to. Our colonel 
was not the most modest man in the world, and. as the aide approached, said: "Captain, 
reiJOrt to the general what we have done. We have recai)tured four guns, taken' two 
from the enemy, driven theiu a half mile and captured 200 i)risoners. Tell him we 
piopose resting upon our arms until he acknowledges our achievements.' 

"Back rode the aide . Our colonel soon discovered a movement on the part of the 
enemy to flank and capture us, and, preferring to lose his laurels to imprisonment in 
Libby prison, he led us back to our main lines. As we approached our troops, the 
soldiers who had witnessed our achievenientt gave us cheer after cheer for the gallant 
nine months' boys in their first engageiuent. 

"In the meantime Wright's brigade was driven out of our lines and our lines 
restored. This closed the battle for the day on our front. During the night our regi- 
ment occupied the first line of battle on our left centre. This was fronting an open 
field, as our lines extended along a low ridge between Little Round Top and Cemetery 
Hill, It was the weakest part of our line. 

"The second day at Gettysburg was a drawn battle. Neither army had wholly 
succeeded or wholly failed. True. Sickles had been driven back with frightful loss. 
Johnson had i)enet rated our lines on the right, but the Round Tops had been saved 
and our main lines held intact. 

"On the third day occurred the supreme effort of the rebellion — the greatest artillery 
duel of the war — and by many believed to be the greatest charge, Pickett"s famous 
charge on our left center. 

"Lee determined to make one more desperate attempt to break through our lines. 
Longstreet spent the forenoon making his combinations and selecting his troops. In 
the meantime there was heavy skirmishing, as shar]) shooters behind trees and rocks 
were picking off our men. We were lying prostrate behind a low ridge and some of us 
behind a stone wall. 

'Over the ridge and in front of the enemy was a rail fence. "We were expecting 
an attack upon this point. That rail fence could be utilized. Let the rails be taken 
down, piled up in line, say two feet high, and they would serve as a breastwork. Our 



lU'xjraf^l.ical and Historical of Coiiif^any G. C'05 

troops could advance and get nearer the enemy by lying down behind this breastwork 
and await the charge which we felt sure would come. 

"Acting Captain Clarke of Company G called tor 10 volunteers. It was dangerous 
■work to go out in the open and become targets for invisible skilled riflemen concealed 
behind rocks, hillocks, and trees, whose delight it was to practice their skill upon 
Yankees. There was not much glory in tearing down a rail fence, carrying the rails 
upon your shoulders quite a distance and making a breastwork, but danger and wounds 
and death are a pait of a soldier's experience, and duty is as imperative before thq 
call of arms as in the midst of it. 

"No one evaded the job. As sergeant under Clarke. I felt it my duty to respond 
to his call and stepped forward and called for others to follow me. A sufficient number 
responded to do the work. If bullets whizzed by us we could not see them, and they 
did not hit us. In that service there was no laggard. 

"It was no effort to work fast, and the lails were soon in place, and right gla<l 
were we to get back behind the ridge and the stone wall. 

"After the cannonade of three-quarters of an hour from 2.50 guns, the rebel fire 
ceased. It is more terrible and involves greater strain to lie still and endure without 
resistance the horrors of a cannonade than to rush forward in a deadly charge or to 
storm a breach. After the cannonade a general rode along the line and said. 'The 
rebels are forming for a charge. Piepare to meet them.' 

"Soon Pickett's first line of battle emerged from the woods. They had to pass over 
an open field within cannon and musket shot of our lines. Could they endure it? Soon 
a second line appeared, and then a third — 17,000 men, with heavy support, an eritire 
flank, was marching over the fateful field. 

"Our artillery again opened fire. Howard was ubiquitous, going from battery to 
battery, his command being; 'Give them cannister. Pour it into them.' 

""The utility of our rail breastworks now appeared. The Vermonters passed over 
the ridge and laid down behind it and watched the oncoming host. Soon thej- were 
within reach of our muskets. We loaded and fired for a time, keeping behind the 
rails, but in 10 minutes every man, without orders, was standing erect and loading and 
firing at will. Cannon and musket did fearful execution. Sharp shooters were directed 
to pick off the officers, and before they reached our line every officer was unhorsed. 
Great gaps were made in the advancing line. 

"We could see men drop faster than we could count them. Tliey closed up the 
gaps and pressed forward — valiant men. Had not a stronger sentiment possessed us, 
we could have thiown our hats in tne air and given tnem three times three for their 
valor. 

"They reached our lines, and General Barksdale had his hand upon one of our 
guns when he was shot down. Men clubbed their muskets, officers exchanged pistol 
shots. 

"Meanwhile the right flank of Pickett's column was exposed. The 'Vermonters 
charged front on the first company and attacked the enemy on flank and rear. Mortal 
men could not endure such fire longer. They threw down their arms — what were left 
of them — and surrendered. Companies G and I conducted some 100 of them to the 
prisoners' camp in the rear. 

"This was the high water mark of the rebellion. This supreme effort had failed. 
The victory was ours and that was all. Our loss was estimated at 20,000, while the 
enemy's was believed to be 30,000." 

Ten days after the battle Rev. Mr. Scott returned to Vermont, his term of enlist- 
ment having expired, and with others he resumed his course of studies at Williams 
college, where he graduated and began the study of law. He practiced law in Veri- 
gennes for four years and on the death of his wife felt impelled to change his 
profession for the ministry. He entered the theological seminary at Andover, and 
after being ordaitied, accepted a pastorate at Plymouth, N. H. 

After returning to Andover for another year's study he went to Lawrence, Kan., 
where he became pastor of the Plymouth Congregational Church. Later, on returning 
east, he assumed the pastorate of a church at Ipswich, Mass.. and when his health 
became impaired he accepted the pastorate of the Congregational church at Atkinson, 
N. H.. where he has been for the past 10 years. 

During the interview Rev. Mr. Scott said that he preferred fighting sin as his 
chosen profession to fighting his countrymen in a civil war. He has always been an 
ardent advocate of arbitration, both in civil and industrial warfare, and he hopes that 
the day will soon come when bloodshed will be averted. 

ALBERT T. KINGSLEY 

was born in the town of Montgomery, Vermont. His early opportunities for an 
education were limited to the common schools of the town and his associations were 
with the lumbermen and their families from early youth to manhood. As a boy he 
was active, vivacious, with a happy disposition and well liked by all and on arriving 
to the age of 21 stood well and was quite a favorite among the young people of his 



too J'lie Tliirtrciilli Ri-(jiiiicnt I'cniiunt Volunteers 

acquaintance. He bore a good character and stood liiKli among the citizens of 
Montgomery. He was among the first to volunteer in the town of Montgomery 
under President Lincoln's call for 300.U00 men to serve nine months. On the organiza- 
tion of ('omi)any G, lUth Regiment, Vermont Volunteers he was the choice of the 
Montgomery boys and was a|)|iointed as 3rd sergeant which position he filled and 
held during the term of his service. He was a good soldier, always on hand, and 
performed his duties faithfully and well. He was a favorte in his company because 
of his unusual kindness and happy disposition; no comrade was refused a favor 
when in his power to grant it. If any of his associate sergeants were sick or 
indisposed he was on hand to take their places and when on the picket line as 
sergeant of the guard if some comrade was a little timid or not feeling well he 
would take his gun and do his duty and it did not matter whether he belonged to 
his company or some one of the other companies. He was a vigorous, strong 

young man and well adapted to the strenuous life of a soldier. Not one in the 
regiment more prompt and did more and better duty from beginning to the end than 
Sergeant Kingsley. In camp and on the march he was full of fun and made every one 
around him laugh at his stories learned among the quaint lumbermen of his town. 
In battle he was calm, cool and brave and appeared to realize the importance of 
manifesting courage and determination. The arena of the battlefield was the place 
that he expected to occupy when he volunteered. Since the war he has most of the 
time resided in Montgomery and principally engaged in the lumber business. He has 
ever maintained a good character and still is a well known and substantial citizen. 
He resides in Montgomery, Vermont. 

CORPORAL ORVILLE SMITH. 

For our very interesting sketch of the "little corporal" we are indebted to 
Mrs. Albert B. Crofts of Berkshire, Vt., his sister. 

She has left to his comrades to sketch his army life. Though a lad in years, he 
was a man in all the qualities which go to make up a good soldier. No mistake 
was made when he was appointed corporal. No corporal surpassed him in the 
faithfulness and efficiency with which he performed the duties of his office. He was 
iioi 'puffed up by a little brief authority. " assumed no superiority ovi-r his fellows, but 
was a general "hail fellow well met" among them. The hardship of army life 
neither depressed nor soured him. He was the soul of good fellowship, genial, 
social, moral and Christian. His comrades respected and loved him. At Gettysburg 
he acquitted himself with honor and contributed his full share toward the great 
victory. The excellences of his army life followed him through life and helped 
him to achieve the marked success he won in the West and the honors which his 
fellow citizens conferred upon him. 

Orville Smith was born in Berkshire. Franklin Cotmty. Vt., August 9th, 1844. His 
parents were Homer M. and Charlotte (Hull) Smith. At the time of his birth and 
for some years after his father was a farmer but in 1851 he sold his farm, moved to 
West Enosburg and engaged in mercantile business, having a small country store, 
also buying butter. At the age of eighteen, in the fall of 1862. Orville volunteered 
after some delay, obtained his father's consent and was mustered in. When not away 
from home at school he worked in his father's store. After his return from the 
army he worked in his father's store or on a farm until March, 1SG6, when ha 
went West and became a surveyor in Minnesota, Kansas, Nebraska. Indian Territory 
and Utah. In the winter of 1875 and 1876 he was snowed in with his party in the 
mountains of Utah. They were obliged to kill and eat one of their ponys and that 
meat with bark and buds was their food until they reached an Indian encampment. 
They were obliged to leave a valuable compass behind them such was the depth of 
the snow. He was twice married, first at the age of twenty, December 25th, 1864. 
to Miss S. Abbie Mayuard, who died in November, 1865, leaving a little daughter 
two weeks old. He was married again in the summer of 1876 to Miss Mary Hawks 
of Kansas who died July 23, 1891, leaving two children who live at or near Caldwell. 
Kansas, and are Mrs. June (Smithi Jones and Homer M. Smith. They are farming. 
After his second marriage Orville Smith lived on his farm near Caldwell, Kan., 
with the exception of a few short surveys, until about 1SS3 or 18S4. when he bought a 
place in the city of Wellington, Kan. He filled the office of county surveyor 
of Sumner county for several terms, also that of city engineer of Wellington. Kan., 
and died at his home in Wellington March 2nd. 1899, of Bri,ghfs disease. He was 
a very enthusiastic Mason of the 32nd degree and his funeral was under the auspices 
of the Masonic fraternity. He was a member of the G. A. R. He is survived by 
one brother, Henry F. Smith of Wellington, Kan., two sisters, Mrs. A. B. Croft of 
Berkshire, Vt., and Mrs. Corliss S. Perley of East Berkshire. Vt.. also by his three 
children. The elder Mrs. Charles P. Smith of Enosburg. Vt.. who has tlin-e children. 
and the daughter in Kansas has one. He was about five feet ten inches in height, 
weighed about 140 pounds at the time of his army experience and was quite stout 
later on, had blue eyes, light complexion, brown hair and dark full beard. I should 



Bio(/raf'htC(il and Ilistorical of Conipcuiy G. 607 

have said he went from that snowstorm experience in Utah to Washington and 
worked in an office doing that part of a surveyor's work which is done on paper, 
and doing it unusually well as he was quite proficient with a pen. He was a royal 
good fellow, especially in the home At the time he enlisted he was a member of 
the Baptist church in East Enosburg, having been converted some time before. He 
was with his regiment and actively engaged in the battle of Gettysburg but was not 
wounded. He never asked for nor in any way tried to get a pension. 

Mrs. .\lbert B. Croft. 

Berkshire. Vt. 
JOHN J. HILL, 

son of .Toseph and .Mary Hill, was bom in Cromwell, Vt., .January ]6th, 1826. He 
was married to Susan M. Hayden May 27, 1S49. Two children were born to them; 
Arthur J., now residing in Massachusetts, and Clarence H., now dead. When the 
call came for nine months' men he enlisted in Bakersfield September 11th, 1862. He 
served his term and returned to Bakersfield and resumed farming. His wife, Susan, 
died soon after his return from the war. His second marriage occurred December 
24th, 1864. He married Mrs. Sarah E. ( Williams 1 Reed, a sister of Captain Williams 
of Company G. Two children were born to them; George \V., now residing in Wilder. 
■Vt., and Clara E., wife of George H. Boutwell. now residing in Bakersfield. His 
service in the army impaired his health. But he had a farm to subdue and pay for, 
was ambitious, and overworked. This continued for a few years till the breakdown 
came and he became a chronic invalid. He grew worse till his limbs began to fail 
him, and he required an attendant. The government increased his pension as his 
disability increased and gave him adequate suppoit. His wife gave him the devotion of 
nt; heait. But. alas, this wifely care was taken from him. She died March 14th. 1S99. 
After a few years of decrepit old age, cared for by his daughter, Clara, he rested at 
last in the fellowship, we trust, of the loved ones gone before. Mr. and Mrs. Hill were 
members of the Methodist Episcoi)al church. As a soldier he held the office of cor- 
portal and took great iiiide in it He was efScient and faithful in every duty, in action 
he was cool and brave. As a citizen he was upright and worthy, a veteran soldier who 
did credit to his comrades. After a long and painful illness he died June 21st, 1905. 

JOEL W. BLISS. 

Joel was the only son of Bradley Bliss of Enosburg and enlisted for that town 
with the nine months' men. He was one of the goodly number of Company G, who 
gave their lives for their country. Death upon the battlefield was not for him. He 
was a victim of the deadly typhoid which claimed so many soldiers in the 13th. 
He yielded up his life in the hospital of our regiment January Sth, 1863. I knew him 
well and am pleased to pay a passing tribute to his memory. He was a prnpil of 
mine when I taught in the district in which he lived. I boarded in his home and 
came to know and respect and love his i)arents. Joel was fortunate in his parentage 
and in the home in which he was reared to manhood. His sterling qualities of 
character were partly an inheritance and partly the result of right training. In 
school he won the love of his teacher and the respect of all. He never gave me 
trouble or anxiety; he was gentle in spirit, retiring in manner and diligent in study. 
He seemed ambitious to live up to the best he knew. He was singularly free from 
those habits which so often mar the characters of the young. School closed — years 
passed. I met him next as a soldier in Company G. He, too, had heard his country's 
call and responded, "Here am I, send me." "The boy was father to the man." He 
still retained those qualities of character which made his boyhood beautiful. The 
company was but the larger school. He stood high among his comrades. He was a 
ready student and soon mastered the army tactics. Out of the large quota furnished 
by any of the towns composed of worthy and intelligent men he was chosen as 
corporal by their nomination. He held this office and discharged its duties faithfully 
until he died. When on guard or on other duty the boys liked to have him their 
corporal, he was so good natured. so kind and just and knew his duty so well. He 
was generous and sympathetic and was quick to help a needy or sick brother. In 
hi.- last sickness he had this good fortune — while in the hospital he was tenderly 
cared for by his own cousin, Albert Wells, who w^as detailed for that purpose, was 
present to comfort him in his last hours. His father, hearing of his sickness, 
hastened South and was soon by his bedside. Thinking he would recover sooner at 
home than in a hospital he hastened to Washington to get his discharge, if possible. 
In his absence his nurse. Comrade Wells, saw that he was failing. On the father's 
return he said to him. "I think you had better stay with Joel for he will soon obtain 
his discharge." In a very few days "the discharge" came. It became the sad duty of 
the grief stricken father to take to his home in Enosburg the lifeless body of his 
only son. Company G was not yet inured to such experiences as this. The death 
of our beloved corporal cast a shadow upon all his comrades. 



6o8 ■///,• 'riiiiir.-iitli /\, ■,11111. 11/ l',-nih'iit / '../lof', •,•>•-• 

CORPORAL JOSEPH W. HITCHCOCK. 

I am (tilt, ill rassed in atleniptiiiK to write of inysell. Tli.' task seems more 
rUtiiiK tor aiiotlier. Tliere is no lacl< of incident. altlioiiKti miicti is of minor iiu- 
Iiortance. Some of tlie details are Kiven tjy special reiiuest. 1 was Itorn in Hakers- 
Held, Vt.. .July 2:ird, 1X41. and named .losepli Williams Hitchcock, after my uncle. 
Joseph Williams. My lather was William liingham Hitchcock, son of .luliiis Hitchcock 
and Huldah Powers, his wife, of Westminster. Vt .\!y mother was Lovina (Clark) 
Williams, married to William B. Hitchcork Septemher. 1X41). She was a daughter 
of Ebenezer Williams, the first practicing physician in Makerstield. He traced his 
ancestry through .loseph Williams of Sharon. Vt.. to Thomas Williams of Rhode 
Island A, D. 1667. His wife, my mother's mother, was Keziah Perham. Her 
ancestors were from Croton and Pepijerel, Mass., and Koyalton. Vt. Her mother 
was a Shattiick. and my grandmother was first cousin to the father of the late 
I.ysander Shattiick of Kakersfield, Vt. At the age of nine years I removed with my 
father and mother to Knosburg. Vt.. and thence to the State of Wisconsin, returning 
to Pakeisfltld Vt.. in October. IS.'/J. 

Responding to President l>in(oln's call for iiine months* soldiers in August. 1862, 
I volunteeifcd. at the age of 21 years, and became a member of Company G. Kith 
Regiment Vermont Volunteers, and was intimately associated with it until July 3rd, 
1863. when 1 received a severe wound on the battlefield of Gettysburg, after which 
1 was under hospital tieatnifiit and detached from my company. Having el.sewhere 
written for this work sketches and incidents in our army life 1 will now give 
attention to the battle of Gettybburg and what followed, a glimpse of it, and nothing 
more. I remember being profoundly impressed, the second day of the battle, with 
its magnitude and importance while both armies were concentrating their forces 
from every side for a terrible conflict. The Confederates were the attacking force, 
the I'nion atniy the defensive. There was no fighting of importance until well along 
in the afternoon. While we were in reserve back of Cemetery Hill a vigorous attack 
was made in front. What a ghostly sight as wounded men and horses trooped over 
the ridge seeking shelter: men with arms or legs disabled, jiierced in the head, the 
face, the bodies or extremities stained with blood, hobbling along supported by com- 
rades, or alone. Horses covered with blood, wounds and gashes on head, body or 
legs: limping, some of them on three feet, the fourth gone or dangling in the air. 
A little later the 13th Regiment was ordered forward to retake Battery C. .'jth I'nited 
States Artillery, captured by the Confederates, an account of which I have given 
elsewhere. 

July 3rd, the last day of the battle, we formed a part of the main line on the 
Union center. There was fighting to the right and the left of us early in the day. 
Rebel sharp-shooters kept up a merciless fire. The thunder of artillery oh both sides 
shook the earth. A tornado of shells swept over us while we laid flat on the ground 
a little below and back of a ridge that afforded protection. Most of the shells swept 
over us with a frightful jirolonged 'swish,' some so closely we felt their breath. A 
few exploded near, doing damage. An ammunition supply wagon for a battery, not 
far away, exploded with a shock like an earthquake. For a time there came a lull, 
the silence of a sabbath reigned. After noon the rebel batteries opened again on 
the I'nion center. .\ot less than l.-iO cannon were heard in assault and reply. It 
was more terrific to the imagination than in destructive effect since the greater pan 
of the shells exploded at too long range. It ceased. Picket's divisinns advanced from 
the Confederate main line, in a last desperate attempt to break the Tnion center. 
The Union army arose to attention. Just then one of General Stannard's aides rode 
in front of us and said, in a ringing tone. "Men. you know what this means; We, 
must uhii) them." 

Our line advanced to the top of the ridge. Union batteries rapidly shifted 
position to accomtiiodate the new order of things and take most effective positions, 
horses galloping with the guns to their places. We opened musket fire at long range 
on the advancing Confederate lines. They passed on close up to us before they 
replied, contintially closing up the gaps we made in their columns. It was a terrible 
sight to behold two armies stubbornly standing at short range and pouring their 
volleys into each other's faces, pushing nearer and nearer. It would be idle to say 
that the Confederates were not valiant and we w-ere not hard pressed. Our lines in 
places, were broken, annihilated, but. i)rovidential1y. reserves were at hand to fill up 
the gap. The Confederate force and endurance were not etjual to the task they had 
set for themselves. Taking advantage of some confusion in their ranks a Union 
force, in which the 2nd Vermont Prigade acted an im|)ortant part, at an opi)ortune 
moment charged their flank with telling effect. The Confederate attack was a failure 
all along the line and they fell back with great loss. 

It was a little before this charge that I received a bullet in my left thigh which 
was not extracted until three years, nine months and seven days afterward, although 
diligent search by experienced surgeons w^as made for it. I have the bullet still, 
a treasured relic of the war. A comrade supported me from the ranks to a tree nearby 



Bioijr,i['lii,-al (,iu/ llistciriral of Cmnf^any C. 609 

■".n the rear, where 1 sat upon the srouiid partially shielded from flying bullets. A 
little later, leaning on my gun for suijport. risking danger from flying missiles above 
and all around, 1 forced myself, limping, farther to the rear on lower ground to a 
place of less danger near a small stone dwelling house then occupied for a Second 
Corps hospital. Theie I could receive no attention, as I belonged to the First Corps, 
and laid on the ground with a multitude of wounded as helpless as myself. A light 
rain fell some time in the night. Spreading my rubber blanket over nie. folded over 
my shoulder during the battle, I "let it rain.'" It rained again before noon the next 
day. I asked help to reach the barn nearby, for I could not walk, and took the only 
vacant place, by the open door, beside a wounded rebel soldier. A bullet had entered 
his mouth. He could not articulate a word plainly. His mouth, chin and flowing 
beard were covered with clotted blood. Wounded, blood-stained men, filled the barn 
floor and covered the ground outside. 

I saw a young man walking about the ground. 1 called him and requested that 
he would find my regiment and company on the field and inform them where I was. 
This he faithfully performed. God bless him. Comrades Charles Ovitt, Oakley 
Brigham and Henry Wells from Company G came to see me. They looked sleepy 
and haggard, having guarded rebel prisoners all night after the battle. Helping me 
into an adjoining shed, where straw was stored, where I had a good shelter, a soft 
bed and plenty of room, they went to seek needed rest for themselves. Sergeant 
George H. Scott came twice to see me, bringing .\ssistant Surgeon Crandall who 
bathed and bandaged the wound, then sent an ambulance with Sergeant George Ladd 
in charge, that evening, removing me to a First Corps hospital in a straw-thatched 
barn, four miles away. The w^ounded limb had become very sore and the ride was 
exceedingly painful. There were many wounded there, all strangers except one from 
my company, John Teague from Bakersfleld. A bullet passed entirely through both 
his thighs, back of the bones, making four ugly looking wounds to outward appearance. 
Notwithstanding his sore and helpless condition he was irrepressibly mirthful, con- 
tributing much to the cheer of others. We sat and lodged on the ground in an 
empty bay: a bed of chaff, hayseed and thistles under us, which was more comfortable 
outside our clothing than it was after working its way inside. 

July 10th we weie all taken to Gettysburg and then the next day to Baltimore 
by rail. Sitting all night on the floor of a freight car with just a little hay spread 
under us, jolting and bumping along, for men whose wounds had reached a stage 
of e-xtreme sensitiveness, was mild torture. What could not be helped must be 
endured and so we made the best of it. Little wonder it was when morning came 
and we w-ere carried out on stretchers placed in a row along the street that many a 
poor fellow was too much exhausted to sit up. For myself, all I cared for was rest. 
Every attention and kindness possible for our comfort was freely given by the ladies 
and citizens of Baltimore. Let it be recorded to their credit. After a good bath and 
a clean shirt gratitiously supplied, for my knapsack was left on the battlefield, I 
was borne on the shoulders of four men to AVest's Hospital, in the city of Baltimore. 
It was a large two story brick warehouse near a wharf on Chesapeake Bay, capable of 
accommodating one thousand wounded men, temporarily used for a hospital. I must 
hasten to close this narrative. Good beds, good food and nurses with competent 
medical and surgical service were provided. The missile that wounded me was some- 
where deep in the flesh of my left tbigh; it baffled surgical skill to locate it. The 
wound suppurated profusely, sometimes amazingly. I was confined to my bed unable 
to walk. In October malarial chills and fever attacked me, seriously affecting my 
appetite and digestion. 

Advising with my attendants, I decided to go home to Vermont while I was able 
to make the journey and wrote my father to come or send some one for me. As he 
was confined at home caring for my invalid mother. Comrade Oakley Brigham engaged 
to go. If the reader is interested to follow our journey home. I refer to his narrative. 
To the best of my remembrance, we left Baltiiuore evening of October 29th, 
arriving at home afternoon of December 4th. Strong and willing arms in every 
place lifted and carried me. From Brattleboro I laid on a mattress. I desire to 
express appreciation of and gratitude tor Comrade Oakley Brigham's kind and con- 
stant attention to my every need. Home again, delightful! yet exhausted by the 
journey, obliged for a time to seek complete relaxation and rest. Dr. George D. 
Stevens attended me. The wound continued constantly discharging more than two 
years. In the winter following my return an abscess formed beside the original 
wound which, when lanced, discharged a pint. A little later, in February. Dr. Hiram F. 
Stevens of St. Albans operated to extract the ball but without success. A year and a 
half on crutches followed, with very feeble health. February and March. 186.5. I was 
confined to my bed with bilious fever and threatened inflammation of the bowels, 
the following summer prostrated some weeks with inflammation of the liver. Before 
winter (1865) the wound healed without extractiffsr the ball. Nine months later another 
abscess, which did not heal until the bull^ was extracted six or seven months later. 
These abscesses were a severe experience, confining me some weeks to the house, 
for a time to my bed, and placing me under medical treatment. The winter of 1865-6 



^>IO The I'hirtccutli k'n/iiiiriil I' ciiiikiiI I'nluntfcrs 

I taught a school at Stoneville successriilly although with foelile health, following 
which I entered upon a course of study in bookkeeping, business methods and tel- 
egraphy ar Hryant & Stratton Coniniercial College, llurlington, \'t. 

Obtaining api)ointnieni as Inspector of Customs with headquarters at East Frank- 
lin, I went thither in December. ISdfi. The tenth of Aiiril. ISd", the bullet in my leg 
had worked itself so near the surface that I located it and with my pocket knife cut 
it out myself, no thanks to professional skill. Within ten days it had healed. At the 
end of one year resignf d as Inspector of Customs and engaged in teaching the 
school at WesI Berkshire. In January, ni-ar the middle of the term, was again 
completely prostrated with another abscess and under care of a physician, unable to 
finish the school, a cause of great disapiiointment to myself and I believe to the 
pupils also. On recovery studied and practiced photography at Franklin. St. Albans 
and Bakersfield. spending a number of weeks in the city of Philadelphia under 
instruction of a professional iihotographer. 

October fith, lSfi9. I was married to Miss Cornelia Higgins of Logansport, Ind., a 
niece of .ludge .lohn K. Whitney of Franklin, Vt., who, until her death, February Ifith, 
190,1, was my beloved companion nobly sharing and helping in my work and 
affectionately ministering to nie in ray sickness. In 1S7.3, yielding to the call of the 
church of which I was a member, I engaged in the work of the ministry and the 
pastorate, serving at North Hero. Eden, North Hyde Park, Fairfax, Pittsfield and 
Stockbridge Common. From overwork, the summer of 1884 came near being my last 
on earth. Slowly rallying, we removed late in the fall to Pittsfield, Vt., residing there 
in feeble health until my wife's death whin I went to live in Serena. III., with my 
sister, Mrs. A. K. Dean, also bereft of her companion, Erasmus P. Dean, son of the 
late Deacon Asa Dean of Bakersfield. Vt. A daily record of events made at the time 
in Pittman's phonetic shorthand. i)reserved through all the vicissitude of war, has 
aided in writing these sketches. A stiff knee, permanently imiiaired health and a 
government pension are constant reminders of my former military service and of 
my debt of gratitude to those who ministered to me in time of need. 

J. W. H. 
THOMAS T. SNELL. 

I was boin in the town of Enosburg. Franklin County. Vt.. December 8th. 182^. 
My father, .lohn Snell was a native of Addison. Addison County. Vt. He married my 
mother and settled on a farm in Enosburg. where both parents died. The homestead 
descended to nie and I have occupied it all my life. In September. 1862. I enlisted and 
became a member of CcmiJany G. 13th Vermont Regiment, and was apjiointed Corporal. 
1 did not get the stripes taken off from me until 1 had served I'ncle Sam nine months, 
and then I resigned and served him one month as a private. The 13th Vermont 
arrived in Washington in due time and then our new life as soldiers began. We en- 
camped for a time on Capital Hill. My first duty as corporal of the guarti was the 
saddest of my army life. One of the boys without the password knocked down a 
comrade on guard duty, and ran to the city. He was arrested and landed in the guard 
house, and I was directed to hang him up by his thumbs to the ridge pole: so he was 
obliged to stand on tip toe. It was not for me to say when he was punished enough. 
The Colonel soon left us. The culprit was soon in actual pain, and begged me to 
let him down. 1 found the Colonel to get permission to relieve him. He finally told 
me I could cut him down when he became limber in his knees and not till then. I 
felt bad for the fellow, but think he got no more than he deserved. It was a warm- 
ing to us all. and I am glad to say it was the only case of the kind I knew of in the 
regiment After crossing the Potomac, we were kept very busy on camp and picket 
duties. A stiuad of men were sent to the front to work. 1 was in charge of them. 
I am of the opinion the boys did not lose much flesh frotn overwork. I told my Ifi 
men if I caught cue of them sweating I would send him to camp and detail the other 
15 men to take him there. 1 am of the opinion there is but one place where you can 
get a soldier to do much with a spade and pick, and that is when he is placed at night 
on guard near a rebel picket line and has to dig a hole before day light to protect him- 
self or loose his head. Then he will lay to and dig. but as the hole grows bigger, he 
stops to see if it is not big enough, and when he decides that it is. not another spade 
full of dirt will he lift. That is my experience as a soldier. 

THOMAS T. SNELL. 

Comrade Snell, either through modesty or because he loves a joke, has left out 
any mention of the most interesting event in his service, but fortunately I can supply 
it. Being one of the oldest men in the comjiany, he was looked up to for wisdom and 
sense. He was a prosperous farmer and by letter he directed his farm operations from 
the front. The seven days' march and changes of water made him ill. but he would 
not fall out. When the order came to advance to flank Pickett, he told his company 
commander that if any running was to be done he could not go. He was told there 
would probably be very little running, but a good deal of fighting, and he said he 



Biographical and fJisturical of Coiiipaii\' G. 6ii 

would try to keep up. At the first halt, when he was aiming, a bullet struck his fore- 
head, above and at the left of the center, and he instantly fell. Lieutenant Clai'ke 
was surprised when he looked up and was able to speak, saying that he was wounded, 
and he caused Sumner Warner to help him to the rear, not expecting, however, to see 
him again. After the battle was over Clarke found him at a hospital, writing home. 
It seems that the bullet glanced and did not penetrate the skull, though ever since 
then headaches have resulted in hot weather. Snell has continued one of the best 
farmers in Enosburg. and at the reunion of the regiment in 1906, he told some of the 
comrades that, although in his SOth year, he intended to ride the horse rake as usual 
that summer and that during the past year he has milked seven cows twice a day, 
missing only fourteen milkings in the year. He was very proud of his company, his 
regiment and his country. 

ALBERT CLARKE, 

Lieutenant of Company G. 
HENRY H. WELLS, 
By his daughter, A. L. Stewart, as dictated by her father. 

son of Eli Wells and Betsey Fullington was born in Bakersfleld. Vt.. October Ut. 1840. He 
acquired such an education as the schools of Bakersfield could give him. He was 
brought up on a farm, and acquired the strength and practical experience which the 
farm gives. When Vermont began to raise her quota of nine months' men, he at once 
enlisted. It is said that he was the first man in Bakersfield that enlisted under that 
call. He was soon made corporal and served in that capacity during his term of 
service. He was actively engaged in the battle of Gettysburg. He still carries the 
Bear made by the exploding shell that mortally wounded Caittain Williams. He well 
remembers when Colonel Randall's horse was shot from under him and when the 
command came to retake a battery and Sergeant Scott cried "for God's sake, boys, take 
that cannon." After his discharge, he returned to Bakersfield and resumed farming. 
On December 1st, 1863 he married Sarah S. Ovitt. In 1867 he entered the firm of 
I. F. Dean & Co.. general merchandise. Bakersfield. In 1871 he returned to the farm. 
On account of failing health he with his family in 1879, moved to Ness County, Kansas, 
and settled on a homestead 35 miles from a town or railroad. He was soon active in 
the civil life of the settlement. He helped organize the first school district and was 
chairman of the first school board. He was a charter member and worked in the first 
Sunday school, and heliied build the first church — with improved health and hard work 
he obtained a competence, and in 1899, he retired from labor on a farm and settled in 
Hutchinson, a beautiful Kansas town of 15,000 inhabitants. He now owns a comfort- 
able home surrounded by all one could wish in his declining years. The city soon 
discovered him, and elected him to the offices of poor commissioner and made him 
probation officer of the Juvenile court. In this capacity he has served for four years. 
His keen sense of justice, his warm sympathy, his Christian charity eminently fit him 
for this office. His three children are well and happily married and prosperous in 
business. 

Addie L., is wife of D. A. Stewart, he runs a meat market in Abbyville, Kansas. 
Elmer E. Wells Is cattle buyer and has a meat market. Byron I. Wells, general mer- 
chandise, Langdon, Kansas. He feels the government has been good to him. As his 
health declined his pension was increased till now he draws $24.00 per month. He 
and his wife are active members of the Congregational Church. His wife is vice- 
president of the Reno County Sunday School Association and spends much time in 
visiting Sunday Schools, and attending conventions. This incident of his army life 
should not be omitted. He says: As we were coming in on the 2nd day from the 
charge. Major Boynton and I were walking side by side; a rebel soldier lying on the 
ground wounded, fired at the Major. I sprang forward and would have pinned him 
to the ground with my bayonet, but the Major caught my gun and would not let me 
kill him. 

HENRY H. WELLS. 

Henry was a comrade honored and beloved. His company was proud of him. He 
was a faithful soldier. As a corporal, he did his duty with efficiency — as a comrade 
he was kind and generous — ever ready to divide his rations with a needy soldier. As 
a christian he "let his light shine", and carried back to his home and his church the 
simple faith with which he went from them. Since the war he has lived a strenuous 
life. His constitution has been frail. His health has often failed him. Illness drove 
him to the frontier in middle life; but failure was not in his vocabulary. He worked 
on — struggled on — and won out at last. Now as he approaches the sunset he finds 
himself in a happy and delightful home of his own enjoying In retirement from busi- 
ness the competence he has gained, his children near him, settled and prosperous, and 
he wearing the honors and doing the duties, even in feebleness of an office with 
which his fellow-cltlzens have honored him. This much is due to supplement the 
sketch which only gives facts in outline. 



6iJ 'J lie riiirlcriith k'ri/iuinit I'niiwiil I' olunlccrs 

CHARLES F. OVITT. 

This tomradi- was om- of the choU-e men of Company G. To know him was to 
love him. His royal good fellowship, his ov( rflowing good cheer, his pleasant address, 
won all his comrades. He combined marked business ability with intense activity 
which won him success. Few got on in life better than he. lie was quick to help 
a comrade whose necessities were greater than his. He sought them out and relieved 
them. As a soldier whatever duty was assigned him he did well and at Gettysburg 
he won the admiration of all his comrades by his imllinching courage and zeal. 
Nobody could question his jjatriotism. When duty called he did not shrink at sacrifice. 
He left his wife and children and a business that demanded his |)resenfe to succeed and 
entered the ranks with no ambition beyond serving faithfully his country. He had, 
however, no strong hope that the I'nion armies would succeed in crushing out the 
rebellion. He would often remark, "The rebellion will never be put down by 
fighting." His sister and his brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Wells ol Hutchinson 
Kan., have furnished me the following facts. 

Charles V. Ovitt, son of Daniel Ovitt and Mazy Fox, was horn in Fairfield, Vt., 
Novenil)er 12th. 1.S2SJ. He learned industry and econcmy and acquired steady habits 
on his father's farm. But the farm did not content him. With a good business 
education he entered the mercantile life and began business in Bakersfield before 
the war. .January 1. 18.")4. he married Matilda E. Foster. The fruit of their happy 
maniage were three children. Charles L.. Eddie D.. and Wesley Ray. Eddie died in 
early childhood. On retiring from the war he resumed work as merchant in Bakers 
field. His army comrade, H. H. Wells, was for a time associated with him. After 
a few years he left Bakersfield and settled in West Enosburg. Here he kept a store 
and ran a grist mill. Here he spent the rest of his life and accumulated a handsome 
property. He died at his home .June 20th, 1SS7. after a long and painful illness from 
a complication of diseases contracted while in the army, yet he never asked for a 
pension and often said there were many others that needed it more than he. 

His wife and two sons still survive him. His sons are every way worthy such 
a parentage and training as they enjoyed. They are successful and respected bus- 
iness men in Enosburg and worthy members of the church. Charles is owner and 
manager of the telephone at Enosburg Falls and lives there: Wesley has inherited 
the mill and store of his father: both are married. Mrs. Ovitt still resides at West 
Enosburg with and near her children, enjoying a serene old age, happy in the memory 
of "ideal husband and father, a perfect moral character and a devoted Christian." 
Our Comrade's life long friend. W. O. Brigham. says of him. "I am intimately ac- 
o.uainted with him and prized him very highly. 1 usually tented with him and 
marched in the same rank. He was fearless in battle, generous and kind to all in 
need of help, ready to divide the last crust with those in need, but he had no patience 
with those who sought to shirk duty." 

His keen sense of justice was illustrated in this incident: "In one of our regi- 
mental drills, early in our service, we were thrown into confusion and our guns 
were not in line. The commanding officer became very angry and cursed and swore 
at us and declared "we hadn't brains enough to make a monkey of." Ovitt was very 
indignant at such treatment. He determined to beard the lion in his den. He sought 
out the officer and told him, "The soldiers were not accustomed to such treatment 
at home" and in strong terms expressed his disapproval. The officer saw his mistake 
and apologized. "On the third day when Pickett began his charge we were ordered to 
move forward and lie down behind some rail breastwork which we had previously 
built and in this jjrotected place load and fire, lying down. Charles was the first to 
jump to his feet and said, 'Boys, we are here to whip the rebels, so let's go about 
it.' He stood erect, loading and firing. Inspired by his example the whole company 
•without command sprang to their feet and poured a deadly fire into the enemy's 
flank." Comrade Wells gives this incident; "After the enemy had surrendered. 
Colonel Randall called on 20 volunteers from the regiment to go and take in the 
prisoners. This was dangerous work for after the charge of the enemy failed the 
rebels opened upon us with their artillery. Ovitt was the first to volunteer. I was 
second, and 12 of us went and gathered them up. Upon this the Colonel ordered 
the 2nd Company to guard the prisoners to the rear. T^^pon that I^ieutenant 
Searles of Company I ordered his company to go. Then I said. 'Your company 
does not happen to he the 2nd Company to-day.' Then T.ieutenant Searles asked 
the colonel which company, by letter, he meant. He replied. 'Company G are the 
ones that took the prisoners.' PMnally the honors were shared by both companies." 
In early life Charles joined the Methodist Episcopal church and continued an active 
and constant member till his death. Thus far his children have followed his example. 

SAMUEL CUTTING 

■was a good soldier, always on hand for duty, was married before going to war: had six 
children, four sons, two daughters. The oldest, Lottie, married Stokes Start and has 



BiiKjrapliual ami Historical of Company G. 613 

six boys. The second married a son of Ransom Holmes. I thinlc liis name is Fred. 
Mr. Cutting's wife, I think, died before him. Mr. Cutting was not apparently as 
anxious to secure an abundance of this world's goods as many but lived at peace 
with friends and neighbors. Mrs. Cutting was Elizabeth Brown, born in Bakersfield. 
Mr. Cutting resides in Massachusetts. 

JOHN COMBS, 

the son of Caleb Combs and Abigail Gross Combs, was born in Richford, March 19, 
1833. His father was a farmer and he had the usual experiences of a farmer's boy. 
Before the war he made his home in Montgomery. After his discharge his places of 
residence were Montgomery, Vt., and Leominster, Mass. He could turn his hand at 
many things and at different times he was farmer, millmau, wheelwright, etc. July 
4th, 1S5.5. he and Sophronia L. Wellmau became one in marriage. They became the 
happy i)arents of five children: Ernest E., of Montgomery, Vt., John H., Montgomery, 
Vt., Minnie J. Fogutz, Worcester, Mass., Emerson W., of Montgomery, 'Vt., and Lillian 
M. Ccmings of Richford. All these are married with homes of their own. John was 
steady and industrious, a devoted husband, kind, loving father and a good citizen. His 
patriotism showed itself in deeds, not words. That his young and growing family 
depended on him for support did not deter him from joining his country's defenders. 

When the call came for nine months' men in the fall of 1S62 he enlisted in 
Montgomery, Vt., and became a member of Company G. He soon won the respect 
and esteem of his fellows. He was a good soldier, he shrank from no duty however 
hard ; he feared no danger, he was kind and tender hearted, ever ready to "lend a 
hand to assist a comrade, and in the test proved himself as brave upon the battlefield 
as he was faithful in camp. The wound he received on the 3rd of July shows he was 
in the thick of the fight. A bullet passed through the left arm into his side, struck a 
rib and glanced out. removing a nipple. This wound so weakened his constitution that 
the government gave him a pension of $14.00. Whether in peace or war he lived his 
life well. He was the best marksman in the company. After a painful and lingering 
illness he received his final discharge. His wife survived him till Seirtember, 22nd, 
1906, when she followed her husband into the world of spirits. 

HARVEY BARNES 

was a member of the Methodist Episco|)al church of his town. He was a somewhat 
nervous temperament, but of good intentions. He left one living daughter, Sarah, 
who is a w-idow now living in Patton, Province of Quebec. He was born in Bakers- 
field; his father's name w-as Joshua; his mother, Nabby Weston. His wife, Esther 
Downs, died a year or two previous to his death. 

WILLIAM OAKLEY BRIGHAM. 

I enlisted August 19th, 1S62, and joined Company G. The company gathered at 
Enosburg and was organized. After a few days we marched to Bakersfield where 
we were drilled by Colonel Ladd of Enosburg Falls and by Sergeant Ladd, who had 
seen some service in the 1st Vermont. We left Bakersfield for St. Albans and 
Brattleboro September 28th, about 12 p. m., reached Brattleboro September 29th, 
4 p. m. and marched one mile to our camp ground. Here we received our blankets 
and spread them upon the bare floor of our barracks. The next day brought some 
straw for our bunks. We were thankful for this improvement on the soft side of a 
board, a taste of worse things to come. Our military duties commenced October 
1st. I was detailed as camp guard. Our rations for dinner were salt beef and stale 
bread. For a week we spent our time drilling, policing the camp and keeping guard. 
On the 9th our knapsacks and guns were inspected, on the 10th we were mustered 
into United States service and received $6.7.5 State pay. We left Brattleboro for 
Washington on the 11th via H. & N. H. R. R. and Long Island Sound and the 
Pennsylvania R. R. We rode on freight cars from Philadelphia to Baltimore. 

While marching through Baltimore at 1 o'clock at night we thought how the 
Massachussetts troops were attacked in this city and wondered if some stray brickbats 
might be hurled at our heads. During our first night in Washington each company 
slept in line with knapsacks for pillows, our guns being stacked in front of us. We 
camped the next day on Capitol Hill. It being very rainy many of us contracted 
rheumatism, diarrhoea and the like, from lying on the damp ground. I was on the 
sick list and was excused from marching. At length we left Capitol Hill, crossed 
the Potomac and settled down at Camp Vermont. While here 1 seldom failed to 
do duty on account of sickness. At about Christmas time several of the boys had 
boxes "from home. The depot was three miles away; we went after them on foot. 
Our way of transporting these boxes was primitive. We fastened one to a pole 
and then with a comrade at each end of the pole marched back to camp. And, thanks 
to the goodies in the boxes, we were able to observe Christmas. 



6l4 I lie 'riiirU'ciilli Rcijimcnt I'crinont I'ohinlccrs 

Once we wore on picket in the woods beside a road. In the night we heard 
horses approachinK on the run. We called a halt twice. They halted l)ut getting 
no reply, we crept down near them and found they were horses without riders — not 
a dangerous enemy. The dialect of the natives was amusing to us Yankees. 1 once 
inquired ot a woman how far it was to camp. She replied. "It is three hollars and 
a right smart walk beyond." Women would come around with jties to sell. At home 
•we would hardly feed a dog with them. Hill Dwyer was quite a wag. He told one 
of them that her pies were too rich and hearty and he wished she would make a 
dozen for the next day with crusts a good deal thicker and not near so rich. The 
pies were made, she was promptly on hand and went from tent to tent in pursuance of 
her customer, but no Dwyer could be found. 

At the junction of the Otcoquan and the Potomac there was a ford, not passable 
at high water. As the water went down it was suspected rebels were secretly crossing 
it, so I was placed as guard at that point with instructions not to allow any passing. 
Marcus Andrews and Edward Cantwdl were with me. One night, June 23rd, I 
saw two men in a boat crossing to the opposite shore. Immediately I commanded, 
"Halt." They rowed all the faster. I ran down the bank and again cried. "Halt," 
two or three times. As they did not stop I raised my musket and fired. The ball 
came unpleasantly close to them. Andrews raised his gun to continue the rifle 
practice. Seeing their danger, believing that "discretion is the better part of valor," 
they about-faced and rowed toward us. The water near the shore was shallow and 
the bottom muddy so they were obliged to leave their boat and wade ashore. They 
proclaimed their innocence, but I believed them to be spies. I then undertook to 
do what I believe was very foolhardy, to march them through the woods two miles 
to our reserves under Lieutenant Canfield. So. ordering them in front of me. 1 alone 
marched them through the woods and delivered them to the Lieutenant. If they had 
had pistols they could easily have shot me. This was my last picket duty. The next day, 
June 25th, at 7 a. m. we broke camp and commenced the long seven days' march to 
what proved to be Gettysburg. 

Many of us, as our term of service had nearly expired and not knowing our 
destination, believed wo were starting for home. So we loaded ourselves down with 
all manner ot truck which, with 40 rounds of cartridges, five days' rations, a canteen 
of water and knajjsack with blanket and overcoat, soon began to tell upon us. And 
so we began to throw unnecessary things away at first and then the more valuable 
till our line of march was bestrewed with souvenirs, keepsakes, blankets, shirts, etc., 
as the result of the first day's march. I had made a large blister on each foot. I 
then threw away my socks and went without any till I reached Bakersfield. Wherever 
opportunity offered 1 would bathe the sore feet in water till they finally healed. I 
stood the march very well till the last day which was very hot and muggy. I came 
near prostration from the heat but I kept up with my company and a cup of coffee 
and a night's rest prepared me for the next day's battle. 

I was near Captain Williams when mortally wounded. I assisted in repressing 
a rebel regiment which had broken our lines. I helped recapture a battery and roll 
back a cannon into line and to pursue and capture about eighty rebels. July .'?rd. in the 
forenoon, I assisted in laying up a breastwork of rails. While laying behind a battery 
a piece of shell struck within a few inches of my head. When Pickett began his 
famous charge we were ordered forward to lie down behind that breastwork of rails. 
■When ordered to fire we could not do it well lying down. Charles Ovitt said. "We 
can't do anything so." He was the first to rise and fire standing. Soon the whole 
company were on their feet. 

In attacking Pickett's flank some of the boys had close calls. Harrison Wells 
had his rubber blanket rolled up and hung over his shoulder. A ball went through 
the whole thickness of the roll and his clothes beside and dropped down next his 
skin. After the repulse of the enemy I assisted in gathering up the prisoners 
and marching them to the prison camp and guarding them till S o'clock a. m. On 
returning to camp I found the bands playing and h.^-ard that the rebels were retreating 
and the Sixth Corps and the cavalry were pursuing — a great 4th of July for us. 

On October 26th I was in Bakersfield and went to Baltimore to get Joseph 
Hitchcock of Company G. He was wounded and taken to the hospital in Baltimore. 
I found him discouraged and losing ground. He had great difficulty in getting his 
discharge papers. I was able to make affidavit to the facts they required to give the 
discharge. 

Having his discharge, on the 3rd we started for home. On reaching New York 
Joseph seemed perfectly prostrated. Securing an ambulance I took him to Howe's 
Relief Hospital where he remained from Friday till Monday. On that day we went 
on to Brattleboro where he was mustered out. thence we went to Bakersfield. By 
means of boards across the seat and a straw tick on the boards we extemporized a 
bed on the car till he reached St. Albans. From there an express wagon with a bed 
in it conveyed him to Bakersfield. I think he would have died had he remained in 
Baltimore. 



Bioyraphical and Historical of Company G. 6is 

I was born in Bakersfield, Vt., May ICth, lS6:i. My pai-ents were Samuel S. 
Brigham, a native of Bakersfield, and Mary Powers, a native of Templeton, N. H. 
They were farmers. My grandjiarents were Eli Brigham and Mary Houghton. My 
great-grandfather was Jonas Brigham. Esq. He was a man of marked ability. Bakers- 
field elected him as her first representative to the legislature and re-elected him for 
17 consecutive years. I spent my boyhood at home on the farm, attended the district 
school and several terms at the Bakersfield and Barre academies. My football and base- 
ball education were sadly neglected, but instead work on the farm hardened my 
muscles and gave me good health and helped me to form industrious and temperate 
habits. I taught district school for a few terms. I then went to Illinois and engaged 
in mercantile business for two years in the cities of Quincy and Warsaw. In the 
spring of 1S60 I returned to Bakersfield and, being the only son, resumed w^ork on 
the old farm. When the call came for 300,000 nine months' men I obeyed the call 
with many young men of my acquaintance and tried to serve my country well during 
my full term of service. On my return from the war I again resumed farming which 
was my life work till I retired from the farm to the village. 

On February 17th, 1864, I married Nellie M. Perkins. Three children were born 
to us, Clarence, Clara and John. Clarence and Clara were twins, born February 5th, 
1867. John was born July 18th, 1872. They were all graduates of Brigham Academy. 
Clarence and Clara for a time taught in the same school. Clarence took a four yeais' 
course at the University of Vermont and a three years' course at the medical school. 
He now resides in Leominster, Mass., in successful practice. He has been married 
twice. His first wife was Anna Tracy, a graduate of the university, by whom he had 
two children. Paul and Hellen. She died suddenly of apiiendicitis. His second wife 
was Mrs. Jennie Tilman McKinney, cousin of Senator Tilman. She died in 190.J. Clara 
took a three years' course in the Boston Art School. Afterward she married C. M. 
Boutell. Their residence is Shrewsbury, Mass. They have two children. Doris and 
Charles. My son. John took one year at the university and three years at the dental 
college in Boston, where he graduated at the head of his class of 60, receiving a prize 
of $"25.00 and delivering the valedictory address. He is now practicing dentistry in 
Winchendon. Mass. He mariied Mabel Powers of Bakersfield. a graduate of the 
Brigham Academy. 

I have been honored with most of the offices of the town, selectman, lister, 
trustee of public money, overseer of the poor for 20 years, and superintendent of 
Poor House Association. I represented my town in the legislature in 1892. My 
wife, Nellie, died December 10th, 1893. October 22nd, 1895, I married Mrs. Rilla 
(Field) Worthing. I now reside in Bakersfield village, measurably free from the 
infirmities of age, serving, as I am able, my town and my church. 

William Oakley Brigham. 

LEWIS BOVAN 

was born in Canada but early moved to Vermont with his parents and here his educa- 
tion, ambition, aspirations, patriotic feelings were largely the result of his youthful 
environments and when he arrived at the age of 21 was a good Vermont citizen ready 
and willing to fight for his adopted country. He volunteered in September, 1862, from 
the town of Bakersfield and joined Company G, 13th Regiment, Vermont Volunteers. 
He was a good soldier, ever on hand and ready for duty, was full of tun and had a 
pleasant disposition. His broken speech because of his native tongue often was the 
cause of amusement among his comrades. He was 21 at date of enlistment, rugged, 
vigorous, active and horny handed like most of his nativity who had followed the 
occupation of a farmer. He was glad to lay down the plow and scythe and take up 
the gun for home and country. He delighted to visit the farmhouses near our cam]) 
either night or day and chickens had to roost high, pigs run fast to escape Bovan's 
sharp eye and nimble feet. Fricassee chicken and pork chop was almost a daily 
repast with Bovan's tentmates and it was said that Captain Williams quite often 
found chicken and fresh pork, ham and eggs ready for the kettle and spider. It was 
a mystery to the captain but he prudently avoided an investigation, taking for granted 
that his cook had supplied the necessaries for his table with the money he furnished 
him for the purpose. 

Comrade Bovan would march all day and as soon as dark start out to beg, buy 
or make requisition on the farmers along our long journey to Gettysburg. He was a 
good forager and never returned to camp empty handed. He stood the march well and 
arrived in pink condition, neither hungry or thirsty. He flinched not in the hour 
of danger and stood up boldly side by side with the bravest until the battle was 
won. Since the war Comrade Bovan has roved about considerable and like nearly 
all of his nationality has acquired but little for a rainy day. But the magnanimity 
of the glorious country he helped to save provides him with a generous pension in 
his old age. He now resides in St. Albans city. Vt., and is often seen on Lake street 



6i0 The rhirtcciith Rcijiinciit I'cviiioiil I'oluiitccrs 

looking and watching for some old couiiadi- to talk abmit lln- days when down on 
the sunny banks ol' U<io(iuan and the big time at (ieltyshurg. The author was quite 
as well acquainted with Company G as his own company and therefore knows whereof 
he speaks. 

R. O. S. 
Dated at Swanton, December, IHOy. 

GEORGE C. CORSE 

was the son of Azariah and liclsy ( Saunders i Corse, was born in Bakersfield. Vt., 
in 1823, a farmer by occupation. In the summer of 1S(>2 he enlisted in Company G, 
13th Vermont Volunteers. Soon after the regiment reached the front he was detailed 
from his company to serve in the Ambulance Corps, and was assigned as an ambu- 
lance driver. He was the oldest man in the detail, having the full confidence of 
the surgeons and hospital attendants. He was always in demand when they wanted 
a careful prudent man. He was looked up to by every man in the corps as a model 
to go by. He served his full time, came home and resumed farming, but in February, 
1865, he again enlisted, was credited to the town of Fairfield and was assigned to 
Company K, 17th Vermont Volunteers, joined the regiment in front of Petersburg, 
Va., in fore part of March. At the time he joined the regiment there were seven 
recruits that were assigned to Company K. The first time he went on picket duty 
our lines were driven in by an assault in the nii;ht. Soon after this the storming 
of Fort Steadman took place, and then April 1st the assault upon the forts in front 
of Petersburg. Comrade Corse and one other of thesi' seven recruits were the only 
ones who were not hit with bullets; the company went into this battle with one 
commissioned officer and 2S men. Lieutenant Henry was killed and ten men wounded. 

Comrade Corse came home at the close of the war. resumed farming for a number 
of years. After the death of his first wife he lived in the village of his native town 
for a few years, was married again to Mrs. Sophia Squires. Wakefield, established 
a home in the village and lived a quiet, contented life tor a number of years. He died 
June 29th, 1903, and is buried in the cemetery at Bakersfield, Vt. Of his family, 
Mrs. Corse lives in Bakersfield, a son, E. C. Corse, in Underbill; two daughters, 
Mrs. Laplant lives in Enosburg and Mrs. Reed in Bakersfield. Vt. I was one of his 
comrades in the Ambulance Corps in 1S62-3 and a sergeant in Company K, ITth 
Vermont Regiment, in 1865. 

WILLIAM M. NARA.MORE. 

Bakersfield, Vt.. January, ISO."). 

EDWARD CANTWELL. 

Edward was a native of Montreal, Canada. His father died in that city when 
his boy was only four years old, left fatherless and with a mother unable to support 
him. He was given to a Mr. Wheeler living in New York state. As Edward retained 
the name of Cantwell. Wheeler could not have adopted him. He had scant opportun- 
ities to obtain an education. During his boyhood, about ISoO. he moved to Franklin 
county, Vt.. where he spent the rest of his life. His occupation both before and 
since the war has been that of farming. 

To his adopted country he was loyal and patriotic. In the summer of 1862 he 
enlisted in the town of Berkshire and joined Company G. 13th Vermont. He served 
through his term and was discharged with his regiment. As a soldier he was obedient 
to his superiors, faithful in the discharge of duty and respected by his comrades. 

At an early age he married Mary Scofield of Sheldon, Vt. The fruits of their 
marriage were Hannibal, now residing in Enosburg; Anna, wife of Thomas Longe 
of East Highgate; Clara, wife of James Hancock. Waterville. Me.; Charles and Edward 
Who reside in Swanton. For the past twelve years his family have lived in Swanton. 
His health had been poor. He passed away. August 22nd, 1903. A few comrades fol- 
lowed his remains to their last resting place in Riverside Cemetery, Swanton. Com- 
rade Sturtevant says of him that he appeared to be a well disposed and kind hearted 
man. May he rest in peace. His wife and children survive him. 

JUSTIN C. CONVERSE. 

.Justin was a Bakersfield boy. He was the son of Arad Converse and was born 
September 6th, 1838. With other Bakersfield boys be enlisted for a term of rine 
months and faithfully served his country during his term of service. He was nronght 
up on a farm. He was reserved and diffident but deported himself well as a soldier 
On his return from the army he resumed his occupation as a farmer. He has lived 
»n Bakersfield and Cavendish, Vt., and Springfield. Mass To him and his good wife. 
Sabina Converse, there have been given three children. These are all married an<} 
settled in Springfield, Mass. Their names are Fred F. Converse. Wallace J. Converse 



Biographical and Historical of Coiiipany G. 617 

and Flora (Converse) Gray. Justin's constitution was impaired in the army and 
he drew a pension of twelve dollars. Of late years he had been quite broken in 
health. The end came at last. The tinal muster out occurred August 9th, 1905. His 
wife, Sabina, and his three children survive him. 

NELSON S. DAVIS. 

I was born at East Enosburg. Vt.. July 2nd. 1S3S. I am a son of Daniel and 
Lucy Davis. My father's parents were Richard Davis and Laeah Garfield. My mother's 
parents were Stephen and Lydia Davis, she did not change her name by marriage 
so I am a thoroughbred Davis except a little Garfield blood. At the age of 21 I 
married Lydia K. Perkins. July 14th, isr)9. She was born July 18th, 1S3S. There were 
born to us five children, two daughters and three sons: Mrs. C. E. Kilburn, Pittsfield, 
Mass.; Mrs. A. N. Bingham, Lawrence, Mass.; A. N. Davis. Rowley, Mass.; Edward 
N. Davis, Hazelton, Iowa; Oscar B. Davis, North Cambridge. 

When President Lincoln called for 300,000 men to serve for nine months I enlisted 
with seven others from the east part of Enosburg in the fall of 1862. We entered 
Company G of the 13th Vermont Regiment and were taken to Brattleboro for drill, 
equipment and muster. While there eight or ten of us went outside the camp guards 
for the purpose of having a prayer meeting. On our return the guard would not 
allow us to go into camp as we had not the password, it having been changed while 
we were absent. So we were marched to the guard house. When matters were ex- 
plained we were allowed to go free. Later on I w^as taken sick and was removed to the 
hospital; while there I was mustered into the United States service on my back. 
The next day we started for Washington. On arriving there I was left at the 
Sundry Commission Rooms, between the depot and Capitol, where I remained over a 
week. Meanwhile the 13th was encamped on East Capitol Hill. Being somewhat 
better, I obtained a pass, thanks to the lady in charge of the ward, to join my 
regiment. 

Soon we broke camp, crossed the long bridge over the Potomac and established 
ourselves at Camp Vermont. While there I recall this incident; A straw stack on 
the flat between the camp and tlie Potomac was set on fire and burned. Three ot 
my tent mates were suspected, as they had some trouble with the guard about 
getting some straw for their tents. I endeavored to do my duty in camp, on the 
march and in battle. When discharged at Brattleboro I returned home and resumed 
work on my farm until November, 1885. when I sold my place and came to Clinton, 
Mass., where I now reside. No. 88 East street. 

NELSON S. DAVIS. 
MARTIN N, DODGE. 

I now reside in Jeffersonville. Vt. I am a son of Nathaniel and Abigail Dodge, 
grandson of Enoch and Joel Dodge. I can trace m.v ancestors back two hundred 
years. They took part in the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812-14, the Mexican 
War, and the Civil War. When I look over the genealogy of the Dodge family I 
am proud of the record. I was born in Eden. Vt., August Sth. 1840. I was married 
to Charlotte A. Barnes March 3th. 1862. I have no children. I enlisted in the town 
of Bakersfield and served in Company G, 13th Vermont; rank, high private in the 
rear rank, and served till I w-as mustered out at the close of my term of service. 

M.V occupation before enlistment was farming. Since the war I was a farmer for 
a time then, for over fifteen years, a marble worker at Proctor, Vt. My wife is of 
patriotic stock. Her grandfather was in the war of 1812. She had two brothers 
and four brothers-in-law in the Civil War. She is a great admirer of Lincoln, 
Garfield and McKinley, but doesn't like Cleveland because he went fishing on 
Memorial Day. I am a member of the I. O. O. F. and was Noble Grand of Beaver 
Lodge, No. 47, Proctor, Vt. Am a member of the Grand Army and have been for two 
years. The experience of our short term of service I shall leave to more able pens 
than mine. 

Jeffersonville, Vt., April, 1905. ilARTIN N. DODGE- 

DENNIS S. DOW, 

son of Benjamin and Deborah (Gilman) Dow. was born in Enosburg, Vt., September 
18th, 1825, married Harriet E. Dunton. daughter of Hiram E. and Lucy Dunton, in 
December, 1854. One child was born to them, a son, John E.. born January 1st, 1855. 
He enlisted from Enosburg in September, 1862, becoming a member of Company G. 
13th Regiment, Vermont Volunteers. Was discharged in November, 1862, because of 
illness. His occupation before enlistment was carpenter and joiner. Since discharge 
has been a farmer, living in West Enosburg. Vt. 

While in Washington a comrade asked a stranger where the office was where they 
filled out the transportation papers, and was directed to a gambling den. Being in 



*'if^ ill'- riwrtcoith Regiment W-rmoitt I'oluntccrs 

suih a hiiiry to get his iiiiulc out first, he did not wait fof his conirades but t-ntcred 
and made his wants Itnowii. One of the men directed him to the right i>lacc and 
wrote something on a paper and told him to present it to the man at the desk 
vvfil, glasses on. I pon rearhing the otlice he did as he had been diiected and the man. 
after reading the paper, laughed very heartily and slapped his Itnee and then passed 
the paper to the other men in thi- room, causing much laughter. As a result they 
made a mistake in making out the papers which was not discovered until he got to 
the station and he was obliged to go back again. He knew that he could not return 
in time for the train so he could not start for home that day. He felt so Ijadly 
that I pitied him and stayed with him. He then went to the Sanitary Commission 
and asked if we could stay all night but were refused, so we had to go to the barracks 
which we found deserted. But as we had no money it was the only place for us two 
men alone in such a i)lace. unarmed and supperless. During the evening a man 
entered the building. He was dressed in a long cloak and asked if we had drawn 
our pay. I spoke uj) and told him it was none of his business. He replied. "I'll show 
you." Then my comiade spoke to a bloodhound that had followed us and we had 
made friends with, and said. "Look after that man. don't take your eyes off him." 
The man did not stay long after that. About midnight a company of .Massachusetts 
men entered the barracks and I said to the caiitain. "We claim your protection, we 
are unarmed men." so he ordered a number of his men to lie down around us while 
he proceeded to the city with the rest of the men. In the morning the report came 
to us that one poor devil was dead outside the barracks, robbed and murdered. Died at 
■West Enosburg, Vt.. November 14th. lOiiK. and there buried. His widow and son, 
J. E. Dow, live in Enosburg. Vt. 

JAMES A. EDWARDS 

was a son of Joel Edwards and Eliza Strong, both of Lowell, 'Vt. He was horn In 
Lowell December 2nd, 1SS2. He has spent most of his life as a farmer in his native 
town. He married Mary S. Tillotson. The fruits of this union were two daughters, 
Emily and Hattie. Emily married Sam Crofts and lives in Rumney. N. H. Hattie 
married Lincoln Bowin. .lames enlisted in Bakersfield with the nine months men 
and served in Company G till his time of service expired. Of his life and character 
only words of praise can be spoken. As a soldier he was ever found in the paths of 
duty, obedient, patriotic, upright, a worthy example to all his comrades. As a citizen 
he was a man of strict integrity and enjoyed the respect and love of all who knew 
him, a kind neighbor and a loyal friend. In his home he was a devoted and loving 
husband and father. His days w^ere not long. He passed away in Lowell April .ith, 
1889. His widow followed him February 0th. ]9"2. in the home of her daughter, 
Mrs. Crafts. 

HOMER C. FLETCHER 

■was from Enosburg, Vt.. and was one of the musicians of Company G. He was a 
fine appearing young man and liked by all his company associates. He volunteered 
in September and on the organization he was appointed fifer. His place of birth 
■was said to be Enosburg. The march to Camp Seward and then to Camp Vermont 
and exposure in canij) on Capitol Hill induced typhoid fever from which he died in 
the hospital at Camp Vermont November ISth. lSfi2. It was the first death in Company 
G. Every heart was sad because of this untimely death. Every thing possible was 
done that he might live. He was taken to Alexandria by Captain White and sent 
to his home in Enosburg where he was buried November, 1862. 

JOHN S. HAYES 

was born in Enosburg in the year 1S3.5. He was the son of H. D. Hayes and Delia 
Snell and nephew of Corjioral Thomas T. Snell. He married Eliza Cutler and had 
by her two children. Harley and Hattie Hayes. He has resided since the war in 
Enosburg and died at his home there December 2oth, 1893. His two children survive 
him. He was a good soldier, patriotic and brave. He was pleasant and genial and 
added much to the life of the camp. He had a peculiar, ripling. musical laugh. Though 
In his tent it could be heard all over the camp and often the boys would try to 
Imitate him. Corporal Snell says of him. "John lived up to orders the nearest of 
any man I knew. He was ever ready for duty In camp or on the march. When on the 
march to Gettysburg he was detailed to guard our train. That kept him in the rear. 
On reaching Frederick he came to camp and told the captain he believed we were 
going to have a fight and he wanted to be in it and requested that another man 
be detailed to take his place. But his friends berated him. Sumner Warner called 
him a fool for wanting to risk his life in battle, while his uncle advised the captain 
to send him back to his detail. Overborne by his friends, he resumed his duty as guard 
of the trains, to his lifelong regret for that kept him out of the fight. On his return 



Biographical and Historical of Company G. 619 

home whenever anybody asked him if he was in the battle he would reply, 'No, I 
was three miles in the rear guarding a pork parrel kicked out of camp by my uncle. 
He was a warm friend and a bitter enemy.' " 

Had his heart's desire been gratified and he been permitted to meet the enemy 
face to face, his friends have no doubt he would have been among the bravest of 
the brave. After the war he resumed the business of farming and lived an industrious 
and respectful life. His wife passed on before him. 

NORMAN HOGABOOM 

was born in Highgate, Vt., September 1836. His parents were farmers. His training 
on the farm taught him habits of industry and economy. Before the war his resi- 
dence was Berkshire, Vt., from which town he enlisted September 20, 1S62, and .ioined 
Company G. While he remained in the service he acquitted himself with credit. He 
was a good soldier, obedient and faithful and won the respect and confidence of 
his comrades. But his military service was short. The hardships of army life under- 
mined his health and on March 16th. 1863, he received his discharge on account of 
disability. His marriage to Susan Woodard occurred March 4, 1862, only a few 
months before his enlistment. His newly wedded wife gladly welcomed home the 
invalid and nursed him back to health. They both are blessed with length of days. 
After his service he took up his residence in Richford. where lie now resides. He 
resumed farming. His fellow citizens have respected and loved him. He has held 
many of the offices and appointments in the gift of the town. He is no believer in 
race suicide. He has reared up a large family and lived to see his children married 
and settled in the world. They are Lora, Ethan, Albert. Horatio and Flora. The 
first three live in Richford, Horatio in Chelsea and Flora in Montgomery. Horatio 
married Carrie Woodworth; Ethan married Ines Combs; Albert married Pearl Fletcher; 
Flora married Charles Barnes. Jlay his children and grandchildren gladden his age. 

H. R. HEATH, 

son of Elisha Heath and Mary Noyes, was born in Richford. Vt., February 14th, 
1845. His father was a farmer and so was he. His native town has always been 
his residence. The war stirred his soul and fired him with patriotism and at the 
early age of sixteen he enlisted in Richford for nine months. He was retiring and 
diffident but kind hearted and generous, ever ready to lend a hand to a needy comrade. 
He was brave and cool in action. At Gettysburg he acquitted himself with credit. 
On the third day he was wounded in the leg by a piece of shell. 

After serving his time in the 13th he again enlisted for one year and was assigned 
to the 6th Vermont Infantry and rendered faithful service till his discharge. The 
war ended, he resumed labors on the farm and continued there till failing health 
compelled him to leave the farm and move to Richford village. Clara E. Smith was 
the loved one of his choice whom he married March 2nd, 1872. One child blessed this 
marriage, who survives, unmarried. In his later years he was a great sufferer from 
rheumatism and often required help to get around. The government was good to 
him and as health failed him increased his pension till it reached $.50.00 per month. 
His final muster out was on September 4th, 1903. His wife survives him and lives 
In Richford. To her I am indebted for the above facts. 

LEWIS A. HIX. 

This young man was known for his exuberant spirits and his love of fun. On the 
great march the brigade halted one mid-day to make coffee and some of the boys 
climbed some cherry trees near by. General Stannard sent an orderly to command 
them to return to the ranks, but they told him he was nothing but a private and 
he might go back to headquarters. Then the General sent one of his staff officers, 
who ordered them to get down. They obeyed, but as soon as his back was turned they 
climbed back. Then the General went himself and that was effectual. Some hours 
afterward, on the march, having talked about many other things. Hix said to a com- 
rade: "I like the old General; he don't take on any airs, he isn't above speaking to 
a private." "Has he ever said anything to you?" asked Sergeant Scott. "Yes. he 
has once." "What did he say?" "May be I can't repeat it all. for it kind o' took 

my breath awaj-. but I remember this much, ' your eyes, get out o' those 

cherry trees!' and I didn't wait to hear any more." After the war Hix drifted away 
to some other part of the country and bis comrades have not heard of him since. 

MUNSON L. HULL, 

son of Francello Hull and Sally Fairbanks, was born in Fairfield. His parents after 
wards settled in Bakersfield where Munson was brought up, educated and resided till 



(^2Q 'I lie 'I'liirliCiilli liiiiuiicnt I'lniumt I'uhtiilccrs 

his death. The bride of his choice was Olive llaiiiiltcii of IJridport, Vt.. wjioiu he married 
in 1855. To this marriage three children were KJven. Flora, who married Ceorge 
Atkinson, Erving, Mass.: Hattie, now .Mrs. William Prouty, Itolton Springs, P. Q., and 
Cora, who died young. Mimson was a first class mechanic ol' more llian ordinary skill. 
He drew the architectural plan of Hrigham .Academy. He «as a worthy, useful citizen, 
a lueniber of the Congregational church, a kind neighbor and devoted husband and 
father. He was a good and faithful soldier and helpful in cases of sickness and need. 
During part of his term he was nurse in our regimental hospital. On his return home he 
resumed work at his trade. He met wiih an untimely death by drowning in Hakersfleld 
April :50th, 1872. His wife and two daugliters survive him. His widow resides in Liolton 
Springs, P. Q. 

SILAS LAROCK, 

son of ,Iohn Larock and Julia Lumbra, was born in Montgomery, Vt., 1840. When the 
call came for nine months' men he caught the war fever and enlisted in Berkshire and 
joined Company G, 13th Vermont. He loved his country and served her well. .As a 
soldier he was faithful, steady, obedient to superiors and respected by his comrades. 
After his term of service exi)ired he was drafted October Tth, 186.3, and was assigned 
to Company G, 5th Regiment. Vermont Volunteers. .After the war he married Elizabeth 
Lumbra, in 1867. The fruits of this marriage were seven children, Frank, Willie, Mary, 
Jessie, Sadie, Jennie. Hennie. These children are married and reside in and near Mont- 
gomery. Silas was a good father and loving husband and a respectful citizen. After a 
lingering illness he passed away in 1887. .After a widowhood of four years his wife 
married again and is now residing in .Montgomery, Vt. 

OCTAVE AND LEVI LAFLEUR. 

They were of French descent but of .American adoption. They were brothers, born 
in .Montgomery, Vt.. Octave in 1836 and Levi, Octover 29. 1844. They were genuine 
Americans in language and thought and were as patriotic and loyal as the descendants 
of the Pilgrims. In the fall of 1862 they both enlisted at .Montgomery for the term of 
nine months and became members of Company G, 13th Vermont Regiment. They served 
till their term expired. They were faithful in all soldierly duties, they were quiet and 
orderly in camp, respectful to their superiors, bore hardships like good soldiers and were 
brave and cool on the battlefield. In their boyhood they had had few advantages: in 
the army their eyes were opened, they learned much of men and life, of their country 
and its grand opportunities. After their army service their paths soon diverged. Octave 
w&j! quick to see the large opportunities of the West and in due time made his home 
in Minneapolis. 

Levi enjoyed a good degree of health till his last sickness: this was long and painful, 
lived in Richford for 33 years. He married Julia Reno of Rich ford. He illustrated the 
fecundity of his race. From this union sprang nine children. Five of these are living, 
Jennie, Ezra, William. Ella and George. .AH reside in Richford, Vt., their native town. 
Jennie married Jerry Blanchard. Ezra married Grace I.aHeur. William. Effie Wright and 
Ella, ilorgan Laywer. George is unmarried. Levi Lefleur was but a lad of IS years. 
His youth did not deter him from serving his country, so he followed the example of 
his brother and joined him in the ranks. 

Levi enjoyed a good degree of health till his last sickness: this was long and painfiil, 
the result of rheumatism and consumption. The end came June 29th, 1906. He died in 
the faith of his parents. He was a member of the Catholic church. Levi must have 
lived a strenuous life with a family to sujiport that would have taxed the ability of 
any man. He cared for them and secured and paid for a home of his own. His daughter, 
Jennie, writes me frankly, "He w^as a good husband and kmd father, a good worker and 
a good provider. His only fault was he got on a spree once in a while. He was a man 
that was handy at all work, mason work, digging wells, cariientering. farming, in fact, 
a good all round man." Surely we can commend a comrade who, without any education 
but with a genius for hard and varied work, could do so well and accomplish so much. 
Let us judge charitably of his "only fault." His wife, Julia, survives him and resides 
in Richford. 

JOSEPH KIDDER 

was born in Knosburg. Vt., Septenibir 22nd, KM I. brought uii on a farm and educated 
in the common schools of the state. At the opening of the Civil War in the spring of 
1861 Joseph Kidder and his brother. James, were carrying on a small farm in their 
native town. The chII of President Lincoln in the summer of 1862 for 300,000 volunteers 
to serve nine months was considered by this loval son of Vermont personal and one 
that he was in dutv bound to accept and at once freely offered his services, signed 
the enlistment roll and joined Company G, 13th Vermont Volunteers. He served his term 
and was mustered out at Camp Lincoln, Hrattleljoro, Vt., July 21. 1863. He returned 
home and for a short time resumed farming and then went out West, remaining some 



Diuyrapliical and Historical of Coiiil^aiix C. 621 

two years and came back home. On the 29th of Xovember. IsTO. married Caroline E. 
Hatch of Fairfield. Vt. To them was born two sons. Lorenzo, .James and Harley 
Nathaniel. Lorenzo resides in Waltham. Mass., and Harley Nathaniel in Enosburg. 
Vt. Comrade Kidder died at Enosburg March 11th, ISS.i, and is buried in his native 
town. His widow survives and makes her home with her sons. In the winter of 
1863 at Camp Wolf Run Shoals our deceased comrade contracted disease of the 
lungs from which he never fully recovered. The strenuous service of the winter 
of 1863 and the Gettysburg campaign was too much for young Kidder's rather deli- 
cate constitution and hence he died long before his time. 

This upright, zealous and iiatriotic young man was an excellent soldier, faithful, 
honorable and true, discharging his full measure of duty on all occasions. He was 
generous, kind hearted, loyal to friends and just to his country — a noble e.xample of 
sacrifice for the preservation of the Union he loved and served. His comrades that 
knew him best since the war say he was an indulgent husband and father and an 
honorable citizen. He died respected and is missed. May this tribute to the 
memory of a valiailt soldier of the Republic be an inspiration to defend home 
and native land, to the lovers of freedom and justice- See jiage of this book 304. 

August, 1909. 

R. O. S. 
JAMES McENANY 

was one of the Bakersfield quota in Company G. As a soldier he acquitted himself 

well, he was neither a coward nor a shirk. So far as known, he never married. 

When last heard from he was living in Chicago keeping a saloon which has been 

his occupation much of the time since the war. The writer can get no response 
to letters sent to Chicago. 

JOHN McMAHON. 

H. O. STURTEVANT. 

My Dear Comrade: I have read your notice through and will try to tell you 
something of myself and at least say a word in appreciation of work you are doing 
so well. I am no literary character and my memory fails me when I sit alone 
away from my comrades and try to put anything on paper; but if I was able to meet 
with them once again and talk over old times I could recall things that occurred 
which now escape my memory. Thirty-three years is about the lifetime of an 
ordinary man and if by reason of great strength we are some of us spared to the 
allotted age of three score and ten years the most of us get there with an impaired 
memory. 

I was bcrn in Bakersfield. Vt.. my parents were Hugh McMahon and Bridget 
Owens. 1 enlisted in Company G. 13th Regiment, Veimont Volunteer Infantry, as a 
private in 1862. Company G was known as the Bakersfield company. 1 went with 
the boys to Enosburg, Vt., where we elected officers for the company. We went 
into camp at Brattlebcro. Vt., the last cf September. 1862. and were mustered in 
by Major Austine. In a day or two we got our guns and felt as though we were 
equipped in great style. We staid in Brattleboro until October 11th. as I remember 
it. when we started for Washington. While at Brattleboro we had a wrestling 
match one evening, when I threw 17 men. We wrestled the old fashioned "collar 
and elbow" hold. I have won several hard contests at wrestling since then; but 
then and even now when I think of it. thai evening seems to be the best work I 
ever did in that line. 

When we first got to Washington we were Inigadcd with two New .Jersey regi- 
ments and, I think, the 12th Vermont but soon an order was read to us that brigaded 
the Vermont troops together. I remember the pleasure with which we heard the 
order. We went from Washington to Camp Vermont and from there to Fairfax 
Court House. We heard that it was warm there before we went South, but the 
snow came at Camp Vermont earlier than it came in Vermont that year. While 
we were at Fairfax Court House Stuart's Cavalry came down near us and we could 
see their camp fires at night. We exjjected trouble. Some of the men in Company 
G of the 12th Veimont under a captain, if I recollect. Captain Ormsbee. went up there to 
see what they were doing but they were all gone. We went down to Wolf Run Shoals 
and our regiment and the 12th Vermont were together. Colonel Blunt of the 12th had 
charge of us. He was a worker and we had the hardest and meanest work we 
ever did. We had to lay corduroy road from the Shoals to Fairfax station to get 
our supplies into camri and through the company streets and dig rifle pits down by 
the Occoquan to jirotect the ford. We were sick here with malaria and colds. 

After that the 13th Regim.ent went down on the Occoquan and some of the 
]3th and a courile of supplv wagons got .gobbled up by Mosby while on the way 
to Fairfax station for supplies. Mosby hung around some before that and got 
General Stoughton at Fairfax Court I-Iouse. He was three miles from his troops 



*'--' I III' I'liirtccHth h'rijiiiu'iit Icnuoitl I'olunlcers 

and had a small guard. Of course that Is all history now; Mosby came in the night 
and quietly took him away. Stoughtoii hail 14 horsps himself and Mosby got forty 
in all. We heard that President Lincoln said that lie could make another brigadier 
general but that the horses cost him $12r> apiece. 

The boys were disgusted with l\\>^ Ceneral for getting gobbled up so foolishly 
and said the reason he had his headquarlers so far from camp was because he 
enjoyed female society so well, but I don't know. After that General Stannard 
was appointed our brigadier general and we went to Gettysburg. We started .June 
2oth. While (in the march we jiassed a house where officers were assembled 
at dinner. We privates could not get in. I was a pretty good forager and got 
into the window with the help of one of the ladies in the house. I thi-n bought 
and handed out stuff to the boys. They had about .'lO canteens full of whiskey and 
a lot of food. I did not get out until dark and did not know where my company 
was until 1 heard an officer call out an onier to a s<iuad and kui'W his voice and went 
to my place in camj). The first of the fight at Gettysburg our brigade was at Em- 
mitsburg and llie tirst gun of the battle was fired bi'lore we got there. 1 had not 
been detailed much to guard duty but now I was sent out on the skirmish line. 
1 went out and got in behind some rails in the corner where they crossed. T had 
scarcely got in position when a bullet fired frcn^- the front in thi' rifle |)it grazed 
my face. 1 hugged the ground pretty close I can tell you. but the .Johnny was after 
me and kept shooting. He shot over, but the bullets came awful close to me. There 
was a Buck Tail who laid .iust behind me. out of iange. who saw how 1 was fixed 
and called. 'Hold on. lie close. I'll help you out." The rebels charged and 1 got out of it. 

On the morning of July 2nd. 1863, we knew we had got to fight. We went up 
with Randall and drove out a Georgia regiment and saved a battery belonging to 
the I'nited States and brought away the guns. Randall's horse was shot on that 
charge. The third day we had to form a line under a heavy fire. 1 thought my time 
had ccme. Then the charge on Pick<'tt's men was a hard jilace. I understand that 
the history of the fight says that "the only troops operating on Pickett's right fiank 
were the troops of General Stannard's Vermont Brigade." So the i)eople can all 
read it better than I can write it. A soldier is an atom of the machine. He must 
keep his place, he must do his duty. He knows that he is now in position and his 
only chance for life is to keep in jiosition. become a part of the whole and attract as 
little attention as he can. This I tried to do and I can't tell mucli about it. I was 
busy. They said that some of the boys during the heavy cannonading went to sleep. 
1 did not but 1 wanted to. Well. 1 lived, I got my discharge and am now living on 
a farm in Vermont in the town of Bakersfield with my brother. Thomas, awaiting 
the call of the long roll when T shall be mustered out. The government has beea 
good to me and I am not in need. 

I have in my room the belt for the world's champion collar and elbow w-restler, 
liut 1 can do no wrestling now: the malaria of the Occoquan has settled in my bones 
and I am disabled by rheumatism. Now, Comrade Sturtevant. in a general way 
I have done as well as 1 could and with the kindest wishes and tenderest remembrance 
for the old fellows who went over the ground with me in 18152 and 1Sfi3 I will close. 

.JOHN McMAHON. 

Kast Fairfield, Vt., April ISth, 190.^. 

This man was known for his great strength and after the war he became the 
champion wrestler of the world, wearing the belt for several years. After the 
company had captured one of the guns of the regular battery and was slowly drawing 
it ui) the slope out of the valley of Plum Run, Lieutenant Clarke, i-elievi'd .McMahon 
and five or six others of their rifles, carrying them himself, so that they could 
better push the cannon. When they reached the top of the ridge, McMahon, in 
taking his rifle back, slapped the oflicer on the shoulder and said, "By thunder. 
Lieutenant, you ought to be a brigadier general:" At latest reports McMahon was 
still living in Bakersfield. though not in the best of health. When the sporting 
•world rang with his praises his comrades were glad to say that he had a prouder 
distinction as a gallant soldier. 

I Hy a comrade who saw and heard.) 

HENRY AND JOEL McNALL. 

They were brothers, sons of William .McXall and Polly Farnsworth. Their parents 
•were industrious, honest and respectable farmers in Enosburg. Their sons were 
brought up on the farm and received such an education as the public schools could 
give them. The writer taught school in their district and was their teacher for 
a time. 1 knew them well. They were approaching young manhood and w^re 
industrious and faithful students and respected by their fellows. When the war 
broke out they had reached man's estate and were (ptick to respond to their country's 



Bioijyapliical and Historical of Company G. 623 

call. They enlisted September 11th, 1862, in Enosburg and became members of 
Company G, 13th Vermont. They remained in the service till their time expired 
and were discharged with their regiment. They excelled in soldierly virtues. They 
were obedient, trusty and faithful. They were nc shirks: they did cheerfully the many 
distasteful duties incident to a soldiers' life. They were strong to resist the tempta- 
tions so common in the army before which many go down to their ruin. At Gettys- 
burg they acquitted themselves with great credit. They were as brave as the 
bravest, as cool as the coolest. They were blessed with length of days. Both, 
however, have received their final discharges. Henry was a successful farmer in 
Westford, Vt., Joel also was a farmer in his native town, Enosburg. 

Henry McNall was born June 6th, 1840. In stature he was six feet, erect and w^eU 
proportioned. His large frame easily covered the 225 pounds weight of later years. 
After his discharge he was very sick for a year. After regaining his health he was 
very well till a few months before his death. The disease which i>roved fatal was 
sugar diabetes. He passed away February 23rd, 1902, and was buried in Brooksiit- 
Cemetery in Westford. Vt. A large circle of friends mourn his loss. Soon after the 
war he settled upon a farm in Westford. Here he lived and prospered. His heart 
was won by Elvira Dunlap of Westford whom he married February 2nd, 1869. 
Children and grandchildren came to him and he rejoiced in them all. He valued 
religious influence for his family and regularly accompanied his wife and children 
to church on Sunday. His marriage was blessed by five children. Their names 
were Harry G., Myrtle H., George W., Bertha E.. Sadie A. and Frankie. Harry owns 
the home farm in Westford and has four children. Myrtle died in 1903. George is 
a farmer in Westford and has two sons. Bertie is married and lives in Fairfax. 
Sadie is married and lives in Essex. Vt. Frankie died in childhood. 

Henry's funeral bespoke the love and esteem he received from friends and 
neighbors. Four clergymen were present, several adjoining towns sent representa- 
tives. His three brothers and two sons were bearers. From a clipping in a news- 
paper I quote. "He bore his sickness and suffering with great patience. He will 
be greatly missed in this and many adjoining towns, being a good citizen and a 
kind and obliging neighbor, while his genial and pleasant manner made him many 
friends. He was a devoted father and grandfather. 

Joel McNall was born in 1842 in Enosburg. In this town he lived and died. He 
did not marry till late in life. In the fall of 1890 he married Emma Tracy of Enos- 
burg. Four children survive him. Eva, Lottie. Ella and William. He was a worthy and 
respected citizen. In August, 1903, he went to his reward. He received the sacra- 
ment of his church a short time before his death. His widow with her children 
occupy the old homestead in Enosburg. See page of this book 310. 

WARD G. PIPER. 

In the death of Ward G. Piper we lament one of the noblest of the noble band 
of men in Company G. After a brief illness from gastric ulcer he died October 19th, 
1905. in his home at West Rutland. For details of his life I refer to his i)ersonal 
sketch. Something should be added, for his modesty prevented him from saying 
much we would like to know^ I knew him well as a boy in Bakersfleld. His father, 
an able and godly man, was my pastor during my childhood. Ward was a playful, 
mischievous boy, but guileless as country boys ought to be. At the beginning of 
the war he was but a lad of 18, but during that first year of conflict boys developed 
Into men very rapily. At 19 he was zealous to serve his country and enlisted into 
the ranks as a soldier. He was faithful, dutiful, brave and loyal — a Christian 
soldier. As a comrade he was kind and generous, ready to lend a hand, full of 
sympathy and help for the sick, a good talker and the best of company. He added 
much to the social life of the company. At Gettysburg he acquitted himself nobly. 
After his honorable discharge we separated and did not meet again for thirty years. 
At the grand encampment in Boston we met. Thanks to the thoughtful generosity 
of our self-appointed committee of arrangements, we had long talks together during 
our excursion to Nantucket and the home of Comrade Clark. I noted quickly his 
manly bearing, his growth of character, his worthy life— and his reasons for pride 
In his devoted wife and worthy and able children. He had no political ambitions, 
he did not aspire to be rich: he was content to live his life out worthily, to do his 
work faithfully, be all in all to his family, and to do society what good he could. 

Since his death I have received letters from his widow and personal friends 
in West Rutland. From them I learn that Ward united with the Congregational 
church at 17 years of age. In 1875 he joined by letter the same church in West 
Rutland of which he remained a loyal and constant member until his death. He 
held several offices in the church and made a special point in welcoming and caring 
for strangers. He was a member of the Free Masons and of the Grand Army, in 
both of which he had held important offices. At his funeral the Grand Army post 
had charge of the services at the house and the Free Masons at the grave. He was 



<^'-4 //'I' 'r hilt cent It Rcijimcnl I'rniKnil roliiiitci-is 

highly prized Ijy his employers for cfficienry and faithfulness. He was public 
spirited to a marked degree. His love of flowers was a niarl<ed characteristic, and 
they responded to his skilful and loving <are. He was generous in using them as 
mementoes of sympathy and affection. His last sickness was a noble witness to 
the reality of his faith. His widow writes me, "Ward was only sick a week. At 
times we talked together. He made arrangements for his funeral and planned every- 
thing out for me in the way of our affairs and when the end came, told me he was 
so happy and all was well with him. He was a good father, a loyal husband and a 
faithful Christian. Home was all in all to him." 

Again this sorrow stricken woman is bereaved. Five months to a day after 
the death of her husband her eldest born. William H. Piper, followed his father to 
the land of the blessed. He was an architect, a young man of great promise. She 
has remaining, to cheer her in her age, one daughter, Sara, a teacher of marked 
ability, and Charles, a worthy son residing in West Rutland. May the peace that 
passeth understanding abide with her in her shadowed home. 

A I'KKSO.XAL SKETCH 

I was born at Weathersfield. Wiiulsor county, Vt., IJecember ISth. 182. was 
oldest son of Rev. Caleb W. and Sarah .M. I Tucker i Piper. .My grand- 
father. Waldo Tucker, served as ensign in the War of 1812-14. My uncle, Major 
Simeon W. Tucker, served in the Mexican War. 1 moved with my parents to Bakers- 
field, Vt., when eleven years old. was educated at the schools there and at Underhill 
Academy, enlisted at rnderhill August 19th. 1S(;2. and joined Company G at Bakers- 
field September 10th as private. February .'>th, 1SG3, was detailed as fifer in place 
of Homer Fletcher, deceased, and served in that capacity the remainder of my term 
of service: participated with the regiment in the skirmish at Fairfax Court House 
with Stuart's Cavalry and with the re.gimeiu in all its various marches and counter- 
marches, including the battle of Gettysburg, and was mustered out at Brattleboro 
at expiration of my term of service. The first death in Company G was that of 
Homer Fletcher. I reniembei well the morning when Company G fell in, without 
arms, and escorted by the drtim corps with muffled drums, marched to the hospital 
tent where religious services were held. Our hearts were very sad for Comrade 
Fletcher was loved by all and we also felt some of those left might have a similar 
fate. For me it was particularly sad from the fact that of my own tentmates Fletcher 
was dead and the others. .lohn B. Fassett and Henry Stevens, were sick in the hospital. 
I collected all the little keepsakes and other articles belonging to Fletcher to send 
to his dear ones at home and went to Washington with Captain White to arrange 
to send his remains to Vermont. A few weeks later when the regiment left Camp 
Vermont I remained behind with Captain White, who was sick in the hospital, and 
who died a few days later. In justice to Captain White let me say that, while he 
might not have been all that was to be desired as a company commander, he im- 
pressed me as a man who had a very kind heart. 

Of the many little incidents of our regimental experiences I would like to mention 
one that occurred at Wolf Run Shoals. One beautiful morning we were alarmed by 
the beating of the long roll. After we had fallen into line Colonel Randall rode over 
in the direction of the 14th Vermont Regiment to learn the cause of the alarm. 

After a short time he came back saying that it was caused by a fool 

belonging to the 14th who was born just outside of the State of \ermont. 

The first gun of the battle was fired before we got there. I have been most of 
the time engaged in mechanical pursuits. Was married .lune ISth, 1874. to Cornelia 
L. Howe. Had three children: Sara E.. a teacher in the graded school at West 
Rutland: William H., an architect in San Francisco: and Charles A., residing in 
West Rutland. Am a pensioner at the rate of |8.00 per month. My physical health 
is fairly good with the exeption of a slight lameness caused by a dislocation of my 
left knee in February. 1903. In fact, I have had much to be thankful for in my life 
of 62 years and sincerely wish that all my comrades of the 13th Vermont may 
be equallv favored. See ])age 308 for pictures. 

WARD G. PIPER. 

ISAAC S. RANDALL 

was son of George and Emily Randall ol Franklin. Vt.. enlisted in Bakersfield. was 
a good soldier and did his duty. The writer can learn little of him. At the time of 
his death he was living in Xorthfield. He had married but was not living with his 
wife. There was some mystery surrounding his death. He was drowned. Possibly 
he accidentally fell into the water, some fear he was thrown in by some drunken 
companion. We regret that such an untimely end should come to one of our com- 
rades- who served his country well. 



Biogiapliical und Historical of Coinpaiiy G. 625 

SOLOMON RUSSELL 

was born in Danville, November 17th. 1.S42. His parents were Ira Russell 

and Laura Heath. They were farmers and Solomon received the usual edu- 
cation and training of a farmers boy. At the early age of 19 he felt it to be his 
duty to join his country's defenders. He enlisted September 11th, 1862, at Mont- 
gomery, as did his brother, Ira. and with the quota of that town was assigned to 
Company G, 13th Vermont Regiment. He was one of the youngest men in the 
company, a mere boy, but a good one. He brought to the service of his country a 
pure heart, a clean life and a noble purpose. He was a Christian, a member of the 
Methodist church, and was not ashamed to let his comrades know where he stood. 
He was one of that little band who held prayer meetings in the woods, near by, in 
the earlier days of the service and was known often to go alone into the woods to 
liray. With him to serve his country was to serve his God. The rougL chaffing of his 
fellows could not swerve him from duty. During his service in Company G he was 
as true and loyal to the Gospel flag as to "old glory." Whatever he was called to 
do he did cheerfully and well. He was a light hearted, fun making, pleasant spoken 
soldier boy. At Gettysburg he fought with his company during the second and 
third days of the battle. He was as cool as the coolest, as brave as the bravest. 
He served faithfully till the close of his term of service and received an honorable 
discharge. He returned home and remained for a time. His patriotism flared up 
anew, and under a call for one year's men he re-enlisted March 20th. 1865, and was 
asigned to Company B, 3d Vermont Regiment, and served till the close of the war. 

On his return to Montgomery he married the loved one of his choice. Miss H. ,T. 
Russell, September 4th, 186.5. His occupation has been that of farmer. He resided 
some years in Montgomery, six years in Minnesota and 20 years in New Hampshire. 
His present residence is Hillsboro Bridge (Goshen Mills), N. H. He has been blessed 
with four children; all are living and well married; Byron Russell, Gorham, N. H.; 
Charles Russell, Heniker, N. H.; Georgia, wife of S. J. Pike, Goshen, N. H. 

With advancing years his health is broken and he can do little work but his 
faith is strong and bright as ever. After his second enlistment some of his Company 
G comrades learned that he had made shipwreck of his faith and were saddened by 
it. They will be glad to read an extract from a letter he wrote to the author of this 
sketch: "1 think I have done as well as 1 could for myself. I was called a go^d 
soldier and I did what I believed to be duty to my country. You spoke of my giving 
up my religion. I did get discouraged for a short space of time. But, thank God, 
I started anew in a few months after. A little while after our marriage my wife 
and I attended a religious service and heard a powerful sermon on the text, 'Blessed 
is the Man that Walketh Not in the Counsel of the Ungodly, &c.. &c.' The text rang in 
my ears. I was reclaimed, began anew my religious life. My wife and I went home 
and erected the family altar and it never has fallen since, the fire is still burning. 
The good old book is a lamp to my feet and a light to my pathway. My children 
were brought up under the influence of prayer morning and evening and a blessing 
asked at our table. I am still on the old ship. I believe it will sail straight to 
Glory." In great feebleness, with trembling hand and palpitating heart, he penned 
me the above. It is better than a sketch. Would that we all may have as strong 
assurance of faith as we face the final muster out. 

ELEAZER RUSHFORD 

■was the son of Joseph Rushford and Isabel Ariel, was born April 4th, 1840, in Sheldon, 
'Vt. He was of French extraction but was full of love tor the land of his birth. His 
home, before and since his military service, was Montgomery, Vt. He was a farmer 
and left to his family a valuable farm. January 9th, 1868, he married Matilda 
Domney. The children by this marriage now living are Lizzie Mae, Alvah A. and 
Henry H. Lizzie married Corlis M. Foley and lives in Montgomery Center. Alvah 
married Minnie A. Corregan. Henry married Elsie Maynard. Both sons reside in 
Montgomery. Since the war he has suffered much from ill health, yet with his 
pension of $17.00 which a grateful Republic gave him, he has prospered. 

He was a devoted husband and father and a patriotic and useful citizen. In the 
fall of 1862 he responded to his country's call and enlisted for nine months at Mont- 
gomery and became a member of Company G, 13th Vermont. He completed his 
term of service and was discharged with his regiment. As a soldier he was steady, 
loyal and faithful. He won the respect and love of his comrades. .\t Gettysburg 
he was cool and brave and acquitted himself with honor. His final muster out 
occurred March 10th. 1900, at Montgomery. He died in fellowship with the church 
and leaves the blessed memory of a worthy life. His wife survives him and resides 
in Montgomery Center. The above facts were furnished me by a daughter, Mrs. C. M. 
Foley. 



(>2it 'J 111- 'I'hirtccnth Ri-i/iiiicnt I rnitnnt I 'uliiiitrrrs 

ARTEMUS ROCKWELL 

was a native of West Broome, I'. Q. H>- was oi Welch descent and had niany of the 
sterling virtues of that nationality. His occupation has been that of a farmer. In 
this he has prospered. Since the war he has resided in Montgomery and Highgate. 
At an early age, in 184G, he married Elizabeth Austin. From this union sprang six 
children. Of them only two survive, Lorin, married and a farmer in Montgomery, 
and Lester, also married and a farmer in Highgate. He enlisted in the fall of 1802 
with the nine months' men and joined Company G. He was one of the older men 
in the company and left behind him wife and children. He won and held the respect 
of all. He passed away at Highgate May 31, 1904. His wife survives. 

HENRY H. STEVENS. 

I was the son of S. H. and Klizalieth Stevens and born in Enosburg, May 1st, 
1840, attended district and high schools in H;nosburg. September 11th, 1X02. enlisted 
under a call from President Lincoln for 300,000 men for nine months. He had prom- 
ised that if the war was not stopped before a stated time he would issue a proclama- 
tion freeing the slaves. My neighbors and friends enlisted and I put my name down 
with theirs in answer to my country's call. We met at Enosburg Center to choose 
the company officers. We drilled and boarded at Sjwoner's Hotel for about a week 
and then went to liakersfield for about the same length of time. On our way to 
Ilakersfield we passed Mr. F'ay Hrigham and as we were passing he said, "Good-bye, 
boys. I don't expect to see you again." 1 asked him if he expected the boys would 
kill him before we got back. He was what we called a "copperhead" in those strenu- 
ous days. From liakersfield we went to Hrattleboro, where on October 10th, 18r)2, 
we were mustered into the service and soon started for Washington. We stayed 
the first nights in a place called, as I remember, "The Soldiers' Retreat," nearby 
the Capitol building, and then pitched our tents on East Capitol Hill. 

Others will tell of what happened at the different camps and of Colonel Randall's 
march with his boys to Union Mills. I remember well one interesting incident that 
happened while at Camp Widow Violet. I, with about twenty other boys, were 
picketing along the Occoquan river in .lune, about the llth. We saw troops on the 
other side of the river. We called to them, asking what troops they were, and found 
that they were of the Army of the Potomac- We crossed over to them in ferryboats. 
Colonel Randall going with us. We moved back to our post and saw them place 
the jiontoon bridges and the army crossed on this and at the fords on their march to 
(Jettysburg. We broke camj) and followed them, crossing the Potomac at Edward's 
Ferry, a march of seven days to the battlefield of Gettysburg. The battle and its 
results are recorded. Some of Company G boys stole a cheese from the sutler, w'ho had 
an officer search the regiments. He searched all but Company G. He said that Com- 
pany G did not know enough to steal cheese, and so passed by. 

At the battle of Gettysburg, as we charged the rebels, about fifty of them stopped 
under cover of a house and barn. As we came to the buildings they ran for the 
woods a little way back. The Colonel said,"Halt!" twice, without effect. Then he 

very emjihatically said, "G d d n you boys, stop that running." They stopped, 

threw down their guns and came back prisoners. .My father, Samuel H. Stevens, 
and grandfather, Samuel Stevens, and .great-grandfather. Oliver Stevens, are buried 
in the cemetery here at Enosburg Center, marked on each tombstone. I married 
Cornelia, daughter of Stephen T. and Olive Anderson. My wife died in 1S90. leaving 
two children, Mabel M. and Irving H. Stevens. 

HENRY H. STEVENS. 

IRA ALDEN SMITH. 

My parents, who were Asa Smith and .\nianda Taylor, though .\merican born, 
for a time resided in Dunham, Que.. Canada, where I was born Ai)ril .'ith. is:!ft, but 
removed to Montgomery, Vt., in 1S44. I received a public school education. In early 
manhood 1 learned the trade of carpenter, the trade of my father, and was at work 
at my trade when I enlisted. Since the war 1 have been both architect and builder 
and have resided in Chicago and in East Berkshire, my present home. .My wife, 
Amelia, and 1 have had three children, Leon and Leroy. twin sons, they are com- 
mercial travelers: and Maud, now Mrs. A. H. Seaver, and residing in Taftsville. My 
health is poor and am unable to attend the reunions of the regiment. I enlisted at 
Montgomery September llth, lSfi2. for the period of nine months and became a 
member of Company G. I will relate some incidents of the war. 

When we had orders, about June 2.5th, 1S63, to break camp and overtake and 
join the 1st Corps, many thought we were starting for home. 1 was in poor health 
but succeeded in remaining with the company. But as 1 was half sick I was allowed 
to march as I pleased, so did not march any of the time with my company. After 
a. day or two 1 noticed the boys began to throw away their cartridges and the night 



Bio(jraph'ual and Historical of Coinf>aH\ G. bjy 

before reaching Gettysburg the boys of some regiment in front of us must have 
thrown away nearly all they had left as they were scattered along the ground. About 
the niifidle of the afternoon I succeeded in running onto General Stannard. I saluted 
and told him what I had noticed and, pointing toward Gettysburg where we could 
see smoke and hear cannonading. I told him "we are in bad shape to meet the rebs." 
Then a smart aide asked to see my cartridge box. I lifted the flap, it was full. The 
General very soon called a halt and ordered up ammunition and all cartridge boxes 
were filled. On July 2nd one of General Howard's Dutch regiments gave way and 
w'ere falling back on us. Colonel Randall swore at them awfully, as I suppose he 
was afraid we would break also, but soon the order came to fill a gap they had 
made and we started on the run, like wild Indians. Just here the Colonel's horse 
was shot dead and fell so as to catch his left leg and pin him to the ground; some 
fellows caught the horse's head, I seized his tail and we pulled the horse over so the 
Colonel's leg was freed. He jumped up and ran out in front and cried, "Come on 
boys, all right." I wonder he did not get shot by his own boys. He soon saw he 
was out of his place, lowered his head and walked to his position. We chased the 
rebs half a mile over their own ground and took some of their guns besides recaptur- 
ing our battery. I went as one of the guard to the rear with the prisoners and some 
of them told me that the yelling of our boys led them to think that a great re-inforce- 
ment had come up to help us and they broke and ran. I was in the third day's fight 
with the rest. 

IRA A. SMITH. 
East Berkshire, Vt. 

This comrade has favored us with a sketch. Born in Canada, he chose 
■Vermont as his home. His residence in the Windy City, where he labored as 
architect and contractor for some time, did not wean him from the Green Mountain 
State. He returned to his first love, Vermont, contented to spend his old age within 
her borders. He was a good soldier, faithful in duty and brave in action. He 
acquitted himself with great credit at Gettysburg. He was a genial, pleasant com- 
panion and helpful and kind to his comrades. In the feebleness of age we wish him well 
and the satisfaction of a life well spent. 

MAJOR B. SMITH 

was the son of Asa Smith and Amanda Taylor. His parents were natives of Vermont 
but emigrated to Canada and settled in St. Armand. In this place Major was born 
July 27th, 1822. He received such a practical education as the public schools could 
give him. In due time he reversed the course pursued by his parents and emigrated 
to Vermont. His trade was that of his father, that of a carpenter and joiner. Not 
till October 2nd, ISSO did he take to himself a wife. Lucy A. Smith. From this union 
came four children, Jane, Hurlbut, Albion and Lillie. Hurlbut resides in Enosburg 
and Albion in Norwich. Conn. 

His wife died in 1S88 but his daughter. Jane, remained with him and continued 
his housekeeper till July 4th, 1906, when she died suddenly. Two days before this 
death Truman Hurlbut, the husband of his daughter, Lillie, died in Springfield, Mass. 
Lillie. being childless, returned to her father's and now cares for him in his old age. 
Major belonged to a patriotic family. Five brothers served in the Union army. His 
brother, Ira, belonged to Company G, three others served in other regiments. One 
of them died in Libby Prison. 

Since the war our comrade has resided in Enosburg. His military record is a 
worthy one. When the call for nine months' men came, he was quick to respond. 
He was past forty and one of the oldest men among the volunteers. He enlisted 
September 10th, 1862, and became a member of Company G, 13th Vermont. At heart 
he was as young as the youngest. As a comrade he was genial, kind and helpful. 
He was faithful in the discharge of every duty and served his country well. At 
Gettysburg he received a wound in the abdomen which made a semi-invalid and 
gave him a pension. But it did not shorten his life. At the advanced age of 84 his 
handwriting shows no tremor of age. 

I take pleasure in adding a short sketch sent me by his (then) lieutenant. 
Colonel Albert Clarke. "Major B. Smith — This man was a carpenter in Enosburg. 
Not being very tall his position was near the left of the company. His name was some- 
times the occasion of the joke. For instance, when there was a dispute as to which was 
in command of the regiment. Captain Boynton. who had not received his commission 
as major, or Captain Lonergan, who claimed by rank. Smith is said to have remarked 
that 'nothing but modesty kept him from claiming command, as he was the only 
and original 'Major' present.' " In the field south of Cemetery Hill when under 
artillery fire on the second day he met with a narrow escape. Suddenly he nearly 
doubled up and turning to Lieutenant Clarke be said, "I'm killed. My bowels are 
all coming out." The officer pulled his hands from his stomach and saw that there 



628 The Tliiitrriiflt Kcfiiiiwiil I i-niiniil I '<iliiiitct-rs 

was IK) blood but Ihat his btlt fliisp was (loul)lc(l uii like a list. On oponliiK his 
clothing Ihire was seiii to bf 110 liitali ol his skin liiit redness and swelling that 
Indicated a hard blow. Tlie lieiilenant congratulated liini that his belt plate had 
iiaved his life and excused hitn from duty as he was evidently severely hurt. A 
chronic tenderness of the diaphragm resulted for which he was pensioned but, 
though an invalid, he has enjoyed length of days. 

EDMUND L. VINCENT. 

I was born in Hudson, N. Y., August 2nd, 1845. My parents were Ira Vincent 
and Sophia (Stanley) Vincent. My father was a farmer and country sttore merchant. 
I was educated at Cook's Corner, P. Q., St. Armand, P. Q., and Franklin, Vt. My 
occupation has been, before and since the war, a caritenter and joiner. I married 
Ellen Harvey and the result of this happy union was Clarence U., Cora H., who 
married L. E. Fulton, and Chloe A., who married Arnold O. Hell. I have three grand- 
children, Ruth M. and Bessie U. Tatrow and Lester Vincent. I enlisted August, 
18G2, from Enosburg, Vt., and joined Company G, called the Hakersfield company. 

I re-enlistid and was assigned to another comijany but do not recall date of last en- 
listment. 1 was in the battle of Cettytburg. A short time before the battle of Gettys- 
burg was detailed and sent to a Rhode Island battery. 1 was on the left during the fight 
near Little Round Top. The battery in which 1 served had a hot time during the battle. 
I was glad of a chance to take part in tiring the cannon. It was music most all the time. 
It is better service than infantry. 1 was discharged about a month after the battle 
of Gettysburg. I have ever been proud and thankful that I volunteered and joined 
Company G of the "old 13th Regiment." We had the best kind of an officer in 
Colonel F. V. Randall. I would like to see the survivors of Company G and hope 
I may before I am finallv mustered out 

EUMUXD L. VLXCENT. 

HENRY WELLMAN 

was a native of Montgomery, Vt., the home of his parents, Kendrick and Orvilla 
(Scott) Wellman. He first saw the light September 17th. 1836. He was educated 
in the schools of Montgomery and learned the trade of a blacksmith. In the summer 
of 1862 he heard his country's call and enlisted as one of the quota of his native 
town for the term of nine months and became a member of Company G. He was 
a typical blacksmith and became a fine soldier. Tall, erect, muscular and full of 
sinewy strength, he marched — a commanding figure near the head of his company. 
He was big hearted, kind, genial and helpful. His habits were good and a man to 
be trusted. He commanded the respect and love of his comrades. He was in the 
thick of the fight at Gettysburg and acquitted himself with honor. He served his 
country faithfully till his term expired and he was discharged with his regiment 
July 21st. 1SC3. 

Returning home he resumed work at the anvil and bellows. Again he heard and 
heeded his country"s tall and re-enlisted January 16th. lS6.'i. in Company A. 9th Regiment 
Vermont. He was present with his regiment at the fall of Richmond. April 3rd, 
lS6.'i. He was honorably discharged at Portsmouth. Va.. December 1st, 186.'). He 
again took up his trade and worked at it as he was able the rest of his life. During 
his last army service he suffered much from sickness which left him with an 
enfeebled constitution. The government rewarded him with a pension. After the 
war he made his home at Newfane. Vermont. Here he married Mrs. Alice M. Clapp. 
The fruits of this union were three children, Hugh Henry, Ruth Rosette, Marcus 
Ray. The writer is assured Henry was a devoted husband, a kind and loving father 
and honored and respected by all. He departed this life February 6th. 1902. Henry"s 
widow, Alice, is again happily married to a veteran, a Mr. Pierce, resides in Newfane 
and provides a home for the above children. Marcus Ray is but ten years old. 

ALBERT WELLS. 

He was both a Christian and a patriot. With a family to support and a farm 
to till, at the age of 39 years he felt it to be his duty to serve his country in the 
war. Being older than most of his comrades, they respected and honored him. They 
were quick to recognize his sterling worth as a man, his loyalty to duty as a soldier 
and his good work as a follower of Christ. His eminent fitness to minister to the 
Bick was soon recognized and he was called to service in the hospital where he 
soothed many a dying pillow, received from them messages and tokens of love to 
sorrowing friends in the home land, while by his tender ministry he won back to 
health n^any a discouraged, heartsick as well as body sick comrade. He took back to 
his family and friends the same honesty and uprightness with which he left them. 
Brownington did well in honoring him with all the offices within her gift. He lived 



Bioyral'lucal and Historical of Company G. 629 

and died in fellowship with the Baptist church. He was a kind and loving father 
and husband. His influence for good lives in his two surviving children, his four 
grandchildren and his four great-grandchildren, who are the children of Hattie Denison 
Leland. He wore the Grand Army button and his post paid him loving tribute 
at his funeral. 

Albert Wells, son of Samuel and Lydia (Bliss) Wells, was born in Enosburg, 
Vt., July 25th, 1S23, died January 2nd, 1903, in Brownington, Vt. He married Aurelia 
Whitcomb, who died May 6th, 1S97. Later he was married to her sister, Harriet 
(Whilcomb) Andrus, who still survives him. He had three children, two sons and 
one daughter. The youngest son, Franklin B. Wells, died December 30th, 1904. The 
eldest son, Edgar S. Wells, resides in Brownington, Vt. The daughter, Cynthia 
(Wells) Denison, resides in Barton Landing, Vt. Both are prosperous farmers. 

Albert Wells enlisted in Company G, 13th Vermont Volunteers from Enosburg. 
He was a farmer and his family were dependent upon him for support, but when the 
country called for nine months' men he responded and, bidding good-bye to family 
and friends, committing them into the hands of his Heavenly Father, went forth 
in defence of his country. Before he left his native town he engaged his shoe maker 
to make him a pair of boots, putting his name on them, but when he reached 
Virginia he found they hurt his feet and he threw them away. Imagine his surprise 
when, on his return to Brattleboro to be mustered out of service at the end of nine 
months, to find in the barracks just occupied by the 12th Regiment the identical 
boots Ihat he had thrown away in Virginia. Soon after reaching Virginia his cousin, .loci 
Bliss, was taken sick and he was detailed to go into the hospital to care for him, which he 
faithfully did until Joel passed over the river, which was but a few days, but they saw 
fit to keep him in the hospital as a nurse, where he faithfully cared for the sick and dying. 
He formed many endearing ties of friendship while there and was wont to speak 
often of Doctor Nichols, whom he thought much of. After a time he was afflicted 
with a fever and while convalescent he was sent out to act as a guard for a private 
family, where he received very kind care and treatment. 

After he was mustered out of service he returned to Enosburg and resumed his 
former occupation. In the fall that the St. Albans raid took place, he, in company 
■with his wife, met this band of robbers in Sheldon and one of the leaders inquired 
of him how far it was to the "border" and he replied, "You will find it quite a piece 
before you get there," and soon he picked up a revolver that they dropped in their 
hot haste. Next he met the pursuers and one without any arms so he loaned him 
the revolver. In the fall of 1S6.T he removed to Brownington. Orleans County. Vt., 
■where he spent the remainder of his life. In 1876 he was elected by his townsmen 
to represent the town in the legislature and at different times occupied all of the 
responsible offices in town. Wherever his duty called him in life he faithfully did his 
work in an unselfish manner. 

CYNTHIA WELLS DENISON. 

FRIEND B. WOODAED. 

He was the son of George and Polly Woodard, was born June 1st, 1832, in 
Franklin, Vt. He was educated in the district schools of Enosburg and Montgomery. 
His vocation before the war was that of a carpenter. Since then he has followed 
the same trade. Since the war he has resided in Eden, Vt., and Fort Covington, 
N. Y. He now resides at Dickinson Center, N. Y. At Fort Covington he married 
Maryetta Fellows. This union has been blessed by two children, George S. Woodard, 
now residing in Schenectady, N. H., and Verness S., who is married and lives with 
her father. 

In the fall of 1862 at Montgomery he enlisted for the term of nine months and 
served till his time expired. He has a hospital record and was excused from duty 
on account of sickness. It was not his privilege to be in the battle of Gettysburg as 
he was at Mt. Pleasant Hospital at the time of the battle. He was no less brave 
and patriotic than those who were in the thick of the fight. He was a true and 
faithful soldier. His name was Friend — he was a friend by nature. He was ever 
ready to help a needy or suffering comrade. The three Woodards, Friend and 
Hartford, brothers, and Guy, a cousin, did credit to Company G and, I doubt not, 
have served their country as faithfully in time of peace as in war. God has blessed 
them with length of days. 

JOHN WILSON. 

■was the son of John and Susan Wilson, was born in Newport 1827. He was a car- 
penter by trade. After the war he became a farmer and resided in Richford, Vt. 
He was twice married, first to Adelia Rowell, second to Louisa Heath. He had six 
children of whom four are living. Two reside in Richford, one at Lyndonville and 
one in Nova Scotia. In the fall of 1862 he responded to the call of his country and 



630 Tl'.c Th'utccitlh Rciiiiiiciit I cniunit I olmitccrs 

enlisted for nine niontlis. He was a good soldier and did his duty well. He was 
discharKed with his regiment. On his return to Richford he was soon called to 
mourn the loss of his first wife. He worked hard to support his large family. He 
suvived his second wife. He was honored by being placed upon the pension rolls 
of the government. He died August 25th, 1901. 

HARTFORD P WOODARD, 

son of George and Polly Woodard. was born in KnosburK. Vl.. in the year ISli. Soon 
after his birth his parents moved to MontRomery and resided there till their death. 
Hartford was brother of Friend Woodard and cousin of Guy Woodard, all of Company 
G. The "spirit of '7G" must have possessed the Woodards, certainly they were 
patriotic soldiers and served their country well. On October 1st, 1862, he enlisted 
for a term of nine months in Montgomery and l)eoame a member of Company G. 
Though only a boy of is he rendered his country a good service and was a brave 
and faithful soldier and a genial and kind hearted comrade. He bore the hardships 
and deprivations of a soldier's life with cheerfulness and courage. 

His occupation both before and since the war has been that of a mechanic. He 
has resided most of his life in Montgomery. As he could command better wages 
at his trade in Connecticut than in Vermont he left his native State and settled 
in Forestville, Conn., where he now resides. Hartford and Alvira Patch were united 
in marriage in 1S66. They lived together for 2li years, when the beloved wife passed 
away. After remaining single for two years he took to himself a second wife, 
Luthera Woodard. Six children have been born to him; but sorrow has come to 
his home as four of them have died. Two survive, Ella M. Sargent, resides in 
Johnson, Vt., William M. Woodard, not married, resides in Hartford. Conn. He is 
still w'orking at his trade though in later years lie has suffered from impaired health. 
He now resides in Forestville, Conn. 

GUY WOODWARD. 

I am the son of Daniel and Ruth Woodward. I was born October 16th, 1S3S, on a 
farm in Enosburg. I enlisted in Enosburg for the term of nine months September 
11th, 1862, and joined Company G, 13th Vermont Regiment. After my term expired 
I was honorably discharged .Inly 21st, 1863. My occupation has been that of a 
farmer both before and after my army service. July 4th, 1864, I married Jane 
Martin. Two children were born to us, J. A. and B. O. Woodward. After seven years 
my wife died. In 1872 I married Mary George. This union resulted in four children, 
Jane E., Emma L., Daniel E. and Clara M. Three of them reside in Enosburg. I 
lived in Troy, Vt., for 13 years. Since then I have resided in Enosburg. 

A few incidents of my army life occur to me. After going to Washington we 
encamped for the first night near the Capitol building, then for a while on East 
Capitol Hill and then, crossed the Potomac and encamped at Camp Vermont. Once 
I was out three days on picket and came home with haversack full of fresh pork. 
I'll not say anything about the sutler's cheese except that I had a good piece of it. At 
one time Will Dwyer and I went out foraging. As we were returning we met Colonel 
Randall. He asked us what we had under our blouses. I looked around and said, 
"Jim has a chicken." and he said to me. "You have the same." May 14th, 1863, I 
started with the team from camp for the station. On the way we were surrounded 
and captured by the rebels near Mt. Hermon. on the Oxford road. They took us 
to Gainsville where we were paroled by Lieutenant Smith, 4th Virginia Cavalry. The 
day following we returned to camp. On the Ifith we were sent to Washington to 
the new parole camp. On the 27th I joined my regiment and marched with them to 
Gettysburg. After pursuing the enemy for two or three days we were detached and 
sent to Baltimore and then to Brattleboro where we were mustered out of service. 

GUY WOODWARD. 

JOHN TAGUE. 

He was born in Fairfield, Vt., but enlisted from the town of liakersfield in 
September, 1862. and was a member of Company G. He was one of the younger boys 
and was lively and full of fun. ready for a scrap at all times. His father and mother 
■were Irish and he was Irish too and genuine Yankee just the same. He was proud 
of his descent and claimed old Ireland was the land from which sprang the best 
material for soldiers. Tt is true that Comrade Ta.c;ue was a first class fellow and 
soldier, none better in Company G. honest and never stole hens or milked cows when 
on the picket line except when hungry and short of rations. He had a genial dispo- 
sition, humorous and trite in his conversation. At the battle of Gettysburg he 
acquitted himself with honor. He manifested no fear and exposed his person with 
reckless daring. He was seriously wounded, a minnie ball passing through both legs 



Biographical and Historical of Company G. 631 

above the knees, but he recovered and returned to his home and recovered so as 
to be able to labor. He married the sister of John McMahon. the noted shoulder 
and elbow wrestler and to them were born several children, all good wrestlers. He 
still survives and his home is in East Fairfield, Vt. His old comrades are always 
welcome. 

JOSEPH W. WARNER. 

This was a tall, strong man with a slight stoop and very thick, dark hair and full 
beard. When Lieutenant Clarke came to the company Warner applied to him for 
the privilege of doing his chores for compensation and instruction and an arrange- 
ment was made. Soon Warner confessed his inability to write and asked the 
lieutenant to write for him to his wife. The lieutenant expressed his surprise and 
asked Warner how it happened that he had been reared in Vermont and could not 
write. Warner replied that, although he was cousin to Colonel James M. W'arner 
of the 11th Vermont (a graduate of West Point and, after the war, post-master of 
Albany, N. Y.I, their fathers were different. Jim's father favored education and 
Joe's father did not, but kept him in the woods chopping. Clarke offered to teach 
him and the offer was eagerly accepted and he made good progress. 

On the march to Gettysburg, after passing Frederick. Md., an order was issued 
to take the ofBcers' baggage from the wagons to relieve the Jaded horses and burn it 
to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy. After the march was resumed Clarke 
saw Warner carrying his valise and his heart was touched, but he assumed stern- 
ness, told Warner that he was violating orders and commanded him to throw his burden 
away. Warner pleaded so hard that he was permitted to carry it until they could 
leave it at the house of some loyalist. Soon, however, there came along a wagon 
driven by Warren Corse, a member of Company G, and when the story was told to 
him he took in the valise and saved it. 

On the third day at Gettysburg, after the regiment had advanced to meet Pickett, 
a shell struck Warner's cartridge box and carried it away. The impact threw him 
to the ground and as he rolled over Lieutenant Clarke said, "Try to get up, Warner, 
I guess you are not hurt." Warner felt of his right hip and coming to his feet, 
replied, "Wal, I vow, I guess I ain't, but I've lost my cartridge box." He soon 
obtained one, however, from a man who had fallen, and was loading his rifle when 
a bullet passed across the front of his legs midway above the knees, cutting the 
flesh about one-half its size. He dropped his rifle, placed his hands over the wounds 
and in that stooping attitude loped to the rear, without objection. After getting out 
of range he examined his injuries and, finding they were only slight, returned to 
the front, explaining that he would rather be with the boys than looking out for 
himself. 

Some years after the war Lieutenant Clarke went to Montgomery to attend a 
political meeting and availed of the occasion to hunt up the old boys. He was told 
that Warner re-entered in the 17th Vermont and never returned and was recorded 
as a deserter. Clarke could not believe that such a man would desert so he deter- 
mined to look up the facts. Warner's widow told him that a law firm in 
St. Albans had been trying to get evidence but a fire destroyed their papers and 
they were unable to proceed. Clarke learned from them that they had heard of a 
man who claimed to have seen AVarner in Fredericksburg. Va., just after the battle 
of the Wilderness, suffering from a severe wound and a high fever, but that they 
had lost his name and address in the fire. Mrs. Warner had an impression that the 
man was once employed in St. Johnsbury. Following this clue Clark found him and 
obtained his affidavit which was to the effect that while hunting for a friend among 
the thousands of wounded who had been brought to Fredericksburg he saw Warner, 
whom he had formerly known, suffering as above related, and Warner told him that 
while driving cattle in rear of the army, in pursuance of orders, the guard had been 
overpowered by a strong body of rebel cavalry and that after some delay and great 
suffering he had been picked up by an ambulance and brought to Fredericksburg. 
The man also testified that when he next called to see Warner he was pointed to 
his grave. 

Vpon the strength of this evidence, accusing as it did, with the fact that W'arner 
had been thus detailed and that such a raid had occurred, Clarke was able to get 
the War Department to correct the record because the record of desertion was not 
made from any evidence, but in pursuance of a standing order that when a soldier 
was absent unaccounted for two months he was to be dropped from the rolls as a 
deserter. The result of this correction was not only a vindication of the good name 
of a brave and faithful soldier, but the recovery by his widow and four minor 
children of pay and pension, the arrears of which were more than $1800. 

ALBERT CLARKE. 



(\^2 The Tliirtrcittli Kciiiiiicnt I'l'niioiil I'oluntccrs 

SUMNER WARNER. 

1 was l)ui'ii .M;i.v istli, is:;'., and t-iilistccl Si-pti-iiibfi- liHIi, 1,S(;2. and counti'd on 
the quota of Knosbuig, \'t.. and joined the liakurslield company which was Coni|)any 
(i. I was IjiouKht up as a farmer and my tducation was in the old district school, 
and but little of that. The call for :!liO,00(j men for nine months was made and I at 
once began to consider if 1 could go for that time and leave my family and business. I 
was building a house, just raised and enclosed, and was very anxious to fix up a 
house to live in. Thomas Snell and Albert Wells came to see if 1 would not go 
with them in same compauy. I finally said I would, one of us to go from the east 
part of the town. Five of us, all heads of families, agreed to enlist, namely. Thomas 
T. Snell. Albert Wells, John S. Hayes and myself. We all served our term and 
returned to our homes and 27 years afterward we were all alive, happy and thankful 
that we volunteered and joined Company G, ISth Regiment, Vermont \'olunteers. 
I have been twice married. My first wife was May C. Smith and my second Armanda 
S. Miles. 1 have four children, all girls and all married; Mrs. Nelliie A. Cushman, 
Lyndonville, Center, Vt.; Nellie M. Salman, West Burke, Vt.; Flora B. Chesley, 
Sheffield, Vt., and Xora C. Cowling. St. Johnshury. Vt. 

1 recall an army incident while at Wolf Run Shoals. Va., down the Occoquan 
river, in charge of Lieutenant Albert Clarke. It was a dark night and the detail 
was fearful that Mosliy and his bush whacking l>and was lurking across the river 
to find a place to cross. We built no fires and silently watched and waited for them 
to come. Our guns were loaded of course and we were ready to fire at sight of 
any one on the other side. 

On the last day of the fight at Gettysburg, in the forenoon, I was one that volun- 
teered to go out between the lines in plain sight of the rebel sharpshooters and 
cannonaders and build a breastwork out of common fence rails. Lieutenant Clarke 
called for volunteers and Sergeant George H. Scott jumped up and said. "1 will be 
one," and then others from Company G, Corporal Hitchcock. Oakley Brigham, the 
rest I do not remember their names. Quite a number from the other companies 
joined and we did a good job and quickly, too. for the bullets and shells made us 
hurry. A bullet hit a rail being carried on the shoulder of Fernando C. Willett 
that brought him to the ground, rail and all, but it did him no harm. It was a hot 
place to be in and we were glad when it was through with. I came out of the battle 
all right and returned home, completed my house, and have never been sorry I 
enlisted. I had a brother in the same company. Joseph W. Warner, he was born 
on the same dav and he and 1 are twins but 1 do not remember or know which saw 
daylight first. " SUMMER WARXER. 

ELI TRUDELL 

was the son of James and Mary Trudell, was born in Enosburg, Vt.. April 28th, 1844. 
His parents were French and lived on a farm. His occupation before and since 
the war has been that of farming. He belongs to the goodly number of Company O 
■who went West and settled, leaving Vermont in 1865. He lived in Illinois eight 
years, after which he settled in Kansas. His present residence is Clay Center. Kan. 
As a soldier he has a fine record. He enlisted September 11th in Montgomery and 
became a member of Company G. He served faithfully till the expiration of his 
term. We remember him as one of the boys of our company, IS years of age, small 
of stature, five feet four inches, dark of complexion, light of weight. He loved his 
country and served her well. He was a good uatured, kind hearted comrade and 
won the respect of all. With his company he was actively engaged in the battle of 
Gettysburg and fought bravely. 

He has been married twice, first in 1866, secondly, in 1879, to Ada B. Goodwin. In 
one respect he has been patriotic beyond his comrades. He has giiven to his country 
nine children — James, Laura, Guy, Charles, Louisa, Harry, Ethel, Frank and Joseph. 
All are living and reside in Kansas save James, who lives in North Dakota. None 
are married save Laura, who married Asa Killen. Eli and his wife are both living 
and enjoying together a comfortable old age. 

FERNANDO CORTEZ WILLETT 

I am asked to give a sketch of our lamented Comrade Fernando Cortez Willett. 
I am glad to pay this tribute to my life long friend. By blood he was my first cousin, 
but I loved him as a brother. Our love for each other was like unto that of Uamon 
and Pythias of classic story or that of David and Jonathan of Bible history. For near- 
ly eight years we were almost constantly together. No misunderstanding ever 
clouded our fellowship, no unkind nor ugly word ever passed between us. Our 
tastes, ideals and ambitions were singularly alike. We had warm discussions, we 
practiced all sorts of jokes upon each other but never to the jeopardy of our friend- 
ship. Each "grappled the other to his heart with hooks of steel." 



Biogvapliical and Historical of Company G. 033 

We were room-mates and classmates together during tour years of college life, 
then mess-mates and tent-mates while together in the army. Again in the theological 
seminary we roomed together and were in the same class. To be with him I left 
my seminary in Andover, Mass., and joined him at Lane Seminary in Cincinnati, O., 
where we studied together our Greek and Hebrew Bible. He was a member of my 
council which ordained me to the ministry. I think I was the last friend to bid him 
good-bye as he left America to find his grave in Mexico. My sketch of him must 
be that of a warm friend and enthusiastic admirer yet I am sure I shall say nothing 
of which he is not worthy. Lest, however, I may seem to over estimate his work 
and character, I shall quote freely the estimate of others as contained in the press 
notices given of him at the time of his death. 

Fernando Cortez Willett was born A. D. 1842, in Bakersfield, Vt. His parents 
were Nathaniel Willett and Sarah (Shattuck) Willett. His maternal grandfather 
was Oliver Shattuck of Bakersfield. His parents were prominent members of the 
Congregational church and parish, the father for many years being a leader of the 
choir. Fernando inherited from his father a retentive memory, a dry humor and 
a love of story telling which made him the delight of the social circle. He inherited 
from his mother his fine sensibilities, his sensitive nature, his high ideals. He owed 
to both by inheritance and training the sterling Puritan virtues which encircled his 
character. His maternal grandfather, Oliver Shattuck, one of the first settlers of 
the town, belonged to the "old guard" of abolitionists. He withdrew from the 
Methodist church on account of their complicity with slavery and joined the Anti- 
Slavery M^esleyan church. He held that the United States constitution did not sane 
tion slavery and to be ready to prove it carried about with him a pocket edition of 
this charter of our liberties. The writer has the finger marked copy as an heirloom 
of the family. His example and teaching awakened in Fernando a love of country 
and hatred of slavery which burst into flame when the war came. 

Another influence helped to shape Fernando's life — his maternal uncle. Erastus 
Shattuck was a scholar. He worked his way through Burlington College, accepted 
a call to a professorship in the Pacific University in the then Territory of Oregon. 
After teaching for a time he entered the law, was a member of the Constitutional 
Convention and did much toward shaping the State constitution. After Oregon became 
a state he was elected judge of the Supreme Court and held the office for 30 years. 
He was once a candidate for United States Senate and lost the election by one 
purchasable vote which he refused to buy. He was known as "the just judge." His 
counsel and his example inspired Fernando's ambition to get an education and make 
the most of his life. He prepared for college in the academies of Bakersfield and 
Barre. In these schools he worked hard and stood high. His preparatory course 
finished, he, with the writer of this article, entered Troy University. At this point 
commenced the long fellowship between them. They spent two terms in this insti- 
tution. Then, forseeing the close of the college for lack of funds, they withdrew 
and entered Williams College at Williamstown, Mass., and joined the class of '64. 

In this institution he completed his college course. He commanded the respect 
and admiration of teachers and students. He ranked high in scholarship. He was 
a hard student. His genius was that of hard work. Athletics did not attract him, 
he had not time for sports. He despised the petty tricks of college students; he 
eschewed society, it cost too much time and money. He had a facile pen and ready 
speech and stood high in debates and other literary contests. His nine months' 
service in the army compelled him to drop back a year and join the class of '65, 
with which he graduated. His high rank in scholarship made him one of the "honor 
men" of his class. Because of his ability as a writer and speaker his class elected 
hiin to the highest honor in their gift, that of class day orator. His oration was 
a classic. Its theme was "Honor all men." Its treatment was masterful. Its de- 
livery was eloquent. His class were proud of him. It was declared to be the ablest 
class day oration that had been delivered for many years. It was printed and 
admired by those who read it. During Fernando's junior year a deep religious interest 
pervaded the college and many entered the Christian life. Among them our comrade 
of Company G. This no doubt turned his thoughts toward the ministry as his chosen 
vocation. In his choice of Church he was dominated by reason rather than emotion. 
It was a matter of principle and duty. He ought to be a Christian — that settled It. 
Henceforth his religious life was calm, deep, constant, consistent to its close. 

HIS ARMY LIFE 

Fernando's college course was with the Civil War and his army service was 
rendered during that course. He and the writer, after their first year in college, 
returned to Bakersfield for their vacation The war had -commenced. The three 
months men were in the field the enemy flushed with victory, were threatening 
Washington. A call for 300,000 two years' men was issued. Town meetings were being 
held to fill Bakersfield's quota. Patriotism ran high. Enlistments were in the air. 



(i_^4 / /'<' Tliiilci-iitli Ri-(j illicit I I i-niiiiiit I'nluiitccrs 

These college boys faced the question of duty. Should lliey iiiipciil their college course 
and respond to their country's call? "The Spirit of '?»>" took possession of them and put 
down all objection, and they enlisted. The regiment met and organized at Burlington. 
For nearly two weeks we drilled. At length an order came from Washington to disband 
all two years' regiments and re-enlist them as three years' men. This honorably released 
them and they could re-enlist or not as they deemed wise. Again they reconsidered 
this question of duly and the old love for an education was aroused again. The 
college tugged at their heart strings. They could withdraw without discredit and 
serve their country at a later period should she ni'ed them. So they decided to return 
to Williams and continue their studies for the i)resi'nl lime. 

Another year passes. Our college boys are back in Bakersfield for their summer 
vacation. The nation is in a great emergency. Our armies must be reinforced. 
Lincoln calls for 300,000 nine months' men. The spirit of iiatriotism will not down; 
duty calls; now is their o))portunity. They can give a year to their country and if 
spared to return they will resume and finish their studies. All objections are swept 
away and they enlisted with other Bakersfield boys and became members of Company 
G, and shared the experiences of army life with their regiment. Fernando was there 
as a matter of duty. He was a scholar rather than a soldier. He had no military 
ambition. He never sought or preferred the straps of officers. He was content to 
serve his country as a "high private in the rear ranks." lint in that humble position 
he was an example to all. 'The deprivations of camp life did not depress nor dis- 
hearten him. He was never homesick nor discouraged. He would make spirit out 
of the hardest experiences. He was loyal in duty, obedient to superiors, cool and 
fearless in action. At Gettysburg he was in the thick of the fight in the two great 
crises of the battle and no soldier acquitted himself more bravely than he. He was 
as cool on the battlefield as in the schoolroom. With his self-command and trained 
mind and his inliuence over men he had all the elements to make him a successful 
officer. I marched by his side during the long march to Gettysburg. He was not 
strong, had recently returned from the hospital, below the medium size, not 
used to hardships, yet he kept in the ranks, refused all help, stuck by his regiment, 
was cheerful and hopeful through it all. He greeted all with a smile and a pleasant 
■word and "lent a hand" to a sick or needy soldier. If he was less in evidence at 
playing of cards and other sports it was because he did not forget he was a scholar. 
His leisure hours were mostly spent in the study of shorthand, which he mastered 
In the army so he could take his lectures on his return to study in that way. When 
shut up in his tent tew knew what he was doing. He was of medium size, dark com- 
plexion, black hair and jnercing black eyes and lithe, slender body. His constitution 
was not strong. The exposures of army life told upon him and he sickened and 
was sent to the general hospital. For some weeks he was separated from his re,giment, 
but he would not be invalided home and returned to his regiment as soon as health 
permitted, and served faithfully till his term of service ended. After our return 
to Vermont while we were in Brattleboro, our term of service having expired the 
government in its distress asked the regiment to return to Xew York and help 
to put down the anti-draft riots that were reigning in the metropolis. It was sub- 
mitted to a vote. Fernando voted to respond to this call and thought it our duty 
to go. Here as always duty dominated his action. The regiment declined the call. 
Our military service having ended, Fernando and the writer resumed their studies 
at Williams College, grateful to God for sparing them to secure the education they 
craved. 

AS A TEACHER. 

After his graduation Fernando found himself heavily encumbered by debt, the 
price of his education. He set himself at once to pay this debt. He first took the 
principalship of Bakersfield Academy. His success was immediate and pronounced. 
Within a year he received a call to Evansville, Ind., to become principal of the high 
school of the city. This call he accepted. The school was large with a large corps 
of teachers. It was in a demoralized condition. He reorganized it, reversed its 
course of study and introduced new- methods. He qviickly became master of the 
situation, won the respect of both teachers and pupils and showed his marked ability 
both to govern and to teach. Unmindful of himself he threw his whole soul into 
the work. He gave to the school four years of unremitting labor. He was not content 
with this, but entered the Sunday school of his church and sought to reverse its 
method. With a constitution weakened by his army experience this incessant toil 
soon began to tell upon him but he would not admit himself sick till one day when in 
his school room blood burst from his mouth. This was a severe hemorrhage from his 
lungs. He was ambitious and very anxious to recover that he might again take up his 
life long chosen calling and continue as a humble and useful follower of the lowly 
Nazarene. He was young and remarkably well prepared for preaching the Gospel of 
Christ. Indeed it was sad and a pity he could not have been spared to fulfil the labor 
of love and elevation of humanity, but such, for reasons, was not to be. 
His physicians forbade further work and ordered him to seek a more healthful 



Bioyraphicul and Historical of Coiiipaiix (.,'. Gt^^ 

climate. The following extract from the Minutes of the Board of Education explains 
itself: 

"To the Superintendent and Board of Trustees of the Evansville 

Public Schools: 

Gentlemen; 

In accordance with the statement of my physician and my own best 
judgment 1 am compelled to resign my position as principal of the high 
school. I assure you that I most deeply regret this necessity and it is 
with great reluctance that I have at length yielded to it. In retiring 
from your corps of teachers after four years of service allow me to express 
my grateful remembrance of the uniform courtesy and cordial support 
1 have received from all with whom I have been officially connected. 

Very respectfully. 

F. C. WILLETT." 

In accepting his resignation the Board placed on record the following: 

"In harmony with the general sentiment of our citizens we cannot 
fail to recognize the earnest and faithful efforts of Prof. F. C. Willett 
during the past four years to reorganize our high school and place it upon 
a firm basis of true scholarship. Remembering his constant zeal and un- 
tiring labor in this behalf and the eminent success with which his work 
has been crowned, therefore. Resolved, that we deeply regret the necessity 
which compels his resignation, and wishing him a speedy restoration to 
health, that we also commend him as a young man of ripe scholarship 
with a heart for any work he may espouse." 

Then commenced his brave fight for life and health. The grim spectre of the 
■white plague was upon his track. He fled to Colorado. There he could not be idle. 
He purchased a horse and traversed the state visiting each town gathering statistics 
and writing up its history, which he gathered into a very readable "Handbook of 
Colorado." This gave him needed exercise, kept him in the dry. open air and opened 
to him the finest mountain scenery of the Rocky Mountains. All this hastened his 
recovery. He felt well again. His college debts were paid. He saw opportunity 
to realize the darling purpose of his life and prepare himself for the Gospel ministry. 
He longed to return East and enter the Theological seminary. His physician forbade 
him to go farther East than Cincinnati. The writer, to be with him, joined him 
there, and they entered Lane Seminary. With renewed hope and courage he entered 
upon his theological course. His earnest purpose, marked ability and fine scholarship 
soon won for him a foremost position among his classmates. Churches sought him 
to supply their pulpits. All regarded him as sure of eminence in his chosen profes- 
sion. As his hopes were about to be realized and he felt assured of success in his 
chosen profession, his heart again gave way. Worn with hard study he suffered 
another hemorrhage and the prostration and insomnia resulting. The Rev. Mr. 
Van Wyke, a wealthy resident of the city had him removed to his beautiful home 
where for some months he received the best care and medical skill obtainable free 
of expense to himself. The writer visited him daily and was often a watcher by his 
bedside. Under such treatment he improved rapidly and was able to return for a 
summer rest to Bakersfield. The fell disease lingered — again he fled to Colorado 
and engaged in his former work and helped to prepare another "Handbook of Colo- 
rado." Had he remained in that germ-killing state he might have been spared to 
a long and useful life, but his ambition to enter his chosen vocation clouded his 
judgment and after about a year he returned East, and resumed his theological 
studies and supplied as he was able vacant pulpits. He spent the summer of 
1873 with his family friends in Bakersfield. Meantime his Evansville friend. Gen. 
John W. Foster, our then Minister to Mexico and since then our most prominent diplo- 
mat, thinking a change of climate would benefit Fernando, offered him the position 
of Secretary of Legation. Thinking it would improve his health and give him valuable 
experience, he accepted the office. Late in August he hade his friends in Bakersfield 
what proved to be a final good-bye. On his way to New York to take the steamer 
he visited this writer in his home in Plymouth. N. H. While with him he sat in the 
council which ordained his life long friend to the Gospel ministry. While he rejoiced 
for his friend's sake that he had reached the goal of all his studies, it must have been 
a bitter grief to him that his hopes had not been realized and that the future for 
him was so uncertain, but no murmur escaped his lips and he never appeared more 
hopeful and cheerful. 

The writer's last view of him was as he stood on the rear platform of the 
retreating train waving a final farewell. He went by boat to Vera Cruz and thence 
by rail to the City of Mexico. As he in a few hours reached an altitude of 8,000 feet^ 



636 The Tliiili-riilli h'cijiiin-iil I'cinunit I' olutttccrs 

the sudden elevation was a great strain iii)on his weak lungs and. no doubt, hastened 
his death. He had a language to learn and the diitlis of his oTfice to master. He 
entered upon this work with his usual intensity and zeal. .Xs usual he won for himself 
a host of friends. The American colony welcomed him to their nienibershlp. He 
got on bravely for several months but his frail body could not bear the strain of the 
excessive work, consumption had never relaxed Its hold. Without warning, while 
on the streets of Mexico he suffered another hemorrhage. The lower altitude which 
he sought could not save him. Other hemorrhages followed. The best medical skill 
and attendance failed to arrest the dread malady. He sank ra|)ldly till the end 
came on the 2i)th day of June. 1874. He fought a good fight, he kept the faith, he 
was ready to be offered. He fully realized his condition, talked calmly of his 
approaching death. He met it as bravely as he faced death at Gettysburg. Minister 
Foster wrote a full account of his sicltness and death to his mother, Mrs. Sarah 
Willett. It is so interesting and so reveals the character of our friend and comrade 
that I give it below as taken from the "St. Albans Messenger" of that date: 

"My Dear Madam: — It is with sentiments of sincerest sorrow I com- 
municate to you the Intelli.gencc of the death of your dear son, Fernando. 
He had passed throtigh the winter without any sickness and was feeling 
quite strong and hopeful. Hut in the last days of April, without the least 
warning, while walking on the streets of this city (Mexico) he was taken 
with a slight hemorrhage, but by no means of a serious character. As a 
measure of extra precaution, he decided to make an excursion down the 
railroad to Cordova, 4.000 feet lower than this city. But only two or 
three days after he wrote you his last letter, on Sunday, May 2.'3rd, he 
was attacked with the most severe hemorrhage he had ever had. We 
procured for him a large and comfortable room at the hotel and every- 
thing i)0ssible was provided that could minister to his comfort. The loss 
of blood had left him very weak indeed and. upon a consultation of 
physicians, his situation was found to be very dangerous. 

"I remained with him eight days and upon being called to the City of 
Mexico, obtained Rev. il. X. Hutchinson, superintendent of the Presby- 
terian Missions in this country, to stay with him during my absence. 
He talked very freely with Mr. Hutchinson about his sickness and con- 
templated death. On my second visit I found him gradually growing 
weaker, and was satisfied lie would never he able to rise from his bed 
again. I am glad to assure you that he had everything that could con- 
tribute to his comfort or restoration to health. When 1 came U|) to this 
city from my first visit to him, I brought a full written statement of his 
disease and condition, and with it I had Dr. Skelton. the American Consul 
General, and Dr. Senieleder, the most celebrated physician in this country, 
hold a consultation. Also T sent for the American Consul at Vera Cruz, 
who happens also to be an excellent physician. But he could give us no 
encouragement. With calm resignation your son submitted to the will of 
the Lord. To me he said he did not conceal the fact that he would rather 
live, that he was a young man and he felt he had still much to accomplish in 
life. But then, if iie was only to recover to have a shattered constitution, 
it is better he should die; he would be nothing but a wanderer, seeking 
some spot where he might live, a burden to his friends, without employ- 
ment and with no hope or ambition in life. He was perfectly settled and 
clear in his religious views, in his abiding faith in Christ and in his hope 
of heaven. 

"While his Illness was tedious and exhausting, it was not very painful. 
On the evening of the third day before his death he was taken with some- 
thing like a paroxyni or struggling for breath and these attacks were 
repeated two or three times each day till his death. At these times he 
told us there was not much pain, and he was perfectly conscious through 
them all- He freiiuently referred to you in his last days of his sickness, and 
with great tenderness and affection. He asked me to tell you that he died 
in full faith in Christ as his Saviour and that while his death so far 
away would be a sad blow to you. you must and could find great consola- 
tion in the faith with which he died. On Friday evening the last attack of the 
character of which 1 have referred came on. and from the effects of it he 
never rallied, but lingered till about half past twelve the same night. June 
19th. During these five hours and more he was conscious he was dying, 
hut he did not suffer much pain and was not at all depressed in spirit. 
About an hour and a half before he breathed his last he took his final leave 
of the doctor and myself, as well as Rev. Mr. Stevenson, a Methodist min- 
ister who happened to bo in Cordova. He thanked Dr. A. A. Russell in 
the most touching manner for all his unwearied kindness and attention, 
and in a fervent manner asked God to bless him In his leave of me he 



Biiif/rapliical and Historical of Cniu/'aux G. 637 

reminded nie of his message to you, and your name was nearly tiie last on 
his lips. He then fell into a quiet sleep for about half an hour; awoke 
again, when at different times I gave him water and wine and bathed 
his lips with water, during which he was entirely conscious; and then he 
fell into another quiet sleej) from which he never awoke, breathing out his 
life peacefully and without a struggle — a separation of soul and body so 
gentle as hardly to be distinguished — the end of life. 

His remains were brought to this city and interred at his request in 
the American Cemetery, in a pretty spot ad.joining the monument erected 
by our government in memory of the American soldiers who died in the 
war of 1847. The burial was attended by a large company of friends, in- 
cluding the entire Diplomatic Corps, officers of the Mexican Government 
and the foreign society here. It gives me pleasure to inform you that your 
son had made a large circle of warm friends in this city. I also can say 
to you that he was always unremitting in his official duties, and was 
succeeding excellently in his position. His friends among the American 
residents here very cheerfully contributed a fund of $17.5 to erect a monu- 
ment to his memory, over liis grave. The cemetery where he is buried 
is a very attractive place, and is kept in order at the expense of our gov- 
ernment. I have now fulfilled the sad duty imposed upon nie by your 
son's death. May the Lord sustain and comfort you in this your deep 
sorrow, is the fervent prayer of your sincere friend. Johx W. Foster. 

After his death the press teemed with commendatory notices of him, both East 
and West. Rev. S. K. Leavitt. pastor of First Baptist Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, In 
a long obituary notice of him, published in a Cincinnati paper, among many things 
said. "The death of Rev. Fernando C. Willet has brought sorrow to a large circle 
of friends and deserves more than a passing notice. When leaving Evansville for 
Colorado his friends thought he was going there to die, but he felt confident that 
God would spare him to a useful life. Never shall 1 forget the whole purposes of 
his life as he freely talked with me in Iowa as he slowly journeyed westward 
emaciated and weak from loss of blood. His very soul glowed with animation as 
he anticipated the recovery of his health and his return East to study for the 
ministry. * * * jj^ willett was a true Christian man of great energy and 
rare ability. In Evansville he labored earnestly in the Sabbath School and gathered 
a large class of young men and women whom he taught. He delivered and address 
at the opening of the new rooms for the Young Men's Christian Association which 
was remarkable for its vigor of thought and chaste polish. His library was choice 
and he read for improvement. His mind was well balanced and stored with learning 
to an extent attained by few of his age. He was a good man and full of the Holy 
Ghost and of faith." 

Col. Albert Clarke, his beloved commander in Company G, published an able and 
appreciative obituaiy notice of him in The St. Albans Messenger, of which the Colonel 
was editor. After speaking of his entering the army at the early age of 19 he said of 
him: 

"He suffered a severe and protracted illness in the army which probably 
laid the foundation of his ever subsequent delicate health and untimely 
death, but he rallied from it with more of determination than bodily 
vigor and fought bravely at Gettysburg where in a station far beneath his 
worth he won the lasting honor and friendship of his immediate com- 
mander and all his comrades. * * * Before going to Mexico he 
engaged to furnish Mexican correspondence to this paper. * * * 
In a private letter to the editor written from Colorado on the second of 
Jlay, he conveyed the sad information that two weeks after his arrival 
at the Mexican capitol he was attacked by a violent hemorrhage which 
drove him down into the tierra caliente for several weeks. After his re- 
turn that with the pressing duties of his office, a language to learn, and 
many strangers to entertain, he was again driven forth and hemorrhage 
followed hemorrhage in quick succession. However, wrote he: If the 
good Lord grant me another lease of comparative health I will endeavor 
to keep my promise to you. Please do not publish these facts in regard 
to my health, as I do not wish to give my friends any uneasiness.' Poor 
brave fellow. This was characteristic of his life. We have seen him 
on the weary march, when he did not look as though he could carry his 
musket, refusing all proffers of aid. absolutely declining to be relieved 
from duty. During the night, after a day's hard fighting, who but he 
should go forth, even beyond the skirmish line, to help pick up the wound- 
ed, applying a bandage here, giving a draught of water there, making 
no distinction between the blue and gray, for his brave humanity recog- 
nized that all were alike the children of God. * * * He was grace- 



O^S The Thirteenth Ketjiment I 'eniioiil I 'uliiiiteers 

ful and accomplished in every station, facile as a writer, logical and elo- 
quent as a speaker. It is an honor to Franklin county to have been his 
birth place and home. It is an honor to have been his friend. Envied 
by many, he was respected by all." 

Services commemorative of the life of our friend were held at Bakersfield in 
the Congregational Church, August 8th, 1874. The sermon was preached by his 
pastor, Kev. R. Hicks on the text, Ps. 119:9. Letters were read from Hon. Mr. Foster 
and Col. .Albert Clarke. His friend and classmate, the writer, was detained from 
attending this service by sickness in his family. 

Mr. Hicks paid an appreciative and discriminating tribute to the character of 
the deceased. "The course the deceased pursued is Iresh in your memories. The 
traits of character w-hich raised him to the honorable positions he filled are open 
to your observation. They are concealed by no brilliant dash, no flowery egotism, 
no accumulated good fortune, no happy hit. no unexpected success will account for 
the esteem with which you all hold him. His success was won by the old time ways 
of honesty, prudence and perseverance. » » * jir. Willett's life has been one 
of unflinching perseverance, may I not say of incredible industry and that too, in 
face of much physical sickness. .\o son more than he has made a glad father and 
been the .ioy of his mother. Mr. Willett has not lived and would not have lived 
to accumulate money. A miserly, grasping mind was the object of his supreme 
contempt. His life was lived free and happy in no bonds to shame or worldly appro- 
bation. His first choice was Christ and his service. To this one idea of his life 
everything else seemed subordinate." 

MARCUS A. ANDREWS 

He was a native of Enosburg and born in 1S44. Knlisted September 8. 1862, 
and had just arrived of age. He joined Company G, and with the 13th Regiment 
served his full term and was mustered out July 21. 1863. He demeaned himself 
well as a soldier, and performed his duty from first to last acceptably. He was 
modest, and of few words, but conscientious and anxious to do his full duty at all 
times. He served his country well and made a good record. Returned home and 
took up again the pursuits of civil life, resumed his former occupation and resided 
in town for some years and then moved away; but where have not been able t« 
ascertain. 

RODMAN BESSEY 

He was a native of Enosburg and born in l.s44. Enlisted September 8. 18C2, 
/and was one of the young boys of Company G, 13th Regiment, Vermont Volunteers. 
Brought ui) on a farm, attended district school of his day and was much like other 
boys of his locality. A mere lad only 18 years of age and seldom away from home 
over night in all liis life prior to enlistment. His young heart beat fast and strong 
for home and country, and at the first opportunity volunteered. He was an enthusias- 
tic young man and very anxious to serve in the defence of the Union. Little indeed 
did he realize the hardships attending the life of a soldier, but he manfully dis- 
charged every duty and made no comjilaint. He was cheerful and obedient and won 
the respect of his associates. It was evident that he was well born and bred. He 
was a model soldier boy. It was quite remarkable that one so young demonstrated the 
qualities that made him valuable on the battlefield. The boys of his age often 
displayed more courage when life was in peril than the older ones. He served his 
term and w^as discharged with his regiment at Brattleboro, July 21, 1863. and returned 
home thankful that he had served his country when assailed, proud of the record that 
he and his comrades had made in the mighty contest at Gettysburg.. He was not 
content because the war was still raging and there was a demand for veterans and 
on October 21, 1863, enlisted again and this time with Company A, 17th Vt. Regiment, 
commanded by Capt. Stephen F. Brown. 1st Lieutenant in Company K, of the 13th Regi- 
ment, Vt. Vols. His company remained at St. Albans during the winter, making 
suitable preparations for service and did not leave for Washington until early spring 
of 1864. and in a few days w-as advanced to the front and took part in the battle of 
the Wilderness where on the 6th day of May, many of his regiment were killed 
and wounded. He remained in the ranks during the several battles of the 
Wilderness, Spotsylvania Court House and until .May 31st, where he was mortally 
wounded and died January 18, 1864. He gave all that his country might survive and 
continue as the land of freedom. There is no greater honor than death on the 
battlefield, defending home and native land. And the author here asserts that had 
it not been for such like gallant heroes the country we now so justly boast of would 
have, passed away. Too much praise cannot be given to the soldiers of the Union 
in the War of 1S61-.". His remains repose in Arlington, Va.. National Cemetery. 



B'uiijraphical and nistorical of Cum [•any G. 639 

EDWIN P. BROWN 

enlisted from the town of Enosburg, Vt., volunteered Sept. I'.rd, 1S62, and became 
a member of Company G. He was three years older than any other of Company G, 
too old in fact for so strenuous a life during active campaigning. His age at enroll- 
ment was 43. Born in 1819. likely less than 20 in the whole regiment were older. 
He at least headed the list in Company G as to age. He w^as a good man and an 
enthusiastic patriot, exceedingly solicitous for the welfare of his country. He was quick, 
active and strong, and well preserved for one of his age. While patriotism is an 
essential factor of a valuable soldier, physical powers of endurance are a prerequisite 
that must be secured. 

It was soon evident that the strenuous life of soldiering in a Virginia winter, 
sleeping in cloth tents and on the cold, damp ground, was more than Comrade Brown 
could endure. Though favored on account of age and anxiety to remain yet he was 
under the care of the surgeons and in the hospital much of the time during the winter 
and early spring, and Surgeon Nichols became fully satisfied that Comrade Brown 
would not be of much if any value in case of an active campaign, which was quite 
certain to occur as soon as spring opened. He therefore discharged him March 29, 
1863, and he was sent to his home in Enosburg. He was loyal, upright and anxious 
for the preservation of the Union, and evidently willing to fight to save it. He at 
least, did his utmost, none could do more. 

HANSON BURLESON 

He was of the Berkshire boys and enlisted September 4, 1862, and joined the 
Bakersfield Company. Was born in 1S34 and it will be seen was one of the older 
members of Company G. A native of Berkshire and educated in the common schools 
of Vermont. His occupation was a farmer, and like most of the middle class seemed 
to be filled w-ith patriotism that impelled him to volunteer that his country might 
not be overthrown and the awful and wicked institution of human slavery extended 
all over the land so dearly bought by the patriots of 1776. He was a respected citizen 
and a model soldier, reserved in his conversation and association, mingled but little 
with only his tentmates. He was upright, honest and ready at all times to do his 
duty. Ever obedient and courteous to his superiors, and kind and generous to his 
comrades and unusually sympathetic toward all in sickness and distress. He acquitted 
himself with honor on all occasions. He served his full term and was mustered 
out with his regiment July 21, 1863, and returned to his home and resumed his occu- 
pation and place in society and died respected by his friends and neighbors and now 
sleeps in the wayside cemetery in his native town and a modest headstone marks 
the grave of this noble hero of the Republic. And once a year on Memorial Day 
his surviving comrades, neighbors, friends and citizens here repair and on his lowly 
grave scatter the early flowers of spring and raise above his resting place the Stars 
and Stripes, the flag of his country that he followed on the march and in battle. He 
offered his all in defence of the Union. 

ABRAM BENJAMIN 

was of the Richford contingent, born in 1S40, brought up on a farm and educated in 
the common schools of his town. Was retiring in disposition and association and 
his tentmates only knew of his thoughts and aspirations. His life as a soldier was 
uneventful yet always on hand to do his share of fatigue duty in camp or picket duty 
on the outer lines, was as a good-natured, manly fellow, honest, upright, was no shirk 
but ever ready to respond when called upon. A scouting trip accompanied with two 
or three outside the picket line among the natives was to him a holiday much 
enjoyed. These visits while in Camp Widow Violet up and down the banks of the 
Occoquan and to Mount Vernon, Pohick church and fishing in the Occoquan for 
herring, shiners and the beautiful pumpkin seed was Abram's delight and a tonic 
that drove away foreboding thoughts of pending battle and anxiety as to whether he 
would ever again see the green hills and fertile valleys of his home and state. Many 
of the boys were now and then homesick but pills and quinine were no antidote for 
such morbid attacks. Our comrade remained dutiful to the end and was a good 
soldier; was mustered out with his regiment and returned home with his share of 
honors earned as a soldier. He indeed was one of Col. Randall's Green Mountain 
Boys that did his part to secure distinction and glory at Gettysburg. To have partici- 
pated in that momentous battle is a record of glory and fame that must ever be the 
pride of all of the old 13th Vt. Vols. 



640 I lie I hirtitiilh h'c(/iiiuiit W-riiunit l' oluiitccrs 

HORACE D. BLAISDELL 

was one of the younger boys from the town of Richford and born in 1843; volunteered 
September 4. 1862. and joined the Hakersfield Company which was letter G. He 
was a beardless, vivacious, active boy of 19 summers and for one of his age waa 
handy with ax, saw, spade, scythe and plow. Many of his associates %vere lumbermen 
by occupation and therefore many of his companions worked in the woods and mills 
and like all the boys from that section, was rugged, hale and hearty, full of life and 
ready for a rough and tumble clinch at any time. The Uichford and Montgomery 
boys were proficient giini chewers and in every box from home a package of spruce 
gum was sure to be found. They seemed to eat hard tack with less trouble than 
others, muscles fully developed in their jaws. Horace and bis tontmales when the 
spruce gum was used u|) secured pitch from the pine tiecs and boiled it and made what 
they called pitch pine gum. Comrade lilaisdell was the soul of honor and very loyal 
and obedient to officers in command and was on hand, ever ready to lend a helping 
hand and take ihe i)lace of a comrade on the picket line when such were indisposed. 
Never shrunk from any duty and was sun- to do bis best on all occasions. He 
passed through the vicissitudes of soldier life withotit complaining, though at times 
during the winter, duty on the picket line was hard and dangerous. In all the mutations 
from first to last young Hlaisdell deserved well of his comrades and tried to perform 
his duty in Ihe light of the rules and requirements as made known to him. He 
made a good record and acquitted himself with honor, and when mustered out at 
the end of his term of service returned to his home with as clean and enviable 
a record as any of his company. 

After remaining home a few months he again enlisted and became a member of 
Company 1, 17th Vt. Vols. Not able to ascertain why he enlisted from the town of 
West Pairlee. Vt.. likely some good reason. His second enlistment was May 10. 1864, 
and in this regiment he saw plenty of fighting from the fith day of May, 1864 in the 
battles of the Wilderness. Spotsylvania Court House and Poplar Spring Church. Sept. 
30, 1864. in which battle he was wounded. He recovered from his wounds and was 
mustered out .July 14. 186.5. The war was now over and this young hero who had 
his first experience at Gettysburg was now satisfied and though severely wounded 
and shattered in health returned to his native state justly proud of his humble 
efforts to save the Union. His old comrades of Company G. one and all say. "Well 
done, may you live long, be prosperous and happy in this glorious Republic in that 
you repeatedly offered your young life to save." 

JOHN COMBS 

was one of the older boys from the town of Berkshire. His age at enlistment. Sep- 
tember .T. 1862, was 28. He joined Company G and remained with it, rendering good 
service until mustered out July 21. 1863. By reason of manly and soldierly conduct 
was promoted corporal a few days before we started on the Gettysburg campaign. 
He was an exemplary soldier, kind, generous and brave; obedience to orders was 
to him of i>rinie importance. None looked better on inspection or dress parade than 
Comrade Combs. In any relation, camp, march or battle he was a model. He was 
mustered out with the regiment. July 2. 1863. and returned to his home in Berkshire 
and took his place in the industrial offices of his town and continued a legal, upright 
citizen while he lived. He was married and left children, one Ernest Combs, resides 
in Montgomery. Vt. Comrade Combs and his wife passed to the land of rest and 
happiness some years ago. The author regrets that he was not able to ascertain 
more information concerning this valiant soldier and his family. His life and early 
manhood was freely offered for the preservaton of the Union in its darkest days. 
He helped save the day at Gettysburg. General I.^ee was defeated and the Union 
of States on this glorious battlefield made certain. He and his companions from 
Vermont turned the tide of battle and secured victory on the last hour of that event- 
ful 3rd day of July. 1863. 

WARREN CORSE 

He was from the town of Enosburg and enlisted September 5. 1862. joined the 
Bakersfield company and after the organization and muster in was made wagoner 
of Company G. He was 30 years old at enlistment and a farmer. His education was 
limited to the old district schools but be by his energy acquired sufficient to enable 
him to become a useful and well-informed citizen. His life on the farm fitted him for 
the responsible position of wagoner and in his department he was faithful and on 
hand night and day. To be a part of the wagon train in camp and on the march, 
was not only a highly responsible but often extremely laborious position. Such 
must not only drive but guard the baggage on the march. Comrade Corse was a 
faithful, honest, reliable man and soldier and discharged the manifold duties of his 
position with rare tact and good judgment. His kindly nature was manifested in his 
care and gentle treatment of the horses and mules in his charge. He was quickly 



Bidyraphii-al and Historical of Company G. 641 

aroused when anyone abused a horse or mule in their charge. He did his full duty 
and was discharged with his regiment at Brattleboro, Vt., July 21. 1863. After re- 
turning home and remaining for a few brief months again volunteered on October 
28, 1863 and Joined Company A, I7th Vt. Vols., and was made fourth sergeant, a 
position that he was well qualified to fill. He was mortally wounded at Spotsylvania 
Court House. Va.. -May 12. 1864 and died May Hth. His regiment was in the battle of the 
Wilderness May 5, 6 and 7. 1864. Comrade Corse by his second enlistment demon- 
strated that he was as brave and courageous in battle as he was kind and gentl© 
and humane as a teamster. 

ROSWELL A. CHAPLIN 

volunteered from the town of .Mont.noniery and joined the Bakersfield Company which 
on organization was given the name and position in the line as G. Comrade Chaplin 
as I now recall, was a sedate, cool-headed, thoughtful man. His bearing and speech 
indicated his stalwart nature and rugged manhood. He was a tyi)ical New Euglander. 
strong in the faith that led the patriots of 1776 to break away from the tyranny of 
Great Britain and establish on this continent a government of liberty and asylum 
for the oppressed. He was 33 years of age and by occupation a farmer educated in 
the common schools of his native State. A man endowed with a strong mind and 
a wonderful supply of common sense. He acted only after deliberation; and then was 
true to his convictions, steadfast in his endeavors to execute them. And hence was 
a valuable soldier and rendered good service in whatever relation he was called to 
occupy. There were none in the ranks of Company G that acquitted themselves 
better in camp, on picket, the march and in battle than our worthy comrade Chaplin. 
The author gladly after 40 years of reflection offers this tribute to one who displayed 
heroic conduct on the battlefield of Gettysburg. He was mustered out with his 
regiment and returned home and resumed his place and occupation, feeling he had 
helped to save the Union. 

EDWIN CARROLL 

volunteered from the town of Enosburg September 6, 1862, and joined Company G. of the 
ISth Vt. Vols. No particular incident marks his career while serving as a soldier in this 
company. He was born in 1844 and only IS years when enrolled for the war. a mere lad 
and it would seem too young for the awful struggle and carnage of the battlefield. But it 
is nevertheless true that nearly all of the young, smooth-faced boys endured the haidships 
of army life better than older ones. He was brave and useful on the battlefield as any. 
This youthfuul hero acquitted himself with honor, served his full term, was mustered 
out with his regiment July 21, 1863, and returned home and the overflowing joyousness 
of his young heart was more than thankful that he had fought and helped to secure 
victory at Gettysburg. No act or position in this comrade's life so valuable and 
honorable as fighting for the Union. 

GEORGE H. FULLER 

He was one of the noble band from the town of Montgomery and on the organi- 
zation of Company G, was made corporal. Born in Montgomery in 1835. just of the 
age to endure best the hardships of soldier life. He was horny handed, rugged, 
physically capable of fatigue and exposure. As a non-commissioned officer he was 
a model, and the mere fact that he was promoted to sergeant was an expression of 
the judgment of Lieut. Albert Clarke, then in command, of his fitness for so highly 
responsible a position. He earned his promotion, and as sergeant of the guard in camp 
or on the picket line, and on the march and in battle convinced all that his advance- 
ment was no mistake. None were more courageous, cool and fearless than Sergeant 
Fuller. He was mustered out with the regiment July 21. 1863 and returned home 
with a reputation as a valiant soldier and officer. He said often when referring to 
his lite that his "enlistment and service was the act of his career that he turned to 
■with pride and satisfaction that he volunteered during the darkest days of the Union 
cause and when many hesitated to enlist. It is likely true because the discouraging 
outlook in the summer and early fall of 1862 that many hesitated and only best of 
material responded to President Lincoln's call for 300,000 nine months' men." 

JAMES CONKLIN 

was born In 1841 in the town of Bakersfield but it was claimed he was even younger 
than 18. He joined Company G. September 11 and with his company went to Brattle- 
boro, Vt., was mustered into the United States service as a volunteer but did not 
go to the front — never joined his company and for some reason unknown to the author 
— deserted. Quite likely persuaded by relatives older not to go The least said the 
better for the circumstances that influenced him we know nothing about. 



<)42 7/ti' 'riiiiti-riitli h'l-iiiiiiriil \\-niioiit I'oltmlccrs 

WILLIAM B, DWYER 

voluntecri'd fmiii the town of Herksliiro at the aKe of 23 and joined the Hakersfield 
company and was present at ihe organization of the company Septenilier 11, 1862. 
It memory lias not lailed me he was a yoiinjier brother of Sergt. John H. IJwyer. He 
was mustered into the fnited States army October 10. 1SG2 and went with the regi- 
ment to Washington: crossed long hri<lge into Virginia. October :'.". and look part 
with his regiment in all its marches, camps, picket lines and battles until mustered 
out July 21, ISC.i. Was an obedient faithful, brave and loyal and valuable soldier. 
He won the respect of his officers 'and comraili's iiiul rc^iurni'd to his home with the 
honors of Gettysburg inscribed on his banner 

CHARLES AND EDWARD LOVELETTE 

vce from the town of llichfiMd ami joined Company C, September 20, 1862, after 
the <ompany organization. These two boys were late in joining the company because 
they could not agree which should go. They were twins and both wanted to go 
and both wanted the other to remain a( home but finally compromised by both going. 
They were good soldiers and did their full duty on all occasions: Charles was sent 
to the hospital at Hrattleboro, Vt., where he was discharged March 16, 1863. Edward 
remained with his regiment and was mustered out July 21, 1863. 

JOHN B. FASSETT 

was born in Enosburg in isj!) and joined t'ompany G. and was enrolled September 
3rd. 1S62, and mustered into United States Army October 10, 1862. By occupation a 
farmer. His education was like the youth of his day limited to the little old red 
school house close by the roadside and near the geographical center of the district 
no matter how isolated, lonely and disagreeable the surroundings the boys when old 
enough to work on the farm only attended school d\iring twelve weeks in the winter, 
and but few acquired much of an education. Comrade Fassett was of a musical 
family and this art and science acquired in the old singing schools of his youthful days 
so improved his voice that he was one of the sweet, melodious singers of Com|)any G. 
that so often charmed, cheered and elevated the regiment as they gathered about 
to listen and enjoy. 1 can now almost hear the war songs that restored onr drooping 
spirits and excited us on to war. The talented singers of Company G, when gathered 
in some comrade's tent would finish their concert with that song of all others ■Home, 
Sweet Home," which (piickly brought to mind the dear ones we left behind up 
among the green hills and lovely valleys of our beloved state. By coniiwrison he 
was one of the old men of the regiment jiast 33. 

Camping on the cold, wet ground in rain and snow, often without tents was 
exposure that his constitution could ncrt. long endure. He was obliged to go into 
the hospital at Fairfax Court House from which he was discharged January 13, 1863 
and sent home to Vermont. His comrades of Company G, and all others that knew 
him were disappointed and sorry because soldiering was too strenuous a life fof 
his age and constitution. I'ntil overtaken with disease he cheerfully and promptly 
performed every duty, was honest, upright, faithful and anxious to assist in the 
preservation of the X'nion. He show-ed loyalty and patriotism by freely responding 
when President Lincoln called for 300,000 nine months' men. He was of that class 
and mould that ever was valiant and brave on the battlefield. He returned home 
and resumed his occupation and place in society, but never recovered from disease 
contracted when a soldier. 

LEWIS GIDDINGS 

was from Enosburg and born in 1840, and therefore just 22 when he volunteered 
into Hakersfield Company. He joined Company G. on September 11, 1862. and was 
mustered into the United States service at Rrattleboro, Vt., October 10, and started 
for Washington, D. C, Oct. 11, arriving there on the 13th, and went into camp on 
East Capitol Hill on the 14th. Young Giddings was a farmer by birth and occupation, 
educated in the common schools of his town. He belonged to a good family and evi- 
dently had been well brought up. to this time had escaped the snares that many 
young men are engulfed in. He was full of life and vigor, robust and active, well 
fitted to endure the exposure of army life during an active and strenuous campaign. 
In camp quiet and peaceful, on the picket line alert and fearless, in battle brave 
and daring. He stood well towards the head of Company G as a reliable man and 
soldier. His habits good and speech chaste and proper. Vulgarity and profanity 
never brought shame to his comrades, or disgrace upon himself. He was not a 
boastful brag anxious for a fight but patiently waited for the crisis of battle to de- 
termine his own ability in the awful ordeal of facing belching cannon and bayonet 
charge. He stood the test of Gettysburg and won his share of glory on that gory 



Bwcjrapiicial and Historical of Coiiif'any G. 643; 

field. His prowess and heroic bearing was similar to his company comrades that 
were present in the fight. He served his full term and was mustered out with his 
company and regiment and returned home thankful that he had done something 
towards serving the Union and perpetuating freedom and liberty. 

THOMAS LANGLEY 

was enrolled from the town of Enosburg September 5, and joined Company G, on 
the 20th. and was mustered into the United States Army October 10, 1S62, and 
started for Washington to take part in the battles for the Union. He was born in 
1835 and hence was 27 years of age at the date ot enlistment. For some reason 
did not join Company G until after its organization. He was a horny handed, sturdy 
man, with no particular occupation, was handy at most any kind of labor, capable of 
great endurance and was ready for a trip out among the natives at any time, night 
or day. He was a good forager and he and his tentmate never went hungry so 
long as hens and hogs were within five miles of camp. Enosburg boys generally 
paid when greenbacks and scrip were plenty, but money they seldon had, but some- 
thing good to eat they were sure to find and appropriate. Comrade Langley had 
his faults, but yet was a good and willing soldier. In the spring of 1863 he was 
taken sick and went to the hospital, and after a long illness with fever died June 
17, 1863. and agreeable to arrangements In the company his remains were sent home 
to Vermont for burial. 

ORANGE LACKEY 

Born in and enrolled from the town of Montgomery and joined Company G, 
September 11, 1862. He was born in 1840 and therefore 22 on date of enlist- 
ment and by occupation a common laborer; was of the middle class and enjoyed but 
few advantages of education and culture. He had a strong constitution, aggi'essive 
disposition, and was extremely anxious to enter the service for his country. He was 
of a patriotic family and realizing his obligation he volunteered and joined the army. 
Had he lived no doubt would have shared in the glories of Gettysburg. He freely 
and enthusiastically offered his young life on the altar of his country. He sickened 
and suffered and died in hospital at Camp Vermont November 23, 1862. He was 
one of seven brothers who entered the service during the Civil War- His maternal 
great grandfather came over under General Lafayette in 1779 to assist the cause of 
liberty. 

WILLIAM HENDRICK 

was born in the town of Montgomery in the year 1S39 and was enrolled September 
6, 1862, and joined Company G, the Bakersfield company, September 11, and on 
October 10, 1863, was mustered in, as a full fledged soldier and on the 11th laft 
Brattleboro, Vt., with his regiment, the 13th Vt. Vols., for Washington, D. C, to 
fight for the Union. He was a farmer on the bleak, sterile hills of Montgomery, 
was of just the age to endure the strenuous life essential in the army. His robust 
appearance, size, activity and conversation indicated a model soldier. He was a 
young man of excellent behavior, obedient, submitting cheerfully to the discipline 
required in the army. In fact, Comrade Hendrick acquitted himself in the discharge 
of the manifold duties of camp, march, picket and battle with credit. His kind and 
generous heart led him to take the place of company comrades and perform their 
duty in camp or on the picket line. As might well be expected he fulfilled to the 
letter every duty required. To say that he was a good soldier and fought with 
heroic valor is an imperishable honor that friends and acquaintances are justly proud. 
He was mustered out with his regiment .luly 21, 1863 and returned to Montgomery 
where he and his associates w-ere given the warm hand of welcome for duty done 
and fame nobly secured on the battlefield of Gettysburg. The date of his death not 
able to here record. He joined the silent majority a number of years ago, but place 
of death and burial have not been able to ascertain. This comrade was a typical 
backwoodsman, enured to a life calculated for preparing one for the hardships of an 
army life. 

LEWIS MACK 

enrolled from the town of Richford and joined Company G, September 20, 1862. He 
was born in 1S2.T. and was old for a soldier in a winter campaign in Virginia; yet 
he was in the prime of life with a good constitution and being used to outdoor hard 
■work endured marching and camping in rain, mud and snow and sleeping on cold, 
wet, frozen ground better than the majority of Company G. Perhaps none in the regi- 
ment rendered better service than Comrade Mack. He never refused a call to duty, 
or failed to respond at company roll call. Xone more attentive, and by his daily life 
won confidence and respect and gave promise of valiant duty in the test of battle. 
He made good the faith of his officers and comrades in the charge against General 
Pickett's right flank on the last hour of the battle of Gettysburg. This noble soldier 



644 /''"' Tl'ti'li'i'iitli h't-i/iiiiciit I'cniiiint I'oliinlccrs 

served his full term and was mustered out with his regiment, returnf-d to his home 
in Richford. tool< u|i his business where he left it ten months before and rontinued a 
respectable life an<l Ijecame one of the valuable citizens of his town. 

DAVIESON J. PERKINS 

enrolled at the age of 27. and jnin-d (Onipany (i. Si pK'Miber L'O, 18fi3, after its organi- 
zation, and was mustered in at lirattleboro September 10, and with his regiment the 
13th Vermont \olunteers, reached Washington on the i;jth and in a few days crossed 
the Potomac Into old Virginia, and was on the front picket line doing duty before in- 
structed in the rudimentary essentials necessary for duty and protection. He was 
obedient to orders and courteous to all and appeared ever willing and anxious to 
fulfil to his utmost every requirement. He acquitted himself well on all occasions, 
and won his share of glory as a valiant soldier of Company G. Mustered out at the 
end of his term of service, returned to his home and resumed his occupation. In a 
few years moved to .Newport, Vt.. where he resided in 1S90. Cannot ascertain if still 
living. 

ORVILLE K ROGERS 

was born in Montgomery in 18-11. volunteered on the 2nth day of September and 
joined Company O on the same day and in less than 30 days was on the front line 
doing picket duty like a veteran soldier. He was a jovial hapi)y young fellow, anxious 
to serve his country as a soldier. A farmer boy with limited opportunities for an 
education. His habits were such as the environments of the locality where born 
and bred induced. Though young, vigorous and hopeful, yet he was not equal to 
the test of living in a cotton tent with cold, damp ground and a rubber blanket for 
a bed. He was taken sick with pneumonia or lung fever, taken to the hospital and 
in a few days, November 25. 1S02. offered hi.s young life on the altar of his country. 
A humble life, a rich reward and an inipeiishalili' honor. 

JUDE NEWCITY 

was born in the town of Enosburg in 1S44, volunteered under President l.<incoln's 
call for 300,000 nine minths' men and joined Company G, 13th Vt. Vols., Infantry. 
He was a mere lad and hardly ever had been away from home for a single night 
before enlistment. A green country boy, pure in thought, chaste in speech and 
modest in demeanor, correct in his habits, and diligent in the pursuit of knowledge 
as to his new duties as a soldier. Too young for the hardships of camp and march 
and the awful scenes and carnage of the battlefield. He was anxious to join the 
army and fight for the ITnion. He inherited patriotic devotion for the land that stood 
for liberty and freedom. He comprehended beyond his years the wicked and dastardly 
motives of those who sought to destroy the Union of States and establish the bar- 
barous and Inhuman institution of American slavery throughout the land. None of 
the boys of Company G rejoiced more, when President Lincoln sent forth his limancl- 
pation Proclamation. He was now more anxious than ever with all his mind, strength 
and devotion to fight for his home and government. After he enquired of his officers 
and comrades if we should conquer General Lee's army. Not one of the boys of 
Company G were more faithful, obedient and courteous than Comrade Newcity. He 
was a good boy, soldier, brave, conscientious and true with innocent faith and abiding 
confidence that all would come out for the best. He often spoke of home and the 
loved ones he left behind and with affectionate manifestations spoke of the prospect 
of reunion when the war was over. He seemed to think one great battle would end 
the conflict and that was near at hand. On the march to Gettysbur.g he frequently 
said we will have a mighty battle and then the war will be over. To this boy soldier 
I became strongly attached and sincerely hoped he might be safely returned to home 
and schoolmates and friends. I could not bear the thought that such should be 
sacrificed on the field of battle. On the second day of the battle after the charge 
when we retook our cannon that General I.,ongstreet's men had captured cheerfully 
said, "We shall win the day and then for home. " He was killed the following day, July 
3rd. 1863. 

SOLOMON RUSSELL 

A native of Montgomery, Vt., and horn in 1S40. Was a younger brother of Ira 
and grew up surrounded with the same disadvantages for education and improvement. 
He volunteered in Septemlier and joined Company G. and was mustered into the 
United States service October 10, 18G2, at Hrattleboro, Vt.. and in a few days was 
soldiering on the picket line near Camp Vermont. He was an average soldier and 
stood the test of exposure and hardship well, discharged his duties cheerfully, obeyed 
orders and successfully passed through his term of service and was mustered out 
with the regiment July 21, 1S63. He again enlisted March 20, 1865 for one year and 
Joined Company B. Third Vt. Vols., Inf., served his term and was mustered out July 



Bioyraphica! and Historical of Company G. 645 

11, 1865. Returned to his home and in course of time moved away. His old com- 
rades Ivnow but little of him ot late years. He is supposed to be living at Hillsboro 
Bridge. N. H. Comrade Russell's last enlistment was just before the surrender of 
General Lee. He quite likely joined his regiment in front ot Petersburg before the 
surrender of Richmond. Was mustered out July 11. 1S65. and returned well satisfied. 
His second enlistment was from the town of Walden, Vt., to which place he returned 
but subsequently moved to N. H. His second enlistment was a holiday excursion 
to Petersburg and return and nearly all who enlisted at this date escaped the dangers 
of camp and battle. 

IRA RUSSELL 

■was born in Montgomery. Vt.. in 1839, brought up on a mountain farm requiring hard 
labor and industry to obtain a scanty living, was ot honorable parentage and deprived 
of the benefits of education and mingling with the more cultured of his town, lived 
up on the hills isolated and away from the influences that tend to improve and 
elevate. He was a rugged young man and when opportunity offered cheerfully volun- 
teered to serve his country. He joined Company G September 20th and mustered 
into the United States army October 10, 1862. It was a new life, but the expo.s- 
ure and hardship he was not able to endure. He was taken sick on the picket 
line at camp Vermont, Va., sent to the hospital from which he was discharged for 
disability November 27, 1862. Returned home, recovered and is now a pensioner re- 
siding at Hanover, N. H. Of his life since he left Vermont his comrades know 
but little. 

HENRY SHINER 

was born in Montgomery, Vt., in 1841. and was by occupation a farm hand and 
common laborer. Volunteered in September and joined Company G of the 1.3th 
Regiment Vt. Vols. He like most of French descent, made good soldiers. He was 
good-natured, well disposed and reliable. There is no doubt but what there was 
good reasons for the camp rumor that he was passionately fond of fricassee chicken 
and of course Henry bought quite often a chicken or two from natives in the neigh- 
borhood of our camp. It is said Captain Williams and Lieut. Albert Clarke never in- 
vestigated from whence the chickens and eggs came that so often appeared on their 
mess table. They satisfied their epicurean appetites and said not a word. The 
mere fact that Henry was of French descent removed all suspicion from him. though 
feathers were often seen in his tent, no dressed poultry ever found beneath his 
cotton tent he called home. He was a jovial, well-behaved soldier boy, made no 
trouble but plenty of fun. Camping and marching and outdoor life was his delight 
and declared he would like to see one good, big fight before he went home to Mont- 
gomery. He w-as in the line of march for seven long days and in the hottest battle 
of the war and secured his share of glory at Gettysburg. He was gratified and on 
return never tired of relating the gallant conduct of Company G boys in capturing 
cannon and General Pickett's brave soldiers. From best information Comrade Shiner 
died some years ago. 

JOHN SENTON 

Tolunteered from the town ot Enosburg September 20, 1862. joined Company G. of 
the 13th Regiment Vt. Vols. Was born in 1834. He was of mature age, a farmer 
by occupation and by vigor and courage, quite well adapted for arduous service 
in the army. Was at all times ready, night or day to shoulder his knapsack and 
gun for a march or raid. His nature was eager and aggressive, willing to have a 
scrap at any time. Was in fact a good soldier and performed his duty faithfully 
and well. He served his term out and returned home to Enosburg feeling he had 
done his share of fighting. Since the war we have not been able to learn much of 
him. Cannot say it still living. 

ORVILLE WHEELER 

was born as reported, in the town of Berkshire and some years later his father moved 
to Enosburg from which town the son volunteered. His father was a prosperous 
farmer and Orville was early taught the same honorable calling. His education was 
principally in the common schools of Berkshire and Enosburg. He was a sturdy, 
well-behaved young man and very anxious to enlist and his father gave consent re- 
luctantly because so young. He joined the Bakersfield company, September 11, and 
was mustered into the United States army October 10. 1862, and in less than four 
weeks was in the front line between Alexandria and Mount Vernon. Va., doing picket 
duty. Cotton tents and damp ground in a Virginia winter and often when on the 
march without tents was exposure that he was not able to stand. He was ambitious 
to do as much as the older boys of his company, but had been brought up with tender 
care under a loved mother's watchful attention. 



646 The Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers 

His age at enrollment was just past 18 years. Was woll developed for one of 
his age In body and mind and comprehended the motives of the leaders of the Southern 
States to overthrow and destroy the Union. His enthusiastic patriotism was inherited 
from his parents and he was determined to volunteer to fight for the right and 
preservation of the Hepublic under whose humane laws he was born. Indeed, he 
■was a kind-hearted, generous boy, free from guile, pure in thought, upright and 
manly In conduct, obedient to orders, prompt, and with a smile took his |)lace in the 
line at all times unless excused from duty. He stood the unusual Virginia winter 
■with a resolute desire to fulfil and discharge the arduous d\ities of camp, march and 
the picket line. His constitution was undermined at Wolf Run Shoals camj). where 
for ten long weary ■weeks exacting duties and the severity of the weather taxed 
to the uttermost the physical endurance of the strongest. At this camji our brave 
young hero sickened and went into the hosjiital, recovered and moved with the 
regiment to Camp Widow- Violet: here he had a relapse, was again taken into the 
hospital where he died of disease May 20, 186.''.. His fitness for battle was demon- 
strated on the occasion of General J. K. I!. Stuart's attack in the night at Fairfax 
Court House. Va., December 28. 1862. This youthful hero gave his life for his country 
and passed to his reward where a majority of his company comrades "one by one," 
he has received as they passed the pearly gates and joined him in the eternal realms 
of bliss. No sacrifice was too great when given for the preservation of the Union. 
His name is inscribed in the Records of State and as a valiant soldier who died in 
service of his country in the Civil War of lSfil-r>. Though more than 4C years has 
passed, yet on each lecurring Memorial Day the flag he loved is raised on his lowly 
grave and the early flowers of spring are scattered above his resting place as tokens 
of love and affection. 

RICHARD YOUNG 

was enrolled September 11, lSe2. joint d the r.akrrsfield company, letter G and was 
mustered into the United States service at Rrattleboro with his regiment October 
10 and on the front picket line in the defences of Washington near Mount Vernon, 
Va., November 2nd and at once commenced the precarious life and strenuous duties 
of a soldier in an active campaign. Richard ■was born in 1S41 and enlisted from the 
town of Franklin, Vt.. was a good soldier and obedient to orders and performed his 
duties faithfully and well from first to last. He won the respect of officers and com- 
rades and returned to his home after having served his full term, sharing in the 
honors of the glorious achievement of his regiment and brigade secured in the turning 
battle of the Civil War — Gettysburg. 

NELSON GOODSPEED 

was born in Montgomery, Vt., September 21, 1839. His father was an Intelligent and 
successful farmer and a prominent citizen of the town. His son. Nelson, had the ad- 
vantages of the common schools of Montgomery and Fairfax Institute in the town 
of Fairfax, Vt. Young Goodspeed stood well in his town and was deservedly popular 
among all classes especially the young men and boys, and to him the volunteers from 
Montgomery turned and agreed to urge his name for a lieutenancy at the coming 
organization of the Bakersfield company, and on the 11th of September was chosen 
second lieutenant with the enthusiastic co-operation of the boys from Berkshire, 
Enosburg, Bakersfield and Richford. and all expressed themselves as highly pleased 
with his general apjiearance and looks and soldierly bearing. His courteous conduct 
and desire to become acquainted with each member of the company at once won 
for him the respect and affectionate regard of the whole company. Though second 
lieutenant he was at least the equal of Captain Marvin White, and First Lieutenant 
Merritt B. Williams for the responsible duties of an officer. His strict attention 
and anxiety to acquire knowledge of the rules and regulations appertaining to the 
official relation to which he had been selected to fill, gave promise of efficiency, 
adaptation and usefulness as a soldier, an officer and one who would courageously 
do his full duty in the crisis of battle. All were impressed with his eagerness to 
have Company G fitted for the new life they were then entering upon. 

The i;Uh Regiment was made ready in haste, mustered in on the 10th of October 
and on the way to Washington the next day. The untiring attention of the officers 
of the line and exposure in Camp Lincoln resulted in considerable sickness and quite 
a number were not able to leave with the regiment for the seat of war. Lieutenant 
Goodspeed after arriving at Camp Lincoln took a severe cold and on the morning of 
the day we started for Washington. October 11. was taken to the hospital critically 
ill with pneumonia, where he lay for weeks dangerously sick, and his recovers- was 
reported doubtful. His youth and vigorous constitution, and the best of care brought 
him through, but leaving his lungs so bad tnat the physicians said the only chance of 
recovery from incipient consumption was the vigorous climate and careful nursing at his 
mountain home in Montgomery'. The disappointment was bitter and hard (for a young. 



Biographica! and Historical of Company G. 647 

zealous patriotic young man of 22 who had freely volunteered, made all necessary 
arrangements and with unusual devotiou, anxious to serve his country in its contest 
for existence) to bear. He hoped to recover and take his place in his company and 
therefore declined to resign his commission for months, hoping he might recover and 
join his company and regiment, now on the picket line near Bull Run battlefield. His 
sickness was long and for weeks was unconscious; his family and friends overwhelmed 
■with grief and apprehensive of death. He returned home as soon as able to be moved 
and when fully satisfied he would not be restored to health so as to take part in the 
pending campaign on February 6, 1S63, tendered his resignation with sincere regrets 
that his place in Company G might be filled without further delay. The position 
was held open hoping and expecting that Lieutenant Goodspeed would recover and 
join his company and regiment, but all were disappointed and sad to learn of his 
protracted illness and doubtful recovery, and the news of his resignation, was occasion 
of sincere regret by such as had become acquainted with him, especially his company 
comrades. 

Lieutenant Goodspeed's soldierly appearance in company drill and on dress 
parade at Camp Lincoln, uniformed and fully equipped, stalwart and erect, six feet 
in height, gave evidence of a model soldier and assurance of valiant performance of 
duty in the contest for victory. He fully comprehended, not only the urgent necessity 
for volunteers at the date of his enlistment, but the probabilities of death by disease 
and in battle, and yet with buoyant hope and an exultant heart left his home, dear 
friends and all, to serve his country for the preservation and life of the Union. 

Lieutenant Goodspeed recovered after a long convalescence and resumed his place 
in the business affairs of his native town, but has ever felt mortified because deprived 
of the opportunity of serving his country for the preservation of the Union. Only a 
few years ago in conversation with Comrade Goodspeed he said that his deprivation of 
service was a bitter disappointment and a lifelong regret. Our respected friend and 
comrade declared his manly courage when he volunteered and his extreme sorrow 
■when obliged to resign. Sickness only prevented him from continuance in the service. 
Every act of his life since the Civil War has justified the high regard of his com- 
rades that he would have made good on the battlefield, their full expectation when 
he was mustered in at Camp Lincoln, October 10, 1862. For many years he has made 
his home in St. Albans, where he has led the active life of an up-to-date, successful 
farmer. Modest and retiring in disposition, conservative in thought and action, at- 
tentive to business, a man of good character, a valuable citizen, commanding the 
respect and esteem of neighbors and acquaintances, ever ready and willing to do 
his part in promoting every laudable enterprise for the elevation and prosperity of 
the community in which he resides. May he live long and die regretted. 




THEODORE STOWE. 

Barre. Vermont. 

Historiau of Co. H, i:ith Vt, Vols. 



Biographical and Historical 



CO. H 



Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers 



CIVIL WAR 1861-1865 



Dedicated to the loving memory of Andrew E. Osgood, 
mortally wounded in the battle of Gettys- 
burg. July 3rd, 1863. 



Biographical and Historical of Company H. 651 



THE CONDENSED HISTORY OF COMPANY H. 



THIS Company in several important particulars differs from tlte other nine com- 
panies of the 13th Regiment. For some reason the company was not recruited up to 
the required number prior to organization and going to Brattleboro to be mus- 
ttred into the United States ainiy. Only about 50 had actually enrolled and took part 
in company organization, election of officers and these were from Calais, 15; Cabot, 16: 
Woodbury, Marshfield, Worcester and East Montpelier, IS or 20. making in all some 50 
when called to go to Brattleboro for muster in. On arrival the situation was reported 
by Captain Peck to Colonel Randall, and l)y him to Major Austine, of the United States 
army, assigned to muster in the new regiments. Colonel Randall was informed that 
the 13th Regiment could not be mustered in until every company had the required 
immber present. Company H must be supplied and the situation demanded haste, for 
the government at Washington was anxiously waiting for troops. While Company H 
was: short of men the other nine companies had more than they required which co'.'.id 
be transferred unless too many were rejected by the medical examination to be made 
by the United States surgeons then present and waiting for that purpose. The medical 
examination took place and only a few rejected, leaving more or less in each of the 
other nine companies available for transfer to Company H if it could be arranged 
Thiugh some of the recruits that had enrolled into the other companies emphatically 
objected to being transferred and threatened to refuse to be mustered in unless could 
reuiain with the companies they had joined; considerable friction and contention arose 
and the commissioned officers of the several companies were in trouble as to the out- 
come and were not inclined to be responsible or take part in selecting out who should 
be transferred. Were of course willing to do anything to aid in making up Company 
H to the required number if harmony could be maintained. It was finally arranged, 
but not agreeable to all, and in this v,ay Company H was made ready for muster in. 
On account of this condition Company H was made up by recruits from 30 different 
towns from Chittenden, Washington, Franklin, Lamoille and Grand Isle Counties. 
Hence it was truly the only cosrao))olitan company in the regiment. They were mostly 
strangers to each other and did not mix up pleasantly. The transferred men as a rule 
were mad and not inclined to submit to the arbitrary proceeding and some spoke their 
minds in no uncertain language because of such treatment and two. three or more 
in after years, gave this transfer business as a reason for deserting. It was an unfortu- 
nate combination and a stormy time followed; no two agreed on any one question sug- 
gested. Company H boys were thankful for the additions and the commissioned officers of 
Company H were happy and tried to make matters pleasant for those who came in 
from other companies, and did. in a measure, smooth the matters over so that proper 
discipline was maintained. It was a long time before Company H could be denominated 
a happy family. The raw material transferred was as good as any in the regiment 
and finally settled dow-n to business, all realizing the high purposes that induced them 
to enlist, accepted the situation and before the sin-ing campaign opened were friendly 
and satisfied and was one of the best fighting companies in the regiment. In passing 
it may truthfully be said that the officers of Company H were not lacking in those 
qualities essential to inspire, command and lead. Captain Aro P. Slayton was the 
leading and dominant spirit in Company H and to him more than any other person is 
due the record made by Company H during its term of service especially in the battle 
of Gettysburg. Captain Slayton was an exemplary man and officer, a rare disciplinarian 
and maintained order by tact and good judgment and fair treatment. He was kind 
and generous and all loved and respected him, a man of principle in eveiT relation of 
life, was in fact of old Colonial stock that first settled in Brookfield, Mass, emigrating 
from England early in the 17th century. His grandfather and uncles settled in Ver- 
mont as amon.g the first settlers during the stirring times of the original Green Moun- 
tain Boys and from that time have been prominent men in .guiding the affairs of Ver- 
mont, ever on the side of the right. Patriotic in thought and action. There were six 
Slaytons of the same family in this company and quite a number more in the 13t!i Regi- 
ment. The Slaytons were born and bre"d, loyal to home and country and were on hand at 
all times to defend the right even with their lives. Though this company sailed over a 
rather stormy sea in its first weeks of service, it finally acquitted itself with credit 
and honor equal to any company in the line. Though made up as it was of so many 
different nationalities and creeds of religious views, yet they were among the bravest 
heroes in the 13th Regiment and their intrepid conduct in the desperate char,ge of the 
Second Vermont Brigade against General Pickett's right flank won for themselves esteem 
at home and unstinted praise for daring deeds in battle and were personally commended 
by General Stannard and Colonel Randall. This company represented more towns than 
any other and acted with the idea that each must do his best to bravely represent the 



65^ 'J'lic Thirteenth Rctiiniciit i'cnitont I'ohintccrs 

town from which he volunteered. Nearly 6(i of this company have passed to the beyond 
and joined the silent majority waitins for the grand review that will follow the final 
muster out of the noble heroes who followed the Stars and Stripes from Fort Surater 
to Appomattox. 

"On Fame's eternal camping ground 

Their silent tents are spread. 
And Glory guards with solemn round, 
The bivouac of the dead." 



WILLIAM V. PECK 

volunteered from the town of Calais in August. 1862; was elected captain of 
Company H at its organization, September 23rd. Mustered in October 10th at Hrattle- 
boro. Vt., 1862. His age at this date was 28. Captain Peck assumed command and 
remained with the company attending faithfully to his duties until January 25th. 1865, 
at which date he resigned and returned to his home in Vermont. The service did not 
agree with hira. was taken sick and was told by Dr. Nichols that his constitution 
would not permit him to remain longer in the service. (See page 316 for Captain 
Peck's picture.) 

ORLOFF H. WHITNEY 

volunteered under the call of August 4th for 300,0(i0 nine months' men. He was born 
in the town of Franklin April 19th, 1839, and therefore at the date of enrollment, 
August. 1862, was 23 years old. He counted on the quota of his native town and 
joined Highgate Company, so-called, September 11th, 1S62, the date of organization. Was 
appointed Sergeant and at once took his place as such, and was active in giving 
instruction to the green and awkward squads of this company. Sergeant Whit- 
ney had experience, having enlisted into Company C. the Ransom Guards of St. 
Albans, Vt., under the first call of President Lincoln for 75,000 to serve three months. 
Mustered in May 2nd, 1861 and mustered out August 15th, 1861. Had a good common 
school education and was an intelligent, fine appearing, good looking, enthusiastic, 
patrotic young man as could be found in Vermont. Was well born and brought up. 

Comrade Whitney as a true man, loyal to his engagements, soon after being 
mustered out on the expiration of his first term of service, married on the 7th day 
of February, 1862, Cordelia C. Whitney of Franklin, one of the fair and most estimable 
young ladies of Northern Vermont. To them was born one lovely daughter. January 
23rd, 1863, while the husband and father was in the service of his country. Sergeant 
Whitney attended the organization of the 13th Regiment at Montpelier, Vt.. September 
24th, and was appointed Adjutant, in which capacity he served with credit. He was 
commissioned as Captain of Company H, January 22nd, 1863, an unusual though proper 
recognition of first-class qualification to command a company. Captain Whitney was 
prepossessing, ambitious, full of life and push, zealous in the discharge of duty, anxious 
for a clean service and to accomplish deeds of valor that the goal of victory and success 
might be reached as soon as possible. 

His ai)pearance on dress parade as adjutant commanded the admiration of the 
whole regiment, and his military bearing and fitness pointed to him for early promo- 
tion, and none were surprised when it was made known he had been commissioned 
as Captain and assigned to Company H. This position he filled with credit and 
satisfaction to the company, no officer of the I-ine was more popular, and in fact none 
gave better promise of sufficient courage and prowess than Captain Whitney. He 
was untiring in the preparation of his company for the spring campaign and impend- 
ing battle between the army of the Potomac and Northern Virginia. 

During the last days of May. 1863. when everything seemed hopeful and propitious, 
and Captain Whitney was anxiously waiting for and momentarily expecting a clash 
of arms he was (juite suddenly stricken down with typhoid fever. His case from the 
first was serious and alarming. That he might be more sure of the best of care, was 
taken to Alexandria. Va., and i)laced in one of the many hospitals. Was delirous 
from the first and Surgeon Nichols was very anxious. He was placed in a hospital 
of good standing and yet in an unguarded moment jumped from an open window to the 
street below, resulting in death. This was sad in the extreme. Here was a case of 
gross negligence by those in charge. What a pity that one so brave and anxious 
to serve his country and help save the Union should be deprived of life under 



Hioyraphical and Historical of Coiiipanx H . 653 

such deplorable circumstances. True it is, however that this noble and patriotic 
soldier of the Republic offered and gave up his young life on the altar of his country 
as fully as if shot on the battlefield. His surviving comrades were fully satisfied 
that the death of Captain Whitney was the result of negligence and no investigation 
would restore to life or in any manner appease the grief and just indignation of his 
comrades and friends. Captain Whitney was buried in his native town, where once 
a year on Memorial Day the heroes of the Republic and wife and daughter and dear 
friends gather to garland the resting place of the sacred dead with the early flowers 
of spring and unfold above his grave the Stars and Stripes he volunteered to defend. 
The widow of this Green Mountain Boy resides with her only child, the wife of Olin 
Merrill, Enosburg Falls, Vt., Jan. 1909. (See ijage 316 for iiitture. 1 R. O S. 

ARO PHINEAS SLAYTON 

son of Bucklin and Sally (Willis) Slayton was born at Calais, Vt., September Kith, 
181S, enlisted in Company H, 13th Vt. Inf.. August 19th, 1862; was elected 1st Lieut., 
mustered into service October 10th, promoted to Captain June 28th, 18G3. and honorably 
discharged July 21st of same year. Of his war record, I will say but little, as it would 
be unbecoming for me, his son, to boast of his achievements, but from what has been 
told me I know that he was a brave soldier, an efficient officer and popular with his 
men. He was with his company and regiment in the long march to, and the three 
days' fight at Gettysburg, after which his company was with the Brigade in a forced 
march in pursuit of General Lee's retreating army over the mountains to Littletown, 
Maryland, where on the 9th of July was detached and started for Vermont to be 
njustered out. 

That he was not the first of his race to fight for his country is attested by the fact 
that his great grandfather. Phineas Slayton tought three years in the old French and 
Indian War, and was also an officer in the Revolution; his grandfather, Jesse Slayton 
enlisted in the Revolution at the age of 14, and his father Bucklin Slayton served in 
the war of 1812. His great grandfather, Nathaniel Bucklin and his maternal grandfather 
Edmund Willis, were also soldiers of the Revolution. Going back still further, we 
find that he was a descendant of the famous Captain James Parker of Groton and 
Watertown, Mass., whose house was a garrison during King Phillip's War, and for a 
long time, the only white man with whom King Phillip would confer. He was also a 
descendant of Comfort Willis of Bridgewater, Mass., who served in King Phillip's 
War and left a manuscript history of the same which is preserved in the Library of 
the Massachusetts Historical Society in Boston. There were other ancestors who 
fought in the several Colonial Wars, which for lack of space we will not mention. 
But while his ancestors could fight if necessary, they were of the peace loving kind 
as well. In the records of the Massachusetts "Society of Mayflower Descendants." 
Boston, he is recorded as a descendant of James Chilton Francis and Samuel Eaton 
Francis Cooke, and others of the Mayflower pilgrims including Dr. Samuel Fuller. 
the Mayflower physician. 

When a young man he learned the carpenter's trade from his father, who is said 
to have been the first in the State to frame a building by what is known as the square 
rule. This trade was followed in Vermont and Massachusetts with the exception of 
a period during which he conducted a starch factory in Calais. In 1S61 he bought 
a tract of wild land in the southeast corner of Elmore on which is now known as the 
Eagle Ledge road, and erected a sawmill, the wheels of which were started for the 
first time Thanksgiving Day, 1862, but his love of country was stronger than the desire 
for private gain, and turning over the business tor a time to his brother Geo. J., he 
moved his family back to Calais, and enlisted leaving his wife, a braver and more 
Christian woman than whom never lived, with five small children to look after with 
one more to be born during his absence. 

In figure he was tall, square shouldered, of a decided military bearing, very much 
of an athlete, and a dead shot, always bringing the gun to his left shoulder and firing 
almost instantly without seeming to take any aim. He liked nothing better than a 
good story, and the writer well remembers as a boy sitting up until midnight to hear 
visiting comrades and himself tell of their experiences. He was an especial admirer 
of Colonel Randall, and I remember on several occasions of hearing him say that to 
Randall should be given much of the credit of breaking Pickett's charge at Gettysburg. 

His account of it as I remember was that Colonel Randall first saw the opportunity 
and ordered the building of the rail fence, and that General Stannard exclaimed. 
"That's right. Colonel go ahead, go ahead," and immediately the rail fence breast- 
work was erected. There are one or two anecdotes relative to his service which I 
remember so well that I will endeavor to give them. 

One evening while camping at some point the exact location of which I do not 
remember, he and one of his lieutenants had occasion to ride on horse back somet 
distance from camp not returning until toward morning, they discovered much to 
their chagrin that three members of their Company who had been detailed for picket 
duty were asleep at the foot of a tree with their guns leaning against the opposite side. 



654 I Itc 'I'liirtrciilli h'cjjiiiu-iit I crmaiit I 'olnntccrs 

After consulting a moment, they crept up to the tree and having secured the guns, 
retreated a short distance and gave a wild yell. Instantly the pickets sprang to their 
feet and for their guns which to their consternation were not to be found. After a 
few moments the officers made themselves Known and after administering a sharp 
reprimand, informed the men that while the penalty for the offence was death, on 
account of their previous good record and fatigue from over work they should say 
nothing about it unless the men themselves spoke of it, in which case all would be 
liable to court martial. To this one of the men replied, "Guess if you don't say any- 
thing about it. Captain, we sha'nt," and he never did. Years after when the war was 
over, the men told of it themselves. 

I have heard him tell many times in a laughing way, of Stoughton's "Going to 
the front." One of his men tells me that the captain picked up a niusKet or rifle one 
day at Gettysburg, and used it quite freely, and that Colonel Randall noticing this 
exclaimed, "Company H has a new recruit." He had several narrow escapes at 
Gettysburg, his hat rim was shot off close enough to his head to have the bullet singe 
his hair, and on another occasion while stooping over to pick up a knife, a shell which 
would have struck him in the chest had he been standing, knocked him down and 
exploded killing several men directly back of him. He considered that the knife 
saved his life and always kept it. 

He was married in Calais, .luly 22nd, 1846 to Lucy Blanchard, daughter of .lohn 
and Catherine (Smith! White, and to them were born five sons and four daughters. 
Seven of his childn-n are now living, viz: Frank L. a farmer in Elmore, Herbert A., a 
carpenter in Montpelier. Calvin A. an electrician in Morrisville, Mrs. Clara I. Marker 
and Mrs. Lucy M. Connors of Chippewa Falls, Wis., Orrin L. a farmer in Calais, and 
William T. the writer of this sketch, a physician in Morrisville. During his residence 
in Calais and Elmore, Captain Slayton was honored, or burdened, with nearly every 
town office within the gift of the inhabitants representing the latter town in the 
Legislature of 1S6S. 

On his return from the War he moved the family back to Elmore where he 
followed lumbering, farming and bridge building until iss.i. During this period he 
is said to have built partly by contract over seventy-five railroad bridges on the 
Central Vermont, Montpelier & Wells River, Boston. Concord & Montreal, and X. Y. 
& X. E. railroads. In ISS.j he sold his lumber business to two of his sons and moved 
back to his native town, Calais, residing there until 1.S9.3 when he moved to Hyde 
Park where he died December nth. 1899. of valvular disease of the heart, resulting 
from rheumatism contracted in the service, and is buried in the village cemetery at 
that place. Honest and upright himself, generous and hospitable to a fault, he 
allowed others to impose upon him, and died a comparatively poor man. 

His sword, a priceless heritage, with my membership certificate in the "Military 
Order of the Loyal Legion" hansrs near my desk at this writing and to look at it is 
to realize that 1 have done scant justice to this sketch and to wish I could do more 
to honor his memory as well as that of all others who "wore the blue. " and were not 
found wanting in the time of need. (See page 316, picture.) 
Yours very respectfully, 

W1I,LTAM T. SLAYTOX. 
Morrisville, Vt., .\pril 10th. ^f^||,-,. 

SECOND LIEUTENANT HIRAM PERKINS 

vohmteered from tli.' touu d Calini, \t,, in Au.mist. l.sci'. and counted on the quota 
of that town. He was aitive in securing i-ecruits and at the organization of what was 
failed at that time as the Lafayette Artillery of Calais, was elected second lieutenant, 
and at once took his jiositicn as such and was duly ccmmissioned September 23rd. 1862. 
Lieutenant Perkins was one of the older officers of the line, and a man of character 
and influence. The Lafayette Artillery of Calais like the Emniett Guards of Burling- 
ton were mustered in as Companies A and H of the 13th Regiment, 
There was considerable confusion and some mix up with Calais com- 
pany before finally mustered in. This company on arriving at Brattleboro, 
September 29th for muster in had only some 60 members, and therefore could not be 
mustered in until the requisite number was made up. Quite a number of the other 
companies had more than the renuired number, and transfers were made to Company 
H. and in this manner Company H soon had the required number. This change created 
some feeling but no other way. Lieutenant Perkins is ertitl-i^d to much credit for the 
manner in which this mix uj) was arranged. It always required skill and tact to get 
along with Vermont volunteers for they were quite independent and expressed their 
minds fearlessly on all questions affecting their comfort and pleasure. I^ieutenant 
Perkins was cool, sedate, rather austere and well calculated to manage a lot of green, 
raw recruits just entering into the life of soldiers. Lieutenant Perkins commanded 
the respect of all and his conduct exemi)lary, a dignified gentleman evidently one of 
the old school. The mere fact that he was i)romoted to 1st Lieutenant in his own 
company was complimentary and expressed his standing in his own company, and 



Bioyvaphical and Historiciil of C()iiif>an\ //. 655 

how he was regarded by Colonel Randall who recommended promotions. Lieutenant 
Perkins was a man of few words, of deep conviction and when satisfied what was 
right was not to be swerved by feelings of sentiment or theories that had no moral 
or just foundation to support them. His conduct as an officer was just and fair, worthy 
of emulation. Was a man of action and demonstrated by his deeds the undaunted 
courage and high patriotic devotion that induced him to volunteer. On the battlefield 
of Gettysburg none displayed more sublime conduct or valiant action in the decisive 
moments of General Pickett's desperate charge against General Stannard's Second 
Vermont Brigade in the valley of Plum Run, than Lieutenant Hiram Perkins. He was 
a native born hero, willing to stand by and fight for the right and preservation of the 
Vnion with his last breath. He served with credit and was mustered out with the 
regiment with honor and returned home with an untarnished character. Resumed his 
place in society and died respected and regretted. He is buried at Caljot, Vt. (His 
picture will be found on page 31S.) 

SERGEANT WALTER A. PHILLIPS 

volunteered from the town of Calais. August, IsilL'. and joined Company H, and at its 
organization was appointed 1st Sergeant, and when a vacancy occurred in his company 
was commissioned and promoted to Second Lieutenant in Company H. This was a 
very proper recognition for a young man only 20, and was evidence of excellent quali- 
fications and merit. Indeed he was a model young man and had been well brought 
up and stood high with the officers of Company H, and was deservedly popular in his 
company. He acquitted himself wtih credit on all occasions. Was in fact one of the 
most enthusiastic and energetic of Company H. Was ready for duty and willing to 
respond no matter how arduous the task or serious the matter. His disposition was 
kind and generous, endeavoring to make his associates happy and buoyant and to 
prepare them for battle which he believed was certain before our term as a regiment 
expired. He did much on the seven days' march to Gettysburg to keep the boys 
cheered up and remain in the ranks ready for the impending battle. No doubt it can 
be truthfully affirmed that among so many valiant young officers of the ISth Regiment, 
not one made a better record in the Gettysburg campaign and fight than Lieutenant 
Phillips. He was mustered out with the regiment July 21st, 1863, and returned to his 
home proud that it had been his privile.ge to serve his country in time of greatest 
need and in the loth Regiment. Lieutenant Phillips though much attached to his 
native state and loved the hills, valleys and streams of boyhood days, went into the 
great west and settled in Chicago, III., where he died February .5th, 1901, and there 
he is buried. (His picture will be seen on page 318.) 

SERGEANT CHARLES ROSWELL WHITE 

volunteered from the town of Calais, Vt., August 19th, 1862. but was born in Wheelock. 
Vt., June 21st, 1832; enrolled in Company H at the age of 30 and at this time was a 
rugged, vigorous young man, well adapted to the life of a soldier. His occupation at 
enlistment was a carpenter and farmer and an intelligent well brought up person. 
Was apijointed Sergeant and performed his duties with credit until taken sick and 
sent to the hospital. Was discharged February 3rd, 1863 by reason of disability. All 
of his company regretted his departure, but not one so much as himself. Returned 
home but never fully recovered. His occupation has been since the war carpenter 
and bridge builder. Has ever been an industrious, reliable and useful citizen. His 
present residence is Morrisville, Vt., Xame of his wife, Harriet A. (McNight) White, 
died May 17th, 1901. Names of children, George E. White, Wolcott, Vt.: Mrs. W. N. 
Sllloway, Morrisville, Vt.; W. L. White, Hard wick, Vt. (See page 318 for picture of 
comrade Sergeant White.) 

SERGEANT HORACE GARDNER 

volunteered from the town of Calais, Vt., in September, 1862, and joined Company H. 
Was appointed 1st Sergeant June 4th, 1863 because he merited the honor. His age at 
enrollment was 27. A fine speciman of physical build, every indication of being able 
to endure the occupation of a soldier in an active campaign. He was a good non- 
commissioned officer and first class soldier. He did himself credit in the battle of 
Gettysburg. Was mustered out with his regiment July 21st, 1863. Returned home 
and resumed his place in society and continued an honored citizen. 

SERGEANT CHARLES M. McKNIGHT 

enlisted from the town of Calais, Vt., August, 18C2, at the age of 22 and joined Com- 
pany H. Was appointed Sergeant in which capacity he served until stricken down 
■with sickness and sent to the hospital where he died May 24th, 1863. He was a very 



65^1 The 'I liirtcciilh k'n/iiiwiil i'cniiotii I'nlnntccrs 

highly lespecled young man and stood well anionK his comrades. His conduct at 
Fairfax Court House. rJecember 2Sth, 1862 when our Brigade was attacked by General 
.1. E. B. Stuart gave promise of sufficient courage for any duty on the battlefield, 
He was cool, brave iind active (See pas;i' '.',2ii for picture ) 

SERGEANT THOMAS SLAYTON 2ND 

volunteered frcm the town of Calais, at the age of 22 in August, 1862, and joined 
Company H. His education was in the old district schools of the State, and was quite 
an intelligent person, patriotic and devoted to the cause of the Union. Was appointed 
.^th Sergeant and filled this position with unusual ability until taken down with sick- 
ness on account of exposed duties at camp Wolf Run Shoals. Was sent to the hospital 
where he died April 7th, 1863. He was a young man of promise as a soldier, and all 
of his comrades mourned his death. (His picture will be seen on page 320.) 

CORPORAL MARVIN WHEELER 

volunteered from the town of Unyaltiiii, ami ciiiiiiicd nii tin- ciuota of that town. .August 
19th at the age of 4:'., and joined Company H and was ai)pointed corporal and served 
as such until discharged with his regiment, .luly 21st, 1863. While comrade Wheeler 
was a good soldier, the life was too strenuous for one of his age, and yet he did his duty 
well and never faltered on the march or in battle. Returned home and resumed his 
I)lace in the busy walks of life, and is a respected citizen, proud of the fact that he 
served his country when there was need of men to stand by the Union. 

CORPORAL THEODORE STOW 

volunteered from the town of Woodbury. Vt., August 19th, 1862, at the age of 26, and 
joined Company H. Was born in Canada January 23rd, 1836. Was appointed 1st 
Corporal and subsequently promoted October, 1862 to Sergeant., and in this capacity 
served until mustered out with the regiment, July 21st, 1863. Was in the repulse of 
General J. E. B. Stuart at P'airfax Court House December 28th, 1862. and in this 
engagement demonstrated his fitness not only as a brave soldier but as an efficient 
officer. Was in the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., and displayed manly courage and 
prowess in that great fight equal to any. Was a gallant soldier and did his full share 
in securin.g victory in the desperate charge against General Pickett's right flank in 
the valley of Plum Run. 

His brother, William served in Company F, Second Vermont Infantry and was killed 
in the battle of the Wilderness May 4th, 1864. His brother Loomis served in Company K, 
2nd Vt. Inf.. and discharged October 2nd, 1862. and died two days after his return 
home. His brother Lorenzo served in the 12th Rhode Island Inf.. and died at Falmouth 
in the winter of 1862-3. Stow Post Xo. 29 was named after William Stow who was the 
first man to volunteer from the town of Calais. The subject of this sketch married 
Hortense A. Batchelder of Walden, Vt.. .luly 21st, 1860. To them were born two children, 
William L., born August 13th. 1S62 and Frank H., born Xovember 19th, 186.5. Comrade 
Theodore is a member of Stow Post G. A. R. and the Washington County Veteran 
Association. His wife is grand daughter of Captain James Wheeler and great grand- 
daughter of Comfort Wheeler of the Revolutionary War. It is evident that the Stow 
family were patriotic at birth and continued so through the Civil War, and no doubt 
the family are still loyal and devoted to the Union. During the charge against General 
Pickett's right flank. Sergeant Marble who carried the colors was wounded and the 
flag went down, six of the color guard being killed and wounded. Colonel Randall 
liicked up the colors and handed them to Sergeant Stow and from that time were 
carried by Comrade Sergcnnt Stow until niusterod out at Urattleboro. July 21st, 1863. 

CORPORAL ANDREW J. SLAYTON 

vohmteered from the town of Vv'orcoster. Vt., September 18th, 1861, Company G, 6th 
Regt. Vt. Vol., and discharged January 24th, 1862. Re-enlisted into Comnany H. 13th 
Regiment in August, 1862, and was mustered out with his regiment July 21st, 1863, 
having served his full term and returned to Vermont and remained at home a while, 
but his ardor for the cause of the I'nion was not satisfied and again re-enlisted and 
into Comiiany K, Sth Vt. Vol. for one year and was mustered out June 28th, ISfi.'). after 
close of the war. It goes without saying this comrade was not only a patriot but 
a valiant soldier. (See page 322 for his picture.) 

CORPORAL EDWIN CUDWORTH 

enrolled from the town of Woodbury, Vt., August 19th, 1862 at the age of 23. and 
joined Company H. Was promoted to Sergeant May 29th, 1863. and mustered out July 



Biographical and Historical of Company H. 657 

21st, 1863. The fact that he was promoted is the best evidence of a faithful and 
efficient soldier. He was at his post of duty always and ready to do his full duty. 
On the seven days' march to Gettysburg he was cheerful and determined, and on the 
battlefield alert and brave. (See page 320 for his picture.) 

CORPORAL DORMAN CONNER 

volunteered from the town of Calais, Vt., in August, 1862 at the age of 24, and joined 
Company H and served his full term of enlistment, and was mustered out July 21st, 
1863. Was a good corporal and a valiant soldier. (See page 320 fi.ir his picture.) 

CORPORAL FREDERIC CORLISS 

enlisted from the town of Cabot. Vt., September ISth, 1862, at the age of 33, and joined 
Company H;made corporal on the organization of the company and was promoted 
sergeant June 4th, 1863. He was on hand and willing and ready for duty night and 
day, anxious to serve his country. Returned home and has ever been a loyal, industrious 
citizen, and resides in St. Johnsbury. Vt. 

CORPORAL JOHN W. ROBINSON 

enlisted from the town of Walden, Vt., September 16th. 1862 at the age of 28, and joined 
Company H. Was made corporal and later, April 7, 1863, promoted sergeant. 
Mustered out July 21st. 1863 and returned home and resumed his place in society ever 
proud of the fact that he served his country as a soldier, when loyalty and patriotism 
prompted the valiant sons of the Green Mountain State to freely volunteer. Present 
address, Barre, Vt. 

WILLIAM 0. WHITE 

was born at Calais, Vt.. August 5th, 1841. In 1866 went to Lake Village, now Lake- 
port, N. H. In 1867 was married to Martha J. Cole, daughter of the late Isaac P. 
Cole of Lake Village, and has since resided in that place which is now known as 
Lakeport the 6th ward of the city of Laconia. Since our marriage two children have 
been born to us, Lucy Cole, born June 13th. 1872, and Susie Frazer, born February 1st, 
1882. The following is a brief story of my ancestry and something of my army life: 

My father, John White. Jr., was born in New Boston, N. H., March 21st, 1800. 
My mother Catherine Smith was born in Williston, Vt., July 5th, 1796. My grand- 
father, John White was born in New Boston. N. H.. September 21st, 1774. My gi-eat 
grandfather, William White, for whom I was named, was born in Litchfield, N. H., in 
February. 1730. His father Henry White came to this country in January, 1730 from 
Londonderry, Ireland, where he was born about 1706. His great grandfather came 
from Londonderry. England about the time the Mayflower left tor America. He was 
wounded at the siege of Londonderry, Ireland. My first enlistment was at Calais, Vt., 
August 6th, 1S62. I served my time in Company H of the "Grand old Thirteenth Ver 
mont," which was commanded by Francis V. Randall the typical colonel of Vermont. 
I held the important position of corporal and was wounded at the battle of Gettysburg 
July 2nd, where the "Thirteenth " made its famous advance across the Ridge near the 
wheat field, just at the right of Bloody Run. 

In 1885 I visited Gettysburg and went over the wheat field and also to the brick 
house in front of which we lay. Of course my comrades have not forgotten the well- 
curb. I have had the pleasure but once of visiting the reunion of the old Thirveenth 
and that was at the time we raised the funds for the Randall monument. I .servi^d 
on the committee, made the pencil drawing of the monument, and furnished the top or 
the urn, which I bought at Ryegate, Vt. I then got Captain Aro P. Slayton to contribute 
the stock for the remainder of the monument. As I am much Interested in the history 
which is being written, I regret to say that I have no picture taken at the time of 
my enlistemnt, but will send one before you go to press which is of recent date, and 
one taken in 1861. If you are interested to know anything of my private life I will 
say that I was for eighteen years connected with the Union Publishing Co., of 
Manchester, and lately have had no particular calling. Am too old. From a most In- 
terested member of the 13th Vt. Reg., who gladly bore with the rest, its ups and downs, 
and with it all, was in the hospital only one night, just before I came home. 

(See page 224 for pictures of Corporal White.) 

Yours, 

WILLIAM O. WHITE, 

Lakeport, N. H. 



658 The Thirtccnlli Rcfiinicut I'l-nmnit Volunteers 

ELI A. RICKARD 

volunteerod from the town of Woodbury, Vt., August 19th, 1862 at the age of 24, and 
joined Coiupany II, and was appointed musician. The winter camps of Fairfax Court 
House and Wolf Run Shoals with much exposed and constant duty undermined the 
constitution of Comrade Riclcard, and he was sick and sent to the hospital and died 
February 2r)th, 1S(;3. 

ISAAC CLIFFORD 

enlisted from the town of Calais on the I9th day of August. 1862, and joined Company 
H. and was made wagoner. His age at this date was 38, and on account of age and 
other suitable qualification fulfilled the laborious and often dangerous and exposed 
position with credit. Was mustered out with his regiment July 21st, 18Gli. 

CHARLES S. ADAMS 

was one of the bold volunteers from the town of Cabot, Vt., and counted on the quota 
of that town. His age was 20 and served with credit until discharged July 21st, 1863. 
He now resides in Marshfield, Vt., a reliable and honored citizen. (See page 340 for 
his picture.) 

MARCUS AINSWORTH 

volunteered from the town of Calais, August litth, 1S02 at the age of 37. and joined 
Company H. Served his full term in this company and on November 30th, 1S63, re- 
enlisted into Company I, and was transferred to Company D January 24th, 1865, and 
mustered out August 2.'5th, 1865 by reason of the close of the war. He was a valiant 
soldier and had an opportunity to experience hard fighting not only in the 13th Regiment 
but in the 11th Vt. (See page 328 for his picture.) 

1 

EDWARD E. AUSTIN 

volunteered from the town of Rochester, August 2Gth, 1862 at the age of 25, soldiering 
was too hard for his constitution and was talten sicl£ and sent to the hospital from 
which he was discharged for disability and returned home where he soon recovered 
and re-enlisted into Company M, 1st Regt., Vt. Cav., August 9th, 1864, and was mustered 
out June 21st, 1865. (See page 330 for his pictures.) 

SAMUEL AUSTIN, JR. 

enlisted from the town of Warren, Vt., August 29th, 1862 at the age of 32. He had 
the fun of being captured on the way from camp Garusi to Fairfax Station at the time 
of the capture of our teams by some of Mosby's bush whackers, but was at once paroled 
and he returned to camp none the worse for wear except a horse back ride for 
some 20 miles without blanket or saddle. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. (See picture 
on page 340.) 

EDWARD BAILEY 

volunteered from the town of Woodbury, Vt., August 19th, 1862, at the age of 23, and 
joined Company H on the date of its organization. Served his full term and was 
mustered out with his regiment July 21st, 1863. 

JERRY BISCORNER 

enlisted September 8th, 1862 from the town of Morristown at the age of 22, and joined 
Company H; served his full term and was mustered out with his regiment July 21st, 
1863, with an honorable and clean record as a soldier. Now resides in Elmore, Vt 

ORVIS P. BOYLES 

volunteered from the town of Cabot, September Sth, 1862 at the age of 25, and joined 
Company H; served his full term and was mustered out July 21st, 1863. Resides in 
Cabot, Vt. (See page 338 for his picture.) 

ELI BROWN 

was from the town of North Hero, and enlisted the 25th day of August, 1862, and 
joined Company H. His age was 23. Served his full term and made a good soldier, 
and was discharged July 21st, 1863. 



Biographical and Historical of Company H. 659 

JOSEPH BROWN 

volunteered from the town of North Hero, Vt., September 11th, 1862 at the age of 18, 
and joined Company H. Served his term in the 13th Regiment and returned home; 
and on the 17th of November, 1863, re-enlisted and into Company D, 1st Vt. Cav. Was 
transfered to Company C, June 21st, 1865, and was mustered out August, 1865. 

WALTER BURKE 

enlisted from the town of Calais, August 19th, 1862 at the age of 21, and joined Com- 
pany H. Was taken sick at Camp Wolf Run Shoals, sent to the hospital and died 
March 4th, 1863. (See page 334 for his picture.) 

FERGUS CANNON 

volunteered from the town of Montpelier October 10th, 1862 at the age of 38, and 
joined Company H, transferred from Company A. Served his term and was discharged 
July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted November 25th, 1863, and joined Company C, 17th Vt. Vols., 
and was mustered out when the war was over, July 14th, 1865, (See page 350 for 
picture.) 

NELSON CATARACT 

enlisted from the town of North Hero, Vt., August 20th, 1862 at the age of 22, ajid 
joined Company H. Served his full term and was mustered out with his regiment 
July 21st, 1863. He now resides in Waterbury, Vt. 

AMOS C. CHASE 

volunteered from the town of Stowe on the 8th day of September, 1862 at the age of 

43, and joined Company H. Served out his term of enlistment and re-enlisted on the 
14th day of September, 1863 into Company C, 17th Regiment. Wounded May 12th, 
1864 and September 30th, 1864, and discharged June 12th, 1865. 

CHARLES J. CHAMBERLIN 

volunteered from the town of Eden, Vt., on the date of September 8th, 1862, at the age 
of 32, and joined Company H. Served out his term of service and was discharged July 
21st, 1863. 

THOMAS COLLINS 

volunteered from the town of North Hero, Vt., on the 11th day of September, 1862 at 
the age of 42, and joined Company H. Discharged November 20th, 1862, because of 
disability. 

HENRY DAKEN 

volunteered from the town of Montpelier, Vt., on September 27th, 1862 at the age of 

44, and joined Company H. Though too old for soldier life served out his full term, 
and was mustered out with the regiment July 2nd, 1863. He was patriotic and devoted 
and did his best to serve his country. 

MARCUS DEMERIT 

volunteered from the town of Eden, Vt., September 8th. 1862 at the age of 29, and 
joined Company H. Served out his term of enlistment and was honorably discharged 
July 21st, 1863. (See page 336 for picture.) 

JOHN K. DOW 

volunteered from Cabot, Vt., on the 8th of September, 1862 at the age of 18, and joined 
Company H. He died in the service. May 16th, 1863. 

CLIFFUS DRUGG 

volunteered from the town of Stowe, Vt., August 25th, 1862 at the age of 18, and joined 
Company H. Served out his term of enlistment and honorably discharged July 21st, 
1863. Re-enlisted November 17th, 1863 in Company D, 11th Vermont Regiment, was 
wounded August 21st, 1864, and mustered out May 22nd, 1865. (See his picture on 
page 340.) 



66o The TItirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers 

WILLIAM EMERSON 

volunteered from the town of Stowu. SciJluiiibcr istli. 1SG2 at the age of 27, and joined 
Company H. Served his term of (-iilistmeiit and was discharged July 2l8t, 1863. 

CHARLES 0. ESTES 

volunteered August 19th, 1862 from the town of Calais, Vt., at the age of 27, and joined 
Company H. Served his term of eiilislniciil and mustered out July 21st, 1863. (See 
page 332 for his picture.) 

HENRY FASSETT 

son of Lorenzo and Laura Webb Fassett was born at Montgomery, Vt., June 23rd, 1827, 
and at the age of 13 years moved to the town of Rnosburg, Vt. During the war of 1812 
two of my uncles served, one as a corporal and the other as musician. I was married 
December 6th, 187.5 to Ida L. Pepper of Enosburg, Vt., two daughters have been born, 
Lena V. and Olive F. 1 enlisted September 9th, 1862 in Company G, 13th Regt. Vt. Vol., 
but was soon transferred to Company H in which Company I served during the nine 
months for which I volunteered to serve. My first service was in my town and 
15akersfield learning how to walk straight and orderly. It was quite a task to form a 
line with a dozen other raw recruits. It any doubt it let them try it. After leaving 
Bakerslleid we spent two weeks in Hrattleboro fitting ourselves for army life. Our 
fare here was very home like, but our first ration outside of Vermont was soup brought 
in what looked like swill barrels, no one knew whether they had ever been washed or 
not. If any one wanted a potato the driver would bare his arm and reach to the bot- 
tom of the barrel and get one. Our next ration was in Philadelphia where everything was 
fine. 

From there we were reduced to the level of cattle and loaded into box cars with a 
few seats for those who were fortunate enough to secure them while the remainder of 
us could sit or stand on the floor as we chose, and here we rode nearly all night with 
only the light of the moon to cheer us on our way. As we passed through Baltimore 
every man was ordered to load his gun and fill his cartridge box for fear we might be 
fired upon as . others had been before. We got through all right but our train was 
so heavy we broke apart before reaching Washington. Our first night there was 
passed on the bare floor of the station. While in Washington, 1 was detailed as Bugler 
on General Casey's Staff for a short time. After leaving Washington we crossed the 
Potomac River into Virginia and passed Arlington Heights a few miles and halted at 
a place we called camp Seward, and from there we went to Camp Vermont near 
Alexandria, Va. Here we stayed for some time and one night we were ordered to go 
to Union Mills about thirty-miles distant for guard duty. It was so dark we could not 
see without a lantern and I slept part of the time while walking. Towards morning 
a heavy rain storm set in and we went into camp tor the remainder of the night, and 
I slept sitting at the roots of a tree. The next morning we completed our journey to 
Union Mills and stayed there a week, then returned to Camp Vermont on platform cars 
in a smart snow storm in the night, and went into camp in the dark in snow nearly 
knee deep. As the result of our exposure we filled the hospital pretty well and some 
graves. We soon had an order to go to Fairfax Court House, Va. Here we had to 
head off Mosbys Raid which was done with no loss. 

From there we did picket duty at Centerville and surroundings for some time, 
then we moved south by Fairfax Station and made a long strip of corduroy road to a 
ferry on the Occoquan River. Here we guarded the ferry and heights until June. 
When Lee invaded the north we followed him and overtook him at Gettysburg, and 
helped to whip him and drive him back across the Potomac River there to stay. Soon 
after we returned to Brattleboro, Vt., and were mustered out. After which I came home 
and began farming, which occupation I followed until a few years ago when I retired 
from active business. 

See page 344 for pictures. HKXRY FASSETT. 

WILLIAM H. FLETCHER 

volunteered from the town of Cabot, Vt., September 8th, 1862 at the age of 24. and 
joined Company H. Served out his full term of enlistment and was mustered out 
with his regiment July 21st. 1863. Nothing appearing to the contrary it is assumed 
that he was a good soldier and did his duty from first to last, and ret\irned home with 
a clean record and a good reputation while in the service. The author is unable to 
recall anything in particular as to Comrade Fletcher. The mere fact of promotion from 
the ranks to corporal shows his capacity and fitness as a soldier and how he was 
regarded by the company officers. He was a resolute and devoted person, and on the 
march and in the battle of Gettysburg was alert and did his duty in the great charge 
against General Pickett as well and heroically as the best. (His picture on page 324 
show him to have been cool and brave in battle.) 



Biograpliical and Historical of Company H. 66i 

GREGORY FLOOD 

volunteered from the town of Middlesex in August, 1862 at the age of 18, and joined 
Company H. He being the only volunteer from this town to join Company H. It is 
evident he was transferred from Company B to help make up the required number of 
Company H that it might be mustered in at Brattleboro as a full company. He was a 
well behaved young man and discharged his several duties with fidelity and prompt- 
ness. Served his term of enlistment and was discharged with the regiment July 21st, 
1863, and returned home and settled down in life and became a well disposed and 
useful citizen. (See page 344 for his picture.) 

HIRAM FOSTER 

volunteered from Duxbury, Vt., in August at the age of IS, and joined Company H by 
transfer. He was not very rugged and pretty young for soldier life. The arduous 
duties of the fall and winter and exposure was too much for his delicate constitution. 
Was taken sick, sent to the hospital where he died March 26th, 1863. Such was the 
fate of many of the patriotic boys who volunteered in this regiment. 

CHARLES C. GIBSON 

volunteered from the town of Cabot, September Sth, 1862 at the age of 18, and joined 
Company H. Served his full term of enlistment and was mustered out with his 
regiment .July 21st. 1863. Returned to his home among the hills of his native county 
happy and proud because he had obeyed the mandates of conscience and responded 
when his country called for volunteers. Comrade Gibson was one of those enthu- 
siastic boys from Cabot that laid aside work on the farm and desire for an education 
left home and friends, gave up all to fight for the preservation of the Union. He was 
a faithful, loyal and devoted soldier on hand for fun or duty, march, raid, or battle, 
anxious to do his full share regardless of danger. He moved out west soon after the 
war and now resides in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. We have not seen our esteemed comrade 
for many years, and know nothing as to his success in life or how he has been. We 
regret that he did not furnish a biographical sketch for the book that his old comrades 
might know of him and his family. It is too bad that the circular sent and calling 
for material, pictures, etc.. did not reach him. We hope he is still alive and happy, 
and as loyal and brave as when he followed the Stars and Stripes in the great charge 
of the Second Vermont Brigade under command of General Stannard against General 
Pickett's right flank in Plum Run Valley of Gettysburg, Pa., July 3rd, 1863. 

LYMAN B. HINKSON 

volunteered from the town of Calais, Vt., August 19th, 1862 at the age of 42, and joined 
Company H. I do not recall much as to this comrade, I thought too old for a soldier. 
It seems he was able to endure the deprivations of soldier life and perform his duty 
as well as the best of his company comrades. He found some fault when detailed to 
work with spike and pick building Fort Lyon and said he enlisted to fight and not to 
build mud forts. He was however obedient and faithful and responded when called 
night or day. Was in tact a good soldier and made a good record. Was mustered out 
at the expiration of his term of service July 21st, 1863, and returned home, resumed his 
place and occupation proud of the fact that he had served as a common soldier, 
battling for right, home and country. (See page 342 for his pictures.) 

HENRY HOBART 

volunteered from Calais, Vt., September Sth, 1862 at the age of 18. and joined Com- 
pany H. He was discharged April 25th, 1863 by reason of disability. Re-enlisted 
August 11th. 1864 into the 1th Regt.. Vt. Vols., and was assigned to Company I. Mustered 
out June 24th, 186.5. It is evident he was patriotic and brave. His record made was 
clean and all right as a good fighting soldier, though a mere boy did his full share to 
serve the Union. Remained in the service until the end of the war. 

CHARLES L. HOUGHTON 

volunteered September Sth, 1862 at the age of 24, and joined Company H. Discharged 
at Brattleboro, Vt., May 11th, 1863 on account of disaloility contracted in the service. 

He returned home but never fully recovered from the effect of his army life. 



662 7'lit- I'hirtccnth Reijiincnt I'crmonl I'olunteers 

SILAS G. JOHNSON 

voluntet-red from the town of Cabot, VI., Sci)tciiiber 8th, 1802 at the age of li.'i and 
joined Comi)any H. Promoted corporal May 29th, 18G3. Comrade Johnson earned 
the chevron stripes that adorned the sleeves of the coat he wore and he was proud 
and thankful. He was a first class man and soldier, and throughout his service dis- 
played good judgment and was alert, never flinching from any duty no matter 
how dangerous the service. (See page 326 for his picture.) 

EZRA KEYES 

volunteered from the town of Berkshire, Vt., September 9th, 1862 at the age of 23, and 
joined Company H. Wounded in the battle of Gettysburg July 3rd, 1863, and was in 
general hospital when the regiment was mustered out, July 21st, 1863, and was dis- 
charged from the hospital and from the service October 7th, 1863. He displayed 
great courage during the battle and was quite seriously wounded in the sanguinary 
charge against General Pickett's right flank. 

ISAAC KIMBALL 

volunteered from the town of Cabot, Vt., September 8th, 1862 at the age of 25. and 
joined Company H, and was discharged June 3rd, 1863 on account of disability. Rtf- 
enlisted September 17th, 1863, into Third Battery Light Artillery and died March 26th. 
1864 of disease. (See page 342 for his picture.) 

LEANDER KIRBY 

volunteered from the town of Waterliury, Vt.. .August 2rith, 1862 at the age of 18, and 
joined Company H. Served faithfully and discharged every duty from first to last, and 
was mustered out at the end of his enlistment with equal credit to the best in his 
company and regiment (Turn to page 328, and see a fine speciman of a man now 
60 years old who when in battle was as brave as any that fought at the great battle 
of Gettysburg.) 

WILLIAM KIRKLAND 

volunteered from the town of Barre. Vt., August 25th, 1862 at the age of 21. and 
joined .Company H. Mustered out with his regiment July 21st, 1863, returned home 
but remained in civil life but a few days, and then re-enlisted into Third Battery 
Light Artillery, September .5th, 1863. and continued in the service until the close of 
the war. and then was mustered out with a f;ond clean record as a soldier. 

JOHN B. KUSIO 

volunteered from the town of Stowe, Vt., September 8th. 1862 at the age of 21, and 
joined Company H. Served until discharged with his regiment July 21st. 1863. Re- 
enlisted December 1st, 1863 into 11th Regiment, Company I. Killed in the battle of 
Cold Harbor, Va.. June .5th, 1864, and buried at Cold Harbor, National Cemetery, Va. 
Because of the loyalty and heroism of such as Comrade Kusic the Union was saved 
from dissolution. 

PERRY LAKE 

volunteered from the town of Swanton, October 8th, 1862 at the age of 18, and joined 
Company H by transfer from Company K, and was mustered out with his regiment 
July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted August 19th, 1863 into Company M, 1th Regt., Vt. Vols., 
at the age of 19; transferred to Company D January 24th. 1S65 and mustered out 
August 25th. 1865. This comrade was a boisterous, voluble, uneven tempered young 
man. but was bold and fearless and nuule a good fighter, 

NAPOLEON B. LAMONDE 

volunteered from the town of Cambridge, September 8th, 1862 at the age of 18, and 
joined Company H by transfer, and was mustered out July 21st. 1863 by reason of 
having served his term of enlistment. Re-enlisted September 25th, 1S63 into Com- 
pany B, 17th Regt., Vt. Vols., and was wounded in the battle of Spotsylvania Court 
House, Va., May 12th, 1864. and was mustered out July 14th, 1865. This was a brave 
soldier and freely offered up his life on the altar of his country. 



Biographical a)id Historical of Company H. 663 

PATRICK LANE 

enlisted from the town of North Hero, Vt.. Sei)tember 11th, 1S62 at the age of 33, 
and joined Company H by transfer and was mustered out with his regiment July 21st, 
1863. Returned home and resumed his former occupation and place in society. Was 
ever proud that he had served his country in time of need. 

JOHN E. LARKINS 

enrolled from the town of Richford, Vt., September 9th, 1862 at the age of 18. and 
joined Company H by transfer, and was mustered out July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted 
March 6th, 186.5, into Company E. 7th Regt. Vt. Vols., for one year and was mustered 
out March 6th, 1866. 

LEONARD W. LEACH 

volunteered from the town of Eden, Vt., September 8th, 1862 at the age of 38, and 
joined Company H by transfer, and was mustered out with his regiment, July 21st, 
1S63. 

JOHN LEONARD 

volunteered from the town of North Hero, Vt., August 25th, 1862 at the age of 22, and 
by transfer joined Company H. Deserted October 11th. 1862. It may be that this 
soldier served in other regiments, but the references are so uncertain do not care to 
state further as to his service. The same name appears elsewhere, and I assume that 
he removed the stain on his character by re-enlistment. 

AURA LYFORD 

volunteered from the town of Woodbury, Vt., September 8th, 1862 at the age of 47, 
and joined Company H by a transfer made at Brattleboro, Vt., just before muster in. 
Wounded July 3rd, 1863 at the battle of Gettysburg and in the charge against General 
Pickett, and was mustered out July 21st, 1863. His first enlistment was in the 3rd 
Vt. Vols., Company K, from which he was discharged December 23rd, 1861. Re-enlisted 
again for the 3rd time, October 31st, 1863 and into 3rd Battery Light Artillery and 
died August 9th, 1864. This was an old man, but must have been extremely loyal 
and patriotic, and a good fighter for he volunteered three times and continued In the 
service from the -beginning to the end finally dying in the service. His picture on 
page 338 reflects his determination, a typical Green Mountain volunteer. 

JASPER LYMAN 

volunteered from the town of Duxhury, Vt., August 25th, 1862 at the age of :;7, and 
joined Company H. Died in hospital at Brattleboro. Vt., February 17th, 1863. 

WILLIAM MAYBERRY 

enlisted from the town of Cabot, Vt., September 18th, 1862 at the age of 23, and 
joined Company H, and served his full term and was mustered out with his regiment 
July 21st, 1863. 

WILLIAM MAJOR 

volunteered from the town of Calais, Vt., October 3rd, 1862 at the age of 19, atajd 
joined Company H. Served his full term, and mustered out with his regiment with a 
clean record and good reputation as a valiant soldier. 

JAMES L. MARTIN 

volunteered from the town of South Hero, Vt., August 25th, 1862 at the age of 35, and 
by transfer joined Company H. Promoted corporal June 4th, 1863. Served his full 
term and mustered out with his regiment at Brattleboro, Vt., July 21st, 1863. Died 
July 23rd, 1863, of wounds received July 3rd, 1S63. 

CHARLES McGLAUFLIN 

volunteered September 29th, 1862 from the town of Montpelier, Vt., at the age of 
17. Wounded at Gettysburg, and in general hospital, July 21st, 1863. Mustered out 
and returned to his home and resumed his life on the farm. 



664 The fliirtcciith Rc(/ininit rrr>iiont I'olitntcers 

MICHAEL MERCY 

enlisted September 11th, 1SG2, at the iige of Jl, iiiul counted on the quota of South 
Hero and joined Company H. and served his full term and mustered out with his 
regiment July 21st, 18(;3. Re-enlisted August 29th, 1864 into Company K, 11th regi- 
ment for one year and mustered out .Tune 24th. ISOri. 

JOSEPH MERRITT 

enrolled September 18th, 1862 and counted on the quota of Stowe, Vt., at the age 
of 18, and joined Company H. Mustered out with his regiment .July 21st, 1863. 

ELISHA B, NORRIS 

enlisted from the town of Stowe. Vt.. September 8th, 1862 at the age of 36, and joined 
Company H by transfer. Sick in hospital July 21st, 1863 and mustered out on same 
day and returned home to Vermont haiii^y that he had volunteered and lived to 
return to his loved ones at home. 

THOMAS MORWAY 

enrolled from the town of W'aterbury. Vt.. .\ugiist 2.5th, 1862 at the age of 29, and 
joined Company H. and was mustered out July 21st, 1863 and returned home happy 
and glad that he had volunteered in the service of his country when called and 
when needed. Now- resides in Waterbury, Vt. (See iiage 332 for his picture.) 

GEORGE W. NICHOLS 

volunteered from the town of Barre, Vt., August 25th, 1862 at the age of 21, and joined 
Company H. and was mustered out with his regiment July 2nd, 1863. (See page 336 
for his pictures.) 

SETH A. MOORE 

enrolled from and counted on the town of Topsham. Vt.. August 25th, 1862, at the age 
of 21, and joined Company H by transfer, and died in hospital May 24th, 1863. (See 
page 334 for picture.) 

EBEN S. PERKINS 

volunteered from the town of North Hero, Vt., September 8th. 1862 at the age of 30, 
and joined Company H by transfer. Discharged March 29th, 1863. 

ANDREW E. OSGOOD 

volunteered and counted on the town of Cabot, Vt.. September 8th. 1862 at the age 
of 19, and joined Comi)any H. Died from mortal wounds received July 3rd, 1863 
in the battle of Gettysburg on the 7th of July, 1863. and was buried in the National 
Cemetery at Gettysburg. He gave his young life that his country might survive. 
(See page 336 for his picture.) 

STEPHEN 0. PARKHURST 

volunteered from the town of North Hero, Vt., August 25th, 1862 at the age of 21, 
and by transfer became a member of Company H. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. 
(See page 328 for his picture.) 

EZEKIEL PIERCE 

volunteered from the town of Woodbury. Vt., August 19th, 1862 at the age of 40, 
and joined Company H. Mustered out with his regiment July 21st, 1863. (See page 
330 for his picture.) 

JULIUS F. REYNOLDS 

enlisted from the town of North Hero, Vt., August 25th, 1862 at the aee of 31, and 
joined Company H. Was discharged March 29th, 1863 on account of disability. 



Biographiial and Historical of Company H. 665 

REUBEN RICHARDSON 

volunteered from the town of Fayston, Vt.. August 25th, 1862 at the of 45, and joined 
Company H. Was mustered out with his regiment July 21st, 1863. Re-enlisted 
November 30th, 1863 and joined Company G, 6th Vt. Inf. Taken prisoner August, 
1864 and paroled and discharged May 12th, 1865. 

WILLIAM ROAKS 

volunteered from the town of Moiitpelier. Vt., September 29th, 1862 at the age of 
IS, and joined Company H. Was discharged with his regiment July 21st, 1863. 
(See page 32S for his picture.) Wounded at Gettysburg July 3rd, 1863. 

PHILLIP SCHOOLCRAFT 

volunteered for and counted on the quota of the town of Bakersfield, Vt., September 
9th, 1862, and joined Company H at the age of 18. Was mustered out at the end 
of his term of service. Re-enlisted November 3rd, 1863 into Company A, 17th Vt. 
Vet. Reg. Promoted corporal August 26th, 1864. Mustered out July 14th, 1865. He 
was a brave and valiant soldier. 

GEORGE E. SHAW 

volunteered September Sth, 1S62 and counted on the quota of the town of Cabot, Vt., 
at the age of 20. Discharged November 20tb, 1S62, on account of disability. 

THEODORE M. SLAYTON 

volunteered August 19th, 1862 at the age of 44 and counted on the quota of Calais, 
- Vt., and joined Company H. Was mustered out with his regiment July 21st, 1863. 
(See page 332 for his pictures.) 

THOMAS J. SLAYTON 

volunteered September 1st, 1862 at the age of 44 and counted on the quota of the 
town of Worcester, Vt., and joined Company H. Mustered out with his regiment 
July 21st, 1863. This comrade and Theodore M. Slayton of this company seemed to 
be of the same age and perhaps were twins: they at least were brave and patriotic 
and of good stuff for soldiers. (See page 344 for his picture.) 

RUFUS H. SLAYTON 

volunteered September 12, 18fi2. at the age of IS. and counted on the quota of 
East Montpelier, Vt. Was mustered out with his regiment July 21st, 1863 Re- 
enlisted August 27th, 1864, 2nd Battery Light Artillery for one year. Died July 
31st, 1865 in the service. (His picture will be seen on page 338.) 

CHARLES SMITH 

enlisted from the town of North Hero. Vt.. August 25. 1862: at the age of 21. 
Deserted October 11th, 1862, the very day that the regiment left Camp Lincoln for 
Washington. A man by this same name enlisted into several regiments and deserted. 
If the same person he had a mania for joining the army, but not for fighting. There 
are 8 different references made in Peck Roster, but I am sure it cannot mean the 
same person. 

JUDSON A. STONE 

volunteered from the town of Montpelier, Vt., August 19th, 1862 at the age of 18, 
and joined Company H. Mustered out with his regiment July 21st, 1863. (See page 
334 for his pictures.) 

EDWARD TAYLOR 

volunteered from the town of Stowe, Vt., September Sth, 1862 at the age of 27, and 
joined Company H. Mustered out at the expiration of his term of service July 21st, 
1863. 

DR. CHARLES P. THAYER 

born at West Randolph, Vt., January 22nd, 1843. My father, Samuel W. Thayer, 
M. D., LL. D., was a descendant of John Alden and Elder William Brewster of Pilgrim 
fame- My mother was Sarah L. Pratt of Woodstock, Vt., a daughter of John A. Pratt, 



666 riic Tliirtci'iilli Rcyimcnt I crmout I 'ulimtcers 

and grand daughter o( David llailey a revolutionary Boldier. Soon after my birth, 
my father moved to Northfield, Vt., and remained there until 1854, and became an 
Intimate friend of Governor Charles Faine, after whom I was named. During the 
Civil War he was Surgeon General of Vermont, and Acting Assistant Surgeon U. S. A., 
in charge of the Baxter General Hospital at Hurlington. Soon after the battle of 
Lee's mills I went to New York and brought home the first batch of soldiers to that 
hospital. My association with those soldiers filled nie with a desire to enlist, and when 
the ]3th was organized, I enlisted as hospital steward, and was assigned to Company 
H the "Calais Artillery." 

Having commenced the study of medicine previous to enlisting, and my duties 
as Hospital Steward not giving me an opportunity to watch the progress of patients 
in the hospital, I applied for and was appointed Ward Master, and that position I 
held until mustered out. After retiring from the army I finished my medical educa- 
tion and graduated from the medical department of the University of Vermont in 
June, 186.5. I practiced in Hurlington, Vt., for a while, was appointed Health Officer 
and City Physician. In 1877 was appointed Surgeon to the Northern Pacific R. R., 
then in progress of construction and remained there three years. Afterwards returned 
to Burlington, Vt., and practiced medicine there until 1 moved to Boston, Mass., in 
1878, and am still there. I have been secretary oC the Faculty and Professor of 
.\natomy in the Tufts (College Medical and Dental Schools since their organization. 
Am a member of the Massachusetts Medical Society, Vermont Veteran Association, 
Vermont Association. Gettysburg Post G. A. R., li. P. O. E., mason, etc. 

DR. CHARLKS P. THAYER, A. M., M. D.. 

Boston, Mass. 
Died at Atlantic City, N. J.. February 1st. KMn. (See page 48 for picture.) 

JOHN TROWVILLE 

was born in South Hero, Vt., January 11th, 1844, and volunteered September 7th, 1862 
at the age of 18, and Joined Company H. Discharged with the regiment July 21st, 
1863. Was In the battle of Gettysliurg. Resides at South Hero, Vt. (See page 326 
for his picture.) 

MARSHALL TURNER 

was born July, 1832, volunteered September 11th, 1862, into the Bakersfield Company 
at the age of 30. and joined Company H by transfer. Promoted corporal January 4th, 
1863. Mustered out with his regiment, July L'isl, 1S(;:;. 

ALFRED WAINWRIGHT WEBB 

the second son and fourth child in a family of five, of Edward A. and Mary A. Webb, 
was born in Montpelier, Vt., December 19th, 1844. In 1847 the family moved to 
Northfield, Vt.. where tor a number of years the elder Mr. Webb was engaged in the 
stove and tinware business, but subsequently succeeded to the ownership and manage- 
ment of the Northfield House, which, in its day, was one of the finest hotels in 
Vermont. The subject of this sketch was educated in the public schools and academy 
of his adopted town. His oply brother, Charles A. Webb, was enrolled and commis- 
sioned as 1st Lieutenant of Company F, 1st Reg't. Vt. Vol. Inf. (3 months) and served 
until the expiration of the term of service of said regiment. August 5th. 1861 he was 
enrolled Captain of the 13th Reg't. V. S. Inf., brevetted Major July 4th. 1S6.3 for 
gallant and meritorious service in the siege of Vicksburg, transferred to the 22nd 
Infantry July, 1866, made full Major 16th V. S. Inf., 1880, and died at Fort McKavete, 
Texas, January 31, 1883. 

Alfred W. Webb enlisted October 1, 1862. and was mustered into the service 
October 10th, 1862 as a private of Company H, in the 13th Reg't. Vt. Vol. Int.. Ijiut 
was at once detailed for special service in the medical department where he was 
retained until mustered out with the regiment July 21st. 18G3. He removed with his 
family from Northfield to Chicago. 111., in the fall of 1868, and in 1S70 he entered 
the employ of the Chicago and North Western Railroad Company as clerk iu the 
office located at Chicago. For the past twenty years he has been cashier, which 
office he now holds. By his ability, untiring industry and strict personal integrity 
he has acquired a handsome competence and lives in the enjoyment of his family 
and surroundings in his home at La Grange, 111., a suburb of Chicago. 

In 1878 he married Miss Josephine Morgan of which union there have been born 
two sons, Edward A. (1881) who resides in Battle Creek, Michigan, and Charles M. 
(1882) who resides with his parents in La Grange. Mr. Webb is an active member 
of Hiram McCIintock Post No. 667 G. A. R., of La Grange, 111., and has held the office 
of adjutant, junior vice-commander and commander; the duties of which he has at 
all times fulfilled with credit to himself and honor to the Post of which he is a worthy 
member. (See page 326 for pictures.) 



Biographical and Historical of Company H. 667 

TIMOTHY WEBBER 

volunteered September 17th, 1862, from Goshen Gore, Vt., at the age of 21, and joined 
Company H. Mustered out July 21st, 1863. 

FREEMAN WILSON 

was born in Cabot, Vt., September 6th, 1842, lived at home and worked on the farm 
until I was 21. attended school when I could and in this manner acquired a fairly 
good common school education, as I thought. My boyhood days were similar to my 
schoolmates. The community in which I lived was composed of good citizens, law 
abiding, patriotic, loyal to principle of state and nation. When rebel guns fired on 
the Stars and Stripes that waved over Fort Sumter in April, 1861 I began to read 
and think and ponder over what would be the result, and what was my duty. After 
reflection my brother and I decided to enlist and soon the opportunity came and we 
both volunteered September 8, 1862, and counted on the quota of our native town 
and joined Company H. My brother was 22 and I, 21; both very healthy, rugged and 
very well calculated to endure the dangers and hardship of army life. The town in 
which we had lived was very patriotic and devoted to the cause of liberty and the 
principles of the Union of states and bitterly opposed the attempted secession by 
some of the Southern states. Nearly all of the 16 that enrolled from Cabot were 
young men, only one old man, Lyman Hinkson, and he was a nvely old boy, and was 
happy, active and full of fun as any. My army life was without particular incident 
until we reached Gettysburg and there we saw the awful and indescribable scenes 
of a mighty and sanguinary battle between two great armies, the -most valiant and 
intrepid of the North and of the South. Each side fought with desperation for 
victory. Gettysburg was a great battle and the result more potential and of greater 
moment than all the battles that had been fought up to that date. I apprehended 
death during the battle, and was, I think, a little timid. Many were killed and 
wounded and the air was full of deadly missies and I realized that death might be my 
lot at any moment. I tried to do my duty on that field of battle. On the third and 
last day of the battle I received a wound which might have been fatal had I been a 
trifle taller, as it was nothing more serious than a brief sleep, the loss of some 
blood and a mark which it took many years to obliterate. I recovered in a few 
moments and took my jilace in the company. I was discharged with the regiment 
July 21, 1863, and returned home and resumed work on the farm for a few years and 
then went out West and engaged with the American Express Company and continued 
with this company until September 1st, 1904, in different positions, and was retired 
on a generous pension by the express company. I was married December 29, 1875 
to Nellie D. Crumb, of Harvard, III. My wife was born at Elkhorn. Wis., February 9, 
1854. To us were born Harriet Wilson July 8, 1878. My parents were Jesse Wilson and 
Sophronia Hoyt. My grand parents were Nathaniel Wilson and Kzra Hoyt. I now 
reside at Pawnee City, Neb. I sincerely wish that once more my surviving old comrades 
might be taken by the hand and recount the incidents when we as boys served our 
country. 1 ever turn in loving rememhrance to the scenes of childhood, the hills, 
streams and valleys, the school mates and comrades, still living in the dear old Green 
Mountain State. And now I realize that all but a few brief days of my life are behind me, 
cannot express my gratitude and thankfulness for the lessons taught around the fireside 
of my father's humble home that induced me to strike for liberty, home and country. 
It was the single act of life of which I am most proud. Colonel Randall's Green Moun- 
tain Boys won imperishable glory and honor at Gettysburg, secured victory and made 
certain the preservation of the Union. FREEMAN WILSON. 

I was charged by Comrade Wilson to change his sketch so it would appear in the 
second person. His extreme modesty is uncalled for and the Historian could not forego 
the temptation to publish it as prepared and submit to the consequences. 

R. O. S., Historian. 
JOSEPH WILSON 

volunteered from the town of Cabot, September 8, 1862, at the age of 22, and joined 
Company H. Served his full term and was mustered out with his regiment July 21, 
1863, and returned home and resumed his occupation and place In society. Died in 
Marshfield September, 1901. He left two sons, Jesse and Clarence, who reside in 
Marshfield, Vt. 

RUSSELL WHEELOCK 

volunteered August 19, 1862, at the age of 36, and joined Company H. Was taken sick 
and discharged April 18, 1863. The winter camp of Wolf Run Shoals, with unusual ex- 
posure on the picket line undermined the strong constitution of Comrade Wheelock 
and he was sent to the hospital from which he was discharged and sent home to 
Vermont where he regained his health in part. 




WILLIAM W. HOLDEN, 

Northfield, Vermont, 

Historian of Co. I. 13th Yt. Vols. 



Biographical and Historical 



CO. 



Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers 



civil war 1861-1865 



Dedicated in sacred remembrance of Benjamin N. 

Wright, slaia in the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., 

July 3rd, 1863. Interred in National 

Cemetery of Gettysburg, Pa. 



Biographical and Historical of Company I. 671 



THE CONDENSED HISTORY OF COMPANY I. 



THE volunteers that enrolled into this company were from the towns of Montpelier, 
Barre, Waterbury, Middlesex and nearby towns. Montpelier being the capital 
town of the state, and having comparatively quite a large population and many 
eligible young men suitable in every respect for the strenuous life of a soldier in 
active warfare, and also living in a locality where the tide of patriotism and military 
spirit ran high, and all, men and women, rich and poor, old and young, were intensely 
interested and aroused concerning the fate of the Union; for these reasons Company I 
was fortunate in the character of those who responded under the call to join this 
company. This was an advantage that the other companies of the 13th Regiment did 
not have. This primary situation bore fruit in the organization of the 13th Regiment 
in that more than a proportionate number were selected from this company to positions 
of honor and responsibility as officers of the field and staff. We do not for a moment 
claim that Company I as a whole, was any more zealous, patriotic or loyal than the 
other companies of this quite important regiment. It was, however, more advan- 
tageously surrounded than the other companies and into its ranks a superb class of 
volunteers admirably equipiied and qualified for office, had freely and early joined 
the ranljs of Company I as privates. Because of these circumstances a larger number 
than otherwise would have been the case, were elected and appointed to take charge of 
the regiment. The subsequent history of the regiment demonstrated the wisdom of 
those chosen to command and conduct the affairs of the 13th Regiment. I refrain 
from the mention of names for I would not make invidious distinction between the 
companies of this quite famous regiment. The high type of men that enlisted into 
Company I gave promise of devoted and valuable service in the pending conflict. I 
know there were volunteers in the other companies educated and of high character 
that would have gi'aced any position and distinguished themselves in battle it the 
opportunity had been given them. The test of suitable officers to command is the 
exigency of a hard fought battle and thus it was during the battle of Gettysburg, on 
many occasions in the crisis at the salient points of desperate contest those who 
had from the beginning marched in the ranks and charged bayonets in the face of 
belching cannon and a desperate foe. exhibited again and again their fitness to command, 
even a regiment. The volunteers of Company I and all of the other companies were 
composed of no ordinary class of men, they were of the best of Vermont's noble 
heroes. They acquitted .themselves with great credit and won unstinted praise in 
the gory charge against the very flower of General Lee's army, led by that intrepid 
fighter. General Pickett, down in the valley of Plum Run, where Colonel Randall's 
Green Mountain Boys crossed bayonets with the desperate and valiant foe. The 
biographical sketches of Company I that follow, mention the names and individual 
incidents of those who served in this company. 

Company I is entitled to all honor and praise not only tor freely volunteering when 
the Union was struggling for its life, but also for its conspicuous conduct in the great 
battle of Gettysburg. My dear comrades, sincerely do I regret that language at my 
command cannot be invoked that would more amply and justly speak of the living 
and the dead who offered their lives that their country might be saved. Company I 
was in the van in gathering up the prisoners taken and one of the companies selected 
by Colonel Randall to conduct them to the rear. Many of Company I in civil life 
since the war have become prominent in the various vocations, won honor and esteem 
and gained riches and high standing in letters and politics. 



672 The Tliirtecnlli Rcijimcnt I'crmunt I'olunteers 

CAPTAIN JOHN M. THATCHER. 

Prior to enlistment was assistant principal of Barre Academy. After serving his 
term he returned and acted in the same capacity for a time when he obtained a 
position in tlie Patent Office. Washington, D. C, from there he went to Chicago, 
and formed a partnership with Captain Coburn of Company C, as patent lawyers, 
and amassed unite a fortune. He died several years aso. 

FIRST LIEUTENANT CHARLES E. BANCROFT 

was an officer well liked by his men, but on account of ill health he resigned January 
15, 1863, and died a few years later from disiabilities received in the service. 

SECOND LIEUTENANT SAMUEL F. PRENTISS 

never was with the company, being in detached seivice serving as an aide-de-camp on 
Gen. Stoughton's and also Gen. Stannard's staff, while his company saw. and knew very 
little of him. he had the reputation of being a gallant officer. He was taken prisoner 
with Gen. Stoughton. an account of which is given in another part of this history. 
He removed to New York City soon after being discharged and died several years ago. 

SECOND LIEUTENANT JAMES S. PECK 

served with the company as sergeant and lieutenant and was promoted adjutant Jan- 
uary 22, 1863, and served in that capacity during the remainder of our term of service. 
He re-enlisted and was major of the 17th Regiment. No better or braver officer 
ever served in any war We all loved Jim Peck, .\fter the Civil War he was Adjutant- 
General of the state and was prominent in state affairs and from the effect of the 
service he died May 2S, 1884. at Loon Lake, N. Y., of consumption. Buried in Green 
Mount Cemetery. Montpelier, Vt. 

SECOND LIEUTENANT CHESTER W. SEARLES 

was sergeant in Company G, and acting with the ambulance corps was promoted 
January 22, 1S63, and assigned to Company I, which company well knowing that 
there was plenty of good timber for commissioned offices in its own ranks did not 
give the young lieutenant a very warn reception or very cordial treatment. But 
by strict attention to business he soon gained their confidence and after commanding 
the Company through the battle of Gettysburg he always had a warm place in the 
hearts of the members of Company I. He has followed railroad mail service and farm- 
ing since the war, and has for a long time resided at Berkshire. Vt. 

FIRST SERGEANT ALBERT CLARKE 

when the war broke out was having a flourishing law practice in St. Louis. Mo. 
When his partner entered the Confederate service he started for Vermont to enter 
the service of his country preferring to serve in a regiment from his native state. He 
served very acceptably as first sergeant until January 22. 1863, when he was promoted 
to first lieutenant and assigned to Company G. His history in that company will be 
given with the company. Since the war he has been prominent in business, social and 
Grand Army circles, and is favorably known all over the country. 

FIRST SERGEANT ALFRED B. THOMPSON 

was fourth sergeant and promoted January 22, lSii:i to first sergeant and acted as 
first lieutenant during the battle of Gettysburg. He was a graduate of the University 
of Vermont and was following the vocation of teaching. He was familiarly known 
to his comrades as Barrel Thompson. He was a good officer and well liked by his 
men. One may judge of what stuff he was made when they learn that he went West 
soon after the war and engaged in mercantile business in Moberly, Mo., he made 
a success of business and although a staunch Republican living in a strong Demo- 
cratic city he was elected to the legislature. For many years he was city treasurer. 
He was mayor of the city and held many minor offices for many years. He has been 
justice of the peace and has quite a lucrative business in that line. Every one speaks 
well of Sergeant Thompson. 



Biographical and Historical of Company I. 673 

SECOND SERGEANT GEORGE W. BLANGHARD 

When the war broke out he was working upon a farm. He was a fine musician 
and the most beautiful singer I ever heard. Every member of the regiment will 
remember hearing Blanchard, Wood and Gale sing. Many a time the tears 
trickled down our cheeks when they sang Marion Lee, Zoula Zong, or Rock Me to 
Sleep, Mother. And many a time when we all had the blues they were dispelled by 
their witty songs. He never sang vulgar songs. He was a clean, moral, exemplary 
young man and a good officer, in short he possessed all the aualities of a good soldier. 
He re-enlisted into the 8th Vermont and served until the war closed. After the 
war he in company with his brother, Ora, who served in the 2nd Vt., bought a farm 
In Williamstown and were good farmers. During the winter he taught music and 
was a fine singing teacher. He died in Williamstown several years ago. 

SERGEANT CHARLES C. VARNEY 

was a builder in the town of Barre. He was a quiet young man of few words, but 
did everything with military exactness. He was a fine looking, fine appearing 
officer and always did his duty and was a favorite with the men. After the war he 
returned to Barre and resumed the occupation of building. He has been a contractor 
and builder and worked on some of the finest buildings in Barre and adjoining towns, 
and is considered a fine mechanic. He is still active in business and has been a 
success financially and otherwise. 

SERGEANT ASA C. ATHERTON 

was a good soldier and officer, but his health was not sufficient for the hardships ot 
a soldier and he was discharged January 15, 1863, for disability and lived only a 
few years. 

SERGEANT MASON B. CARPENTER 

was a student at Barre Academy and enlisted into Company I when he was only 17 
years old and served as private until promoted to sergeant January 15, 1863. He 
was an apt scholar and naturally of a military turn. After his term of service expired 
he returned to Barre and fitted for college at Barre Academy and graduated at the 
University of Vermont and studied law at St. Albans, Vt.. and resided there for 
several years when he removed to Denver, Colo. While at St. Albans he was captain 
of a company of Vermont Militia, and later was colonel of a regiment ot Colorado 
militia. He is prominent in all matters which tend to better his adopted state and 
is a very successful practitioner in the courts. 

SERGEANT CHRISTOPHER C. PUTNAM 

was a member of the firm of C. C. Putnam & Sou, extensive lumber manufacturers 
and dealers at Putnamsville in the town of Middlesex. He served as private until 
promoted to sergeant January 22, 1S63. As a private soldier and as an officer he 
knew his duty and always performed it. He was discharged with the regiment July 21st, 
1863, and resumed his place in the lumber firm at Putnamsville and is now senior 
member of the firm which always have and are still doing a very extensive business. 
He has represented his town in the legislature and also his county in the Senate, 
and is one of the siihstantial men of the state. 

CORPORAL CHARLES H. BEEDE 

was a native ot Orange, and was working on a farm at the time he enlisted. He was 
short in stature and quite athletic, being the short corporal he usually acted as left 
guard of the company. After his discharge he returned to Barre and has followed 
the occupation of farmer and been quite successful. 

CORPORAL AUGUSTUS L. FISHER 

A man of happy make up, he had a way of saying and doing tunny things which 
made him a favorite with all. If the rain poured in torrents you would hear Gus 
Fisher yell, "Ain't you glad you enlisted?" A little commissary whiskey would set 
him to preaching and singing gospel hymns and under all conditions he was happy 
and tried to make others happy. The last I heard of him he was In Oregon In 
the meat and provision business. 



6/4 /'"' J hirtcciith Keyiiiicnl I'crmont Volunteers 

CORPORAL HUGH H. GRISWOLD 

enlisted in Waterbury and early in his service was detailed Color Corporal and served 
in that capacity during his term of service. He was not a very rugged boy; was 
only 19 years old, and he was off duty frequently from sickness. When he was well 
wherever the colors went he went. I have known little of him since the war but 
he died some years ago. 

CORPORAL WILLIAM W. HOLDEN 

enlisted from the town of Barre, Vt., counted on the quota of the town of Barre, and 
was born in Barre in T844. Brought up on a farm and educated in the common schools 
of his native state. He was one of the young boys of the Barre company and a very en- 
thusiastic youth anxious to become a good soldier and go to Washington and join 
the army. His picture on page 358 of this book indicates a vigorous, well-formed, 
determined looking, manly appearing young man, a typical Green Mountain boy. None 
of Company I or of the regiment from general appearances gave better promise for the 
strenuous life of a soldier than Corporal Holden. He was alert, up and on hand 
for duty, for fun, or an excursion outside of camp among the natives night or day, 
and always procured his share; and. yes, he paid lor what he bought when green 
backs and scrip filled his plethoric pockets, which was seldom. He was exceedingly 
proud of his official relation and put forth his best efforts at all times in the dis- 
charge of his quite responsible duties. Was prompt, attentive, courteous, and de- 
servedly popular as a corporal and soldier. He was of good character at date of 
enrollment, free from vulgar and profane speech, upright and honest, straightforward, 
discharging his duties to the very letter as he understood them. It is not too much 
to say that he was a model non-commissioned officer as well as a soldier. Was on 
hand for duty at all times, never finding fault or hesitating no matter how arduous 
the task, exposure and danger, never interfered with cheerful performance of duty. 
He was the youngest of the non-commissioned officers of Company I which fact in- 
terfered with promotion. Only one vacancy occurred among the list of corporals dur- 
ing the term of service until after the battle of Gettysburg and that was in May, 
1863, and that was filled by H. Dwight Smith, a man 27 years of age and he was 
well qualified for a lieutenancy. The corporals of Company I as a class were better 
than any other company in the regiment. And those who were promoted from the 
ranks to non-commissioned positions were wisely selected as a subsequent career 
in life has demonstrated. Corporal Holden though the youngest on the list of 
Company I, maintained and fulfilled his position as well as any of his associates 
and stood high in the estimation of his comrades at the close of his services. The 
writer has heard it often stated by Corporal Holden's superior officers "that none 
evinced better courage and more heroic conduct on the battlefield of Gettysburg 
than the young corporal of Company I." His comrades were justly proud of him 
then and have ever been since, in his long and successful career in civil life. Though 
farming has been his principal business, he has held many positions of honor and 
trust, securing always esteem and confidence in every relation of life. He has 
been kind and generous, a dutiful husband and loving, indulgent father. As a citizen 
of Xorthfield and Washington county his enviable reputation and good character 
was established years ago. 

As a survivor of the 13th Regiment and a member of our Regimental Association 
is one of the foremost in promoting every project for the pleasure of his comrades 
and cementing the ties of friendship by his cordial greeting and hearty shake of the 
hand. His council is good, tempered with conciliation, and with a high grade of 
common sense. He is justly held with high esteem among his old comrades. The 
author of this article wishes a green old age to our dear Comrade Holden and that 
his last years may be useful and happy and when finally mustered out will die uni- 
versally regretted. COMRADE. * • • 

CORPORAL CHARLES 0. HUMPHREY 

•was the long corporal, being six feet, four inches and always marched at the right 
of the company. He enlisted from Waterbury and served with the Company through 
its term of service: was good-natured, kind hearted and a brave soldier. He returned 
to Waterbury and followed farming till he died a few years ago. 

CORPORAL GEORGE H. DAVIS 

enlisted at Montpelier and followed the fortunes of the company until he was taken 
sick, not being rugged enough for a soldier, he was discharged May 6. 1863. from 
disabilities incurred in the service and died some years later. 



Biographical and Historical of Companv I. 675 

CORPORAL JAMES W. MARSHALL 

was a tall, stalwart fellow and a good soldier. Members of his family dying at 
home while he was in his country's service and he was unable to be with them, broke 
him down and he was somewhat disheartened and at times fretful and cross, and 
the principal theme o^ his conversation would be when our time would be out. but 
he manfully did his whole duty and was discharged with the regiment and was 
employed by the C. V. R. R. Co., until he died some twenty years ago. 

SERGEANT WALLACE H. BALLOU 

was a son of the famous preacher and editor, the Rev. Eli Ballou. Being small 
in stature and not being inured to hardship or accustomed to hard manual labor the 
duties of a soldier was to him a trying experience, but he cheerfully performed every 
duty and endured every hardship and by his manly and soldierly deportment he 
won the confidence of his superior officers so that when the Sergeant-Major of the 
regiment was killed at Gettysburg, he was promoted on the battlefield to the office 
of Sergeant-Major. But he returned to civil life with his health impaired and fol- 
lowed in a small way farming and was quite a poultry fancier, raising fancy poultry. 
He died quite a number of years ago in Bethel, Vt. 

MUSICIANS. 
HIRAM T. WHITNEY 

was a good fifer and a jolly good fellow. He is practicing dentistry in White River 
Junction and is a success in his chosen calling. 

DRUMMER CLARK BOUTWELL 

we younger boys thought was an old man, being forty-five years old when he 
enlisted but he clung to the ship and beat his drum until the regiment was discharged 
and returned to Soxith Barre, where he died a few years ago, an infirm old man. 

THOMAS C. ALEXANDER 

enlisted at Montpelier as wagoner, but was reduced to the ranks January 1st, 1863, 
and served in the ranks during the remainder of his term of service. He was not 
a very healthy man. and was off duty considerable of the time. He died several 
years after the war. 

GEORGE BADOR 

was a farm laborer in Barre when he enlisted and was a faithful soldier. He re- 
turned to Barre after the war and for many years I have known nothing of him. 

FREDERICK J. BARNES 

enlisted from Barre and never shirked any duty, but was a brave and faithful soldier. 
He went to Massachusetts soon after the war and his comrades know little of him. 

ORIGIN BATES 

enlisted from Barre where he was born. He was a rugged, powerful man of a 
rather crabbed disposition. He had a bad temper and was not a favorite with the boys. 
He was a very religious man, but the boys used to say that his religion consisted 
more in quantity than quality. He was unsympathetic and selfish, which cannot be 
said of any other man in the company: but soldier life is a good place to have such; 
characteristics Improved and he did his duty and came home a better man. He died In 
the West several years ago. 

HORATIO G. BEEDE 

enlisted from Barre, although a native of Orange. He was a genial, good fellow and 
never shirked his duties. He was a quiet, honest, faithful, soldier, but he returned 
to Barre somewhat broken In health and died a few years after the war. 



676 The Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers 

PLUMMER R. BENJAMIN 

enlisted from Montpeller and was a good soldier. Whenever his name was called 

for duty he answered here. He returned to Montpeller and has followed several 

vocations and for many years he kept a boarding house, nnd has been a success In 
bis business. 

WINSLOW L. BLANCHARD 

enlisted at Montpeller. He was the shortest man in the company, and was familiarly 
called "Stub," and although small of stature he was always ready to fight If any 
one cut his corners. He was wounded at Gettysburg, being struck on his cross belt 
and ended over without drawing blood. The shock rattled him and he screamed 
and ran and was not seen again until the fight was over. He has resided in Mont- 
peller since, and is still a familiar figure on the streets. 

IRA B. BRADFORD 

enlisted from Barre and had attended school and worked upon his father's farm. 
He was always a friend to anyone in need. Was very conscientious regarding his 
duties as a soldier, but laid his scruples aside when it came to foraging. When 
General Hooker's army started on the Gettysburg campaign he was detailed build- 
ing roads and was terribly poisoned w-lth poison oak. His condition was such that 
he could not march with the regiment. I never saw a soldier feel so badly as he did be- 
cause he could not join in the fight and he talked about it as long as he lived. He re- 
turned to Barre and was a prominent farmer. 

CONSIDER W, BRINK 

was with the company only a short time. Soldier life was not to his taste. He 
managed to get discharged I suppose he was sick. He has since died. 

ALBERT J. BURRILL 

was a gaunt, slender boy. He enlisted in Barre and was a faithful soldier. He was 
quite a singer and his favorite song was, "Marching on to Richmond," and he sang 
it until everybody was sick of it. He has followed farming and now resides in Elmore. 

JAMES CAMPBELL 

enlisted at Montpeller and was a jolly French boy of 17 years. His witty sayings 
always amused us. He was a good forager and a true soldier, always ready for duty 
and a lover of fresh meat, and hogs and cattle often found their way into camp by 
his influence. He has been a good citizen since the war. Is still living, the same 
jolly fellow he always was. 

ORVIS CARPENTER 

enlisted at Barre. He had to gain a year in order to be eighteen, but he was equal 
to any emergency which did not require labor in his younger days. He had the 
reputation of being averse to work. He was a comical genius and everybody liked 
him. He had always had an easy time and his parents had indulged him in 
luxury and the hardships and privations of the soldier's life made him very home- 
sick, but after a time he shook that off and was a good soldier. After the war he 
learned the marble cutting trade and is a good workman. He has for many years 
been running the marble business in Saratoga, N. Y., and is a good successful busi- 
ness man. 

DAVID G. CARR 

enlisted in Barre. He served with the company during its term of service and he 
also served in two other organizations, serving during nearly the whole time of the 
war. He Is now living in Chelsea. 

JAMES B. CAVE 

served In the ranks until January 1st, 1863, when he was made wagoner. He was 
taken prisoner when our teams were captured between Camp Carusi and Fairfax 
Station and paroled. He was discharged with the regiment, and followed farming, 
and was a good farmer. He died in Barre about 1903. 



Biographical and Historical of Company I. 677 

JAMES CRAWFORD 

was a quiet, honest, conscientious soldier. I have been unable to learn anything of 
him since the war. He was born in 1840, and educated in the old district schools 
of Vermont. His record was good, never absent at roll call without being accounted 
tor. He was one of the every day boys, earned his hard tack and coffee, pork and 
beans and the $13 a month in green backs. He was a good feeder, and vigilant on 
picket, good on tie march and brave in battle. 

LEVANDER S. CREE 

enlisted at Plainfield, Vt., and was detailed with the ambulance corps, and served 
In that capacity during his entire term, only when off duty on account of sickness. 
He had trouble with his lungs, and died with consumption a few years after the war. 

WILLIAM DANIELS 

had to add several years to his age, in order to be the required age of eighteen. 
He was a fat, jolly, fellow liked by everybody, and went by the name of "Dilly 
Daniels." He was working in a bakery when he enlisted, and like most growing 
boys had a wonderful appetite which had made a market for many of the good things 
in the bakery, and a change to hard tack and pork told on him, but he never grum- 
bled or found fault, but always seemed perfectly satisfied. He was a faithful and 
brave soldier; after the war he engaged in the meat and provision business in St. 
Johnsbury, and was a good citizen and a successful business man. He died about 
ten years ago. 

ISAAC K. DAVIS 

was a thin, spare man not very strong and not quite equal to the trials of a soldier. 
He was discharged February 4, 1863, for disability, and has since died. 

JOSEPH H. DEMERITT 

enlisted at Waterbury. He was a very quaint, unassuming man, and did not engage 
in or enjoy the antics of the boys. He faithfully performed his duty and was a good 
soldier. 

HARPER A. DEMMON 

enlisted at Waterbury, and was transferred to Company 1 soon after we entered 
the service. His history will be given with Company C. 

PETER J. DEWEY 

was working in Cross's bakery at Montpelier when he enlisted. Was nineteen years 
old, straight and soldier like in all his movements, and very good looking. He was 
a favorite with both officers and men, always performed his duties faithfully, and 
was a brave soldier. He engaged in mercantile business, and did a successful busi- 
ness in Montpelier for many years. He has retired from active business, and is en- 
joying the fruits of his labors, and is still vigorous and healthy. 

WALLACE W. DODGE 

was small in stature, straight as an arrow, nineteen years old when he enlisted. 
He had ideas of his own on all subjects, and was very set in his opinions. He was 
always ready for duty, and his share of the hardships of army life. He followed the 
vocation of painting for many years, and was a good workman. He died about ten 
years ago. 

HENRY A. DOW 

was a farm laborer and enlisted at Barre. when nineteen years old. His comrades 
remember his peculiar ways and how he used to threaten to scratch our eyes out. 
He was second to none in the performance of his duties and was a good soldier. He 
has never attended any of the soldier reunions or communicated with his comrades, 
and It Is not known to me whether he is living or dead. 

JOHN G. FARWELL 

spent his youth on a farm in Barre. When the war broke out he was clerking in 
J. G. French's clothing store in Montpelier. He exchanged luxurious fare for hard 



678 Till- Tliirtfcnlh Kcyuuent I cnnont Volunteers 

tack and pork and beans. He exchanged a paying clerkship in one of the most 
flourishing mercantile establishments in the state to carry a gun and knapsack. 
He was a lover of domestic animals, especially the horse and he was a fine borse- 
maa. Recognizing these qualifications Colonel Randall detailed him to take care 
of horses and that fact accounts for the Colonel and Adjutant's horses looking so 
fat and sleek. He was such a lover of a horse that he had one of his own. How 
he came in possession of it was never explained. There was a rumor in the company 
that he did not buy it. There were also floating rumors as to how he obtained 
teed for it. If you want to know how he got the grain ask Surgeon Nichols. He 
was discharged with the Regiment and followed the clothing business at Montpelier 
for several years. When the Wells River Railroad was built he became interested 
in that, and has been prominently connected with the road since. He may be found 
at all hours of the day at the old stand the Wells River depot. 

DANIEL N. FRENCH 

enlisted from Waterbury. He was a great, muscular, kind-hearted, jolly fellow, a 
friend to everybody and always ready to help any who needed help. He was a good 
soldier and a general favorite with all the boys. He returned to Waterbury and fol- 
lowed variotis callings. He died about twenty year.s ago. 

JOHN P. FLANDERS 

was born in Montpelier in 1838 and enrolled from that town. He was not rugged 
as some and could not endure the life of soldiering. Was taken sick and for some 
reason was discharged August 10, 1863. 

MARTIN E. FRENCH 

was very much like his brother, Daniel X. He was a very muscular man, and when 
four or five of us smaller men pitched into him at once we soon found ourselves 
piled in a heap. He attended strictly to his business and always seemed satisfied 
with his lot. The French brothers, Charles O. Humphrey and James Marshall tented 
together; no one of them was less than six feet tall and no one of them weighed 
less than two hundred and their tent was the refuge of every one in trouble. Martin 
G. French was a good soldier: he was wounded in the thigh at Gettysburg. He 
is now living in Stowe. 

FRED M. GALE 

was working for his uncle in Barre when he enlisted. He was a spare, frail looking 
soldier, and wore glasses, he laid them aside long enough to pass the examination, 
but his eyes were bad and we called him old blind Perrin. He was a fine singer, 
and we all remember the grand concerts we used to have; no better soldier 
ever entered the army than he was. He was in every respect a true man, and that 
kind always made good soldiers, although not as robust as some of us, he never 
shirked a duty. When Calvin Seaver's leg was shot off at Gettysburg and the air 
was filled with missies of death, and everybody was laying low, he corded his leg 
and stopped the blood. He re-enlisted in the eighth regiment and served till the 
war closed. After the war he followed farming for a time in the town of Orange, 
he afterward went to Chicago and is now one of the members of one of the most 
flourishing firms in Chicago. 

WILLIAM W. GOODWIN 

was a carpenter when he enlisted at Montpelier. He was an athlete, and could per- 
form nearly all the feats seen at the circus. He was a good soldier and was dis- 
charged with his regiment. He took up his trade of building and has followed it 
most of the time since, and is a good mechanic. 

MILD K. GRAY 

enlisted from Waterbury. He was the son of a clergyman and one Sabbath morning 
a party of us were on picket on Cub Riin and it was proposed that we have religious 
services and he was selected to preach. He objected, but was compelled to do so: 
it took some vigorous treatment to make him preach, but we applied the treatment 
until he consented, and i)reached a very good sermon, although his. discourse con- 
signed some of his hearers to a warm climate. He was discharged with the regi- 
ment, but I have no knowledge of his whereabouts since, but am quite sure he 
never followed in the footsteps of his father. 



Bioyraf'Iucal and Historiiul of Company I. 679 

CHARLIE C. GUPTIL 

was a tall, straight, fine looking soldier, who always tried to do his whole duty. He 
was somewhat pompous and had a good opinion of himself, but was a good soldier. 
I have known little of him since the war. He is reported dead, 

LORENZO B. GUPTIL 

was the opposite of Charlie; he was rather slouchy in his personal appearance, cared 
very little whether his gun and other accoutrements were in order or not; shirked duty 
whenever he could, and was a good soldier only when obliged to be. He was not 
lacking in courage and when brought to a pinch was not found wanting. He sur- 
vived the war only a few years. 

GEORGE F. HARVAN 

of Barre, gave his age as seventeen, but was not quite sixteen when he enlisted. 
He was a wild boy but passed all the requisites of a good soldier, and during his term 
of service was never off duty. When on guard at Brattleboro his orders were to search 
teams and be sure no soldier was concealed in them. A couple of young ladies were 
driving out in a top buggy and were very indignant to be halted and told him that he 
knew very well that no soldier was in that carriage, but he insisted on making a very 
close examination and felt all around under the seat, around their feet and under the lap- 
robe, the girls saw that it was a boyish prank and commenced laughing 
and told him that they were proud of him and enjoyed the manner in 
which he performed his duty and that if all the soldiers were as conscientious in per- 
forming their duty the country would be saved. He knew no fear. He was never 
tired. He would march all day and raise Ned all night. There was nothing he or 
his comrades needed but what he found, if within ten miles of camp. He was a 
general favorite with officers and men. He was always known as Cooney Harvan. 
He re-enlisted into the Vermont Cavalry and was detailed as a blacksmith, which 
trade he learned from his father; the cavalry was having a fight; he closed his 
shop, got a horse, and went into the fight and was killed. 

CHARLES H. HOWARD 

enlisted in Barre. He gave his age as 17, but on the school register it was 15. He 
and Harvan were great chums. Their names came together on the roll and they 
were nearly always on duty together and nothing escaped their attention. Charles 
Howard was nearly six feet tall, straight as an arrow, of fine proportion, his clothes 
and equipments were always faultlessly clean, and he was a model type of a volun- 
teer soldier. He was a young man of good health, although a private, we always 
called him Lieutenant Howard on account of his always keeping his clothes so clean. 
He was wounded at Gettysburg, although it was never so reported. He was as 
brave as the bravest. In the spring of 1S64 he went to Pennsylvania and at the 
time President Lincoln was shot he was arrested as J. Wilkes Booth and held nearly 
24 hours. He died in New York state in 1866 and I always believed his death was 
the result of the wound received at Gettysburg. 

FRANKLIN HOYT 

gave his age as 45; some said he was older, we young fellows thought he was an 
old man. He enlisted from pure patriotism and he served his term with Company 
I and re-enlisted in the 17th Regiment. He was shot through his lung, the bullet 
passing through him I think in the Wilderness, but he lived and came back to Mont- 
pelier and built houses vintil about ten years ago when he died. 

ROBERT HUMPHREY 

enlisted from Waterbury. He was quite a large man, very quiet, always attended to 
his duty. T suppose he is still living but know nothing of his whereabouts. 

JERRY HUTCHINSON, JR. 

was a native of Orange. He was tall and straight, soldierly in appearance, well liked 
by his comrades, and a good soldier, always doing his duty cheerfully and faithfully. 
He enlisted at Barre, and since the war he has been a farmer in Barre. He is a good 
citizen and a good farmer. 



68o The Thirlcoitit k'niiiiu-iil I'cniuml Volunteers 

FRANCIS JANGRAW 

enlisted from Montpeller and his age Is given as eighteen. He was a rugged, healthy 
boy, and equal to any emergency. He was a good forager. One day on picket an old 
sow with ten nice pigs came near his post, his love lor baked pig got the better of 
him, and he gave chase, he stuck his bayonet through a pig but the squealing brought 
the old sow to the rescue. With his gun over his shoulder, the pig squealing on the 
bayonet and the enraged sow in hot pursuit, Frank made pretty fast time for a rail fence. 
When he came to the fence he threw gun. pig and all over the fence. The pig wiggled 
off the bayonet, the old sow took a piece out of the seat of his i)ants and he picked, 
up his gun. looked after the retreating pigs and simply remarked. "That was a mighty 
close shave." He was a brave soldier; was slightly wounded at Gettysburg; came back 
to Montpeller and resides there now 

NELSON JOHNSON 

was forty years old when he enlisted in Barre. He was not a large man. but very strong 
and athletic. He seemed to us boys an old man. He endured the hardships better 
than any of the other old men and was a good soldier. He returned to Barre after 
being discharged and resided there until his death about ten years ago. 

DUDLEY B. JONES 

enlisted from Waterbury at the age of thirty-one. He was a very quiet man always 
attended to his own business, was well liked by all the boys and was a good soldier; 
has since died. 

EDWIN JONES 

was eighteen years old or less when he enlisted from Waterbury, a man of slight 
build, but wiry and active, always ready for duty and a good soldier. He has Uved 
West most of the time, but is now living at Montpeller. 

JABEZ JONES 

was eighteen, and enlisted from Waterbury, always did his duty and stood well with 
both officers and men. He died some years ago. 

JOHN D. KELLOGG 

could not stand the racket and was discharged about a month after entering the service. 
ROWLAND P. KNEELAND 

enlisted from Waterbury when nineteen years old. His father was a tanner by trade, 
and How, as he was always called, worked at the same calling. He was a jolly good 
fellow, and a good soldier, during the spring of 1S6?. he had a hard run of typhoid 
fever and we all expected he would die. but his pluck saved him. After the war he 
took up railroading and for many years he has lived in Boone, Iowa, a successful 
railroad man. 

JOHN W. LADD 

alwavs called bv his comrades Dudley, was one of the best of soldiers. Unused to 
hardships or privation, he accepted the life of a soldier and made the best of It. 
He survived the war only a few years. 

JAMES C. LAMB 

soon after entering the service was promoted to the office of Com. Sergeant and 
served in that capacity until his term of service expired; giving good satisfaction. 
He has since died. 

JOHN B. LANGDON 

was a very slight, small man. but passed the examination mid did much better as a 
soldier than one would think possible. He carried the mail lor a time when in the 
service and was a useful man in the service. He has since died. 



Biographical and Historical of Company I. 68l 

EUGENE LAVIOLETTE 

was a Frenchman and a shoemaker l)y trade, plying his trade in Montpelier at the 
time of his enlistment. He was a very jolly fellow, tasty in his dress and very par- 
ticular about his personal appearance. His accoutrements were always in perfect 
condition, and he was conscientious In the performance of his duty as a soldier. When 
his term of service expired he returned to Montpelier and his cobbling. He was an 
industrious and good citizen. He has since died. 

MARSHALL B. LAWRENCE 

was a large, powerful man. He enlisted from Barre and served with his company 
during its term and returned to Barre, where he died a few years later. 

GEORGE E. LEMWIN 

was a quiet, unobtrusive man, who always attended strictly to his duties, and was a 
good soldier. I have never seen or heard from him since discharged, but he is re- 
ported dead. 

HOBART J. MARR 

was a light complexioned, light haired boy less than eighteen years of age. He ran 
away from home and enlisted in the company, giving his name as William Carr, but 
his father found him and consented to his enlishment and he took his right name 
and was a good soldier. I have known nothing of his whereabouts since the war. 

DAVID MITCHELL 

was a black eyed, keen looking little French boy. He was a great lover of a horse and 
a good man to take care of them, and he was detailed to take care of horses and 
served in that capacity most of the time. When the regiment was discharged he re- 
turned to Montpelier. Has since moved to Burlington and is engaged in mercantile 
pursuits. 

FRANCIS MORRIS 

was a character, long, lank, uncouth in his movements, but jolly, kind-hearted and a 
very genial comrade; everybody liked him. He was about seventeen years old with 
a growing boy's appetite and had the art of always finding something to satisfy it. 
He was a great forager and many a porker and fowl found its way into camp through 
his agency. He is still living the same easy going, jolly citizen. 

WILLIAM NOYCE 

gave his age as forty-five when he enlisted. He looked much older. Some of the boys 
said he was over ninety. The exposures of soldier life were too much for his age 
and constitution and he was off duty much of the time and discharged at Brattleboro 
February 28, 1863. He has since died. 

ALONZO D, PECK 

enlisted at Montpelier. He had been in school and worked as bookkeeper and ac- 
countant in a store. Carrying a gun and performing the duties of a soldier was quite 
a change, but he stood up bravely and did his duty and was a good soldier. He re- 
turned to Montpelier with the company and is still living there. 

GEORGE A. PECK 

was twenty years old when he enlisted at Montpelier. He was unused to hardships and 
soldier life was too much for him and he was discharged January 12, 1863, and returned 
to Montpelier. He regained his health and engaged in mercantile business and has 
been one of the firm of Barrows and Peck for many years. He has been a success 
as a business man and stands high in his community. 

CHARLES H. PERRY 

enlisted from Barre and was one of the many who gave their age as eighteen. He 
took kindly to the rough fare of the soldier and pork or beans or hard tack were 



682 'flic Tliirteciith Rcyiiiicnt I'crmont Volunteers 

good enough for him If the quantity was sufficient. He ate so much pork that he 
was called Pork Perry. He was a good soldier, always doing his duty and after the 
war he went to WlUiamstown where he was a Rood citizen until he died a few years ago. 

LEANDER PERRY 

brother to Charles, was thirty years old when he enlisted. He stuttered badly and like 
many who have Impediments In their speech he had many by-words, and made much 
amusement for his comrades who will all remember how he used to say, "B-B-By 
g-g-g-gosh a-a-all H-H-Hemlock." He was not very well and did not take good care 
of himself, but he stuck by and was discharged with the company. He re-enlisted 
in the Seventeenth Vt. Hegt. and died in the service. 

WILBER F. PIPER 

volunteered from Montpelier August 24, 1862, at the age of 24, and was a brave soldier 
and made a good record on the march, picket line, and in battle. Mustered out July 
21, 1863. 

LEROY PRESCOTT 

volunteered from Waterbury, Vt., August 25, 1862, and was 19 years old when he was 
mustered into the army. Was a valiant soldier and was mustered out July 21, 1863. 

WILLIAM H. RIDDALL, JR. 

enlisted from Barre when he was 20 years old. He never shirked any duty, was a 
faithful soldier and was discharged with his regiment. He returned to Tunbridge and 
was out of health for several years when he died. 

ALVA ROWELL 

enlisted from Waterbury and was a good soldier until his health failed him and he 
was discharged April 1st, 1863. He has since died. 

CALVIN E. SEAVER 

had a rough exterior but was at heart a good fellow. He was a good soldier, always 
doing his duty. He lost his leg at Gettysburg July 3rd, and was discharged. He died 
In Moretown several years ago. 

CURTIS H. SEAVER 

brother to Calvin, was a brave soldier. He served with his regiment well on all oc- 
casions and was discharged when the regiment's term expired and has since died. 

DWIGHT H. SMITH 

familiarly known as Dolphus. embodied all the requisites of a good soldier, always 
particular as to his personal appearance. His gun and equipment and clothes were 
In perfect order. He was well proportioned, straight and fine looking. He always made 
light of hardships and privations. He was generous, kind hearted and brave; no better 
soldier ever shouldered a gun. He was promoted to corporal May fi. 1S63. After 
the regiment was discharged he returned to Montpelier and worked at his trade, a 
plater. The only enemy he had In the world was strong drink. He died several years 
ago. 

HERCHEL F. SMITH 

enlisted from Waterbury. He was a small, spare man. very quiet In his habits, but 
attended strictly to his duties, doing his whole duty at all times. He served faithfully 
during his term of enlistment and returned to Waterbury where he has followed the 
vocation of farmer and is a respected citizen, 

WILLIAM C. SMITH 

was one of those who gave their age as 18. He was rather small in stature and like 
his brother Herchel. was of a quiet disposition, conscientious to perform every duty 
and was a good soldier. He is still living. 



Biuyraphical and Historical of Company I. 683 

WILLIAM D. SMITH 

was tall and straight and was a fine soldier. He took pride in doing every thing 
promptly and well, and was well liked by his comrades. He was discharged with the 
regiment and returned to Montpelier and for many years worked in Bailey's feed 
store. He was an excellent nurse and took care of the sick for many years. He died 
some ten years ago. 

ORVAND STONE 

enlisted from Waterbury. He was in the prime of Life, being 32 years old, strong 
and rugged. He never engaged in the many scrapes of the boys but quietly performed 
his duty and was a good soldier. He was discharged with the regiment and returned 
to Waterbury where he has since died. 

CHARLES D. SWAZEY 

volunteered August 2.5. 1899 from Montpelier and joined Company I- He was a prac- 
ticing attorney with good prospects of success in his chosen profession. He served his 
country bravely and well and returned to his home when his term of enlistment had 
expired with health impaired and succumbed to consumption a few years later. 

JOHN J. VAN ORMAN 

was a shoemaker by trade, and a skilled workman. He was a fine looking fellow, a 
genial companion, and a good soldier. He served his country well, and came back to 
Vermont and resumed his vocation of shoemaking, and is still living in Springfield, Vt. 

GEORGE E. VARNEY 

brother of Sergeant Charlie Varney enlisted from Barre. He was a good natured, quiet 
fellow who did his duty on all occasions and could be depended on in any emergency. 
He went to New Hampshire after the war and died there. 

CHARLES H. WASHBURN 

was one of the old men of the company, being 44 years old when he enlisted. His 
health was not quite equal to the hard knocks incident to soldier life, but he remained 
with the regiment during its term of service. He returned to Montpelier and died 
there. 

JOHN WELCH 

was a man whom no short sketch of mine could do him justice and as I am limited 
to a few lines I must simply say that he possessed all the qualities which go to make 
a good soldier. You might with safety rely on him in any emergency in life. He was 
content to serve in a humble sphere while he was competent to command a company. 
He acted as scout outside our lines and rendered valuable service. No better soldier 
ever served in any army. The history of his after life may be read in another place 
in this history. 

STEPHEN G. WEST 

enlisted from Barre. He did not take kindly to the life of a soldier; he found fault 
with everything; he was homesick and despondent and finally sickened and died 
May 17, 1863, at Camp Carusi. 

SIDNEY G. WHITNEY 

was one of the many whose age was reported as IS. He was a jolly good fellow, who 
made the best of every hardship and helped to make life easy for all the others. He 
was also a soldier who did his whole duty and was well liked by all the company. 
He is now living in Kansas; has made a success in business. 

WILLIAM H. H. WHITNEY 

brother to Sidney was very much the same make up, always jolly and punctual to 
duty. He was taken sick in the winter and was so bloated that he could not do 
duty, and was discharged April 6, 1863. He is living in Kansas. 



684 'J I'c Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers 

ALBERT P. WOOD 

one of the trio who used to give us such fine singing and who all the members of 
the company remember, enlisted from Barre. Blanchard, Gale and Wood we all 
remember them for their glorious music but they possessed other good qualities. Wood 
was a soldier who would never complain or ask for favors. He was far from well 
but would never ask to be excused from any duty. I bunked with him for months 
and can from my own knowledge say that he would do his duty, and many times 
when he was not able to do it. He had pure bulldog grit, and was as good a soldier 
as ever shouldered a gun. He is now living in Boston, and has a good position on the 
electric road. 

WILLIAM C. WOODRUFF 

volunteered from Waterbury and enrolhil in Coiniiany I at the age of 26. He was a 
quiet man who just did his duty and gave little heed to others. Was all right as a 
soldier and as a man; all right on the long march and in battle. 

WILLIAM A. WORCESTER 

enlisted from Waterbury. He was a very moderate man and when at home liked 
to fish and hunt better than work. He tried to do his duty as a soldier and stuck 
to his job and was discharged with the regiment. He has since died. 

PRENTISS C. WRIGHT 

had a disposition to be a good soldier, but his health was not equal to the task and 
he was discharged January 31st, 1863, and has since died. 

BENJAMIN N. WRIGHT 

was a large muscular man, always ready to do his own duty and assist any less 
fortunate than himself. He tented with three others and none of the four were less 
than six feet tall or weighed less than 200 lbs. He was large hearted, generous and 
brave. At the battle of Gettysburg he was shot through the body and died that night. 
He was shot just before we made the flank movement which made Stannard's brigade 
famous and as we passed him when we changed front he raised on his knees and 
while the air was full of shot and shell he bade us good by and many of us shook 
his hand as we passed him. His funeral was held in Montpelier after we came home 
and many of his comrades attended it. 




HALI'll OKSON STUKTKV.aNT, 

Swaiitoii. Vermont. 
llistiiriaii of Co. K'. ll^th Vt. Vols. 



Biographical and Historical 



CO. K 



Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers 



CIVIL WAR 1861-1866 



Dedicated in loving memory of our brave comrade 
Corporal William Church, slain in battle at Gettys- 
burg, Pa., July 3rd, 1863. There is no 
greater honor than to die in defense 
of home and country. 



hof/raplncal and Historical of Coiiil^aiiy K. 689 



THE CONDENSED HISTORY OF COMPANY K. 



THE writer of this article volunteered August 20. 1862. to appiy on the quota of the 
town of Swanton. The total number enlisted men remaining after medical 
examination and election of company officers was 110; (Captain L. D. Clark and 
Serseant Orloff Whitney having been promoted at the organization of the regiment 
to major and Adjutant respectively, left a total of 108. Of this number 3 were 
officers. This company arrived in Brattleboro, Vt., on September 29, 1862, to be 
mustered into the United States Army. It was at once ascertained that some of 
the companies did not have the required number of men and some had more; hence 
transfers were made that all the companies might be made up to the regular com- 
plement before muster in. Eleieu were transferred from Company K into other 
companies, mostly to Company H. After deducting two more, who left on account 
of homesickness, or other reasons, ninety-five men and three officers totaled ninety- 
eight, and this was the number mustered in October 10, 1862 and started for Wash- 
ington, D. C, reaching there without further loss or accident. 

My acquaintance with the members of this company was limited to Stephen F. 
Brown, of Swanton. a schoolmate at Bakersfleld Academy in the fall of 1860, and 
Jeremiah H. Searl. of St. Albans, Brown and myself had volunteered in September, 
1861. expecting to go in Company B. 1st Vt. Cavalry, but did not succeed in 
becoming soldiers at that time. We were not satisfied and determined to try again. 
And when the call of August 4th, 1862 for 300,000 more was made we at once agreed 
to volunteer under this call and to go into the same company. Stephen F. was 
designated as one of the recruiting officers of his native town, Swanton. Brown 
signed at the head of his roll, and many others followed. And at this time my ac- 
quaintance with those who volunteered into what was after called Company K com- 
menced, with the exception of course of S. F. Brown and .lereniiah Searl. And 
from the first day that we assembled at that picturesque and quaint old village in 
Highgate, and took up our temporary residence at that then antiquated and yet 
quite conspicuous (owing to its location) hostelry presided over by Landlord Frank 
Johnson, to the day we were mustered in and out at Brattleboro, Vt., did I mingle 
almost daily with tliis important, and in some respects, quite famous comjjany. soon 
becoming very well acquainted with all that belonged to it. The peculiar character- 
istics of each, their fitness for soldiers, their conduct in the camp, on the march 
and in battle. The loosening of obligations of civil life and home influences were 
occasionally apparent, and perhaps under some extreme and pressing circumstances 
entirely forgotten. 

The hitherto most upright and best of fellows as soon as they left home and 
became soldiers seemed to think their relations and obligations were enitrely changed, 
and acted accordingly. Not that they did anything very bad, but were now living 
under a military code, and belonged to Uncle Sams' army, and were en.titled to do 
those things that would not have been even thought of at home. It is not my pur- 
pose in this article to mention all the little foraging expeditions for hens, pigs, 
potatoes (sweet and Irish), honey, milking cows, etc.. etc.. for it would not be hardly 
right, for we were much the same as other companies in our regiment, though it is 
true that Company K had one or two, perhaps more, who had the credit of being 
champions in finding things out among the natives, who were regarded as rebels 
that answered nicely as dessert after feasting on salt beef, pork and beans and 
hard tack. I thought then, and still am of the same opinion, that nearly all of those 
native families that lived between the outer picket lines of the two armies were in 
fact in full sympathy with the Southern cause, though they earnestly proclaimed to 
be for the Union. We were never able to find among these families only old men and 
cripples, now and then a darkey, and women folks of the household. The rest were 
either in hiding, or were in the Confederate army, and we had reason to believe 
some were of Mosby's command, that made things interesting for us on their forays, 
night or day, most any time, when oiiportunity was favorable. I am reminded, 
my comrades, that I too, was of Company K. and am very jealous of the reputation 
of my associates in this Company, and therefore call to mind what J. D. Rockefeller 
once said: 

"There is so much bad in the best of us; 

There is so much good in the most of us; 

It hardly behooves any of us 

To talk about the rest of us." 

and yet I am expected to give an impartial historical sketch of my comrades of 
Company K, that will meet with approval of the survivors, and in so doing may 



fyi)0 Till- I'liirtrcnlli Rcijiinoit I ' crmont I ' oliinlccrs 

disclose some incident thai my comrades participated in, aJid were connected with, 
while In the service. 

None of us had seen much of the world, and hardly had even been out of sight 
(before enlistment) of the green hills and fertile valleys of our beloved state. 
Nearly all of us were horny handed farmer's sons, mere boys, mostly between the 
ages of fifteen and twenty-two, a few older, and John Chappel. the oldest of our 
company, and in the regiment, was fifty-three. 

Since the firing on P'ort Sumter in April. 1861 we had heard much and learned 
something about war and some of us had brothers and fathers who had volunteered, 
and therefore intensely interested and knew what we were doing when we volun- 
teered, though soldier life, the camp, the march, the battle, the killed and wounded, 
the dreaded hospital, the prison pens, were visions now to us. and yet we expected 
too soon that these visions would surely Income realities. The average age of this 
company was twenty-three. Yankee born, mostly, and from the best families, active, 
healthy and strong, good height, good sized, good natured and good looking, happy 
and jolly always, generous and kind, brave and courageous, many devoted Christians 
who wore their religion as they did their uniforms, where it could be seen and read 
by all None were cowards as I am aware of. only a little timid at first in battle. 
Indeed we were a happy family, and like brothers, ever anxious tor the welfare 
and hapiiiness of each other, and as such we joined the army at Washington. D. C, 
in October. 1862. 

Between about the 20th of August and the 10th of September, possibly some 
before and a few after, the boys who joined Company K volunteered, and the towns 
from which they came. Swanton. Higbgate. Franklin. Alburg. North Hero and Grand 
Isle were saved the humiliation of a draft, with the exception of Grand Isle, which 
furnished one drafted man and a number of substitutes for Company K. These towns 
were duly notified that those who had enrolled under the call of August 4th were 
to meet at Higbgate on September 11th to organize a company, elect officers, and 
commence to drill, etc.. etc. 

There had been more or less talk among a few, as to officers to be chosen, but 
on the whole, but little thought or consideration had been given the question of 
officers. September 11th, 1862. was a most delightful day, and during the forenoon 
a large number had arrived and the park in front of Landlord Johnson's hotel was 
literally covered with boys and men, women and children, to witness the important 
event of the day, election of company officers. 

There were present 126 volunteers, selectmen from the several towns, fathers, 
mothers, brothers and sisters, wives and sweethearts, relatives and friends of those 
that had enlisted, numbering as many more, all anxious and curious to see and 
hear, tor nothing of the kind had occurred in this quiet village before. None were 
officers yet. and all stood on a level and all were very cordial and greeted each 
other like old friends. We met. the most of us, for the first time, but after a little, 
freelv mingled in a friendly way. and soon knew each other, and began to talk 
about war, battles, and the election of officers. It was soon ascertained that quite 
a number were willing to serve as officers, and a good many were well qualified, 
but we were to have only a captain and two lieutenants, and there could not be 
commissioned offices enough to go around, and some must be satisfied with non- 
commissioned positions. 

The writer of this article, as before stated, was a total stranger to all. but 
his friends Rrown and Searl therefore looked on, listened, and took but little part 
in the preliminaries for election. It was generally understood that Higbgate, Swan- 
ton and Franklin should have the commissioned officers, namely. Captain, first and 
second lieutenants, and that Captain L. D. Clark who had served as captain of Com- 
pany A. 1st Vt. Regiment for three months, and because of experience, age. valor 
and other qualities ought to be made captain, and the majority rather acquiesced in 
this view, and in fact he was a man of good presence and military bearing. 

There was good material from other towns for Captain, and they were quite 
willing to furnish it. From Franklin there were Orloff Whitney and Kdward Hibbard 
and Carmi L. Marsh, three of their equal and fitness was not to be found among the 
assembled recruits from any of the other towns, but the Franklin boys were quite 
modest and did not urge any one for captain, and said would be satisfied with a lieu- 
tenant's position, and would agree among themselves who they would name as their 
choice. 

There was finally a sort of an understanding between Higbgate and Swanton that 
Captain Clark of Highgate should be elected captain, and when the question as who 
should have the honors bad been arranged and agreed upon by the managers, (which 
took a good while) a man appeared on the piazza of the hotel, waved a Hag to call 
attention and then said. "All is ready forward your votes for captain." All the l)oys 
started at once, for it was now mid-afternoon and all had been waiting a long time, 
but we went pell mell. belter skelter, ballots in hand, for we had been liberally supplied 
with them, each crowding and pushing to get his vote in first, very much after the 
manner of voting at town meetings in those days. The votes were quickly cast and 



HhHiraplncal and Historical of Coiupaiix K. ''m)] 

tounted. and Caiitain Clark was chosen l)y a handsome niajoiity. and declared by tlic 
officer in charge duly elected captain, whereupon all commenced to cheer and clap their 
hands. Soon Caiitain Claris aiipeared, and the speech he made 1 shall never forget. It 
was eloijuent and ))atriotic. 

I had never heard him before and was deeply impressed, and thought him quite 
remarkable, and just the man to lead us in battle. In a few moments announcement 
was made to forward votes for first lieutenant, and away we went again, ballots in 
hand, but not so well agreed, and there was considerable excitement and anxiety, 
for Captain Clark's friends who had kept quiet until he was elected, were now more 
out-spoken in their preferences, and it was not so certain as to the result, but the 
count gave my friend Brown a good majority and he was declared elected first lieu- 
tenant. 

In short order we were told to forward our votes for second lieutenant, the vote 
was cast and counted quickly, and Carnii L. Marsh of Franklin, was the unanimous 
choice for second lieutenant. The clans of Fi-anklin especially East Franklin, were 
jubilant and content because of so complimentary endorsement of their candidate 
for second lieutenant. Both Brown and Marsh made nice little speeches, and thanked 
the boys for the honor, and promised to do their best. 

The facts are that the boys did not have much to do about this election, and still 
they were generally well pleased and satisfied. It was really pretty much all arranged 
by the leading citizens and selectmen of the several towns there represented, before 
we commenced to vote, and the boys were given the great privilege of ratifying 
the selections made for us, (the third house, as is said, fixed it up). Some resented 
this way and thought that those who were to go should have had more say as to 
choice of leaders. A few were disappointed, but said not a word, and all joined in 
hearty congratulations to those who had been so highly honored. 

I doubt very much if the history of any other company of our regiment furnished 
a more harmonious choice of company officers than Company K. 

On the whole the first meeting of the boys was full of good will and cheer, and 
pleasure and satisfaction to all, for on this day commenced many an acquaintance 
that grew into warm friendship, and the indissoluble ties of comradeship which in 
after years ripened into that relation, akin to that which existed between David and 
Jonathan of old, and now with more than forty-five years intervening since that first 
meeting, there is not to be found on earth any such abiding friendship among men 
as found among the survivors of Company K. 

The day was well nigh spent, and we were informed that the officers elect had 
been considering the question of appointment of non-commissioned officers, (sergeants 
and corporals) but would not be able to report until after medical examination. We 
were also told that arrangements had been made with Landlord .lohnson to feed 
and keep all who wished to remain, but it any wanted to go home, would be given 
a furlough until the 16th, on which day all must be present for medical examination. 
We soon found that a furlough involved simply our word of honor, and promise to 
return. Most of us returned to our homes, realizing now that we were organized 
into a company of soldiers, and soon would be on the way to take an active part in 
the suppression of the Rebellion. 

The papers were teeming now with ominous news concerning General McClellan's 
Peninsular Campaign, its failure and losses. General Pope's battle of Second Bull 
Run, and the invasion by General Lee with his mighty army flushed with victory 
into Maryland to capture Washington, and the urgent calls for troops to hasten on 
to defend the capital city of the nation. 

Such depressing news at such a time, and when only just organized was food for 
thought and meditation, and anxious solicitude for the cause of the Union. We sincerely 
believed in a few days, that we should be on the way to Washington to take an active 
part with the army of the Potomac. We were ready for the life of a soldier, and its 
consequences had been fully considered before we volunteered, such at least was the 
case with nearlv all. 

Tuesday, September 16th was a lovely day, and the boys were all on hand for 
medical examination. As a rule we were a little timid and anxious, for we knew 
not how rigid the examination would be, or how many of us would be rejected. 

Dr. Hiram F. Stevens, of St. Albans, had been appointed and was present, ready to 
discharge the duty assigned him. He looked and appeared like a kind hearted 
gentleman of the old school and came with a well earned reputation in St. Albans, 
where he was born and was a prominent citizen and physician. He assured us no 
one would be harmed, and no occasion to be frightened. We were taken one by one, 
into the parlor of the hotel, and given such an examination as was required to ascertain 
our probable fitness tor soldiers. This took all day for there were 126 for examina- 
tion. The manner of examination was novel and some blushed when asked to strip 
to the skin. The doctor was full of fun and joked as he carefully handled and looked 
us over, taking from three to five minutes in each case. Only a few were rejected, 
thirteen out of one hundred and twenty-six. Some of the rejected were much disap- 
pointed, and others consoled themselves with the remark, "No danger of being drafted 



(h;2 Tin- I'liiitcciilli Kcijuiicitt I cniumt I 'oliiiitccrs 

now." The selectmen ot the several towns were present on this occasion, and deeply 
interested, for unless enoush of their enlisted men i)assed the examination, they 
would he obliged to find others to fill up their (luota under the call, (and that verj- 
quickly), for appearances indicated we sliould leave the state for the front very soon. 
Most of the boys returned to their homes for the uipht, others remained at the hotel. 
Just before separation Captain Clark expressed his regrets that any had been found 
to be physically disqualified for the army, and was very sorry to part with any who 
had enlisted into his coni|iany. als-o gave notice that he would announce on Friday 
the appointment of the noncommissioned officers, tliat the medical examination 
being over, the selections could be made and that the officers would look the situa- 
tion over and do the best they could to please every one, and was very sorry that 
the regulations did not permit the appointment of more officers, believing from his 
acquaintance, though brief, that nearly all would make first class sergeants and 
corporals, and was grieved to think that some must be disappointed, also said that 
we must now commence military drill, that there were some in the company who 
had seen service and would give instructions in marching until sergeants and cor- 
porals were appointed, and to be on hand at 9 o'clock next morning. 

All were on hand at the appointed hour and were lined up in front of the hotel 
for instruction. Xot one looked like a soldier except Captain Clark, and he had on 
the uniform that he wore when he was captain of Company A, 1st Regiment Vt. Vol- 
unteers, three months' men. 

The cai>tain undeitook to loini us In a straight line, but after repeated trials 
gave it up: it was our first effort, we stood facing the same way, and side by side, 
but the line was more like rail fences we found at Camp Carusi, that disappeared 
so quickly after we arrived there He finally divided us into squads of some twenty 
in each and placed us in charge of Blake, \\liitney. Smith. Church and Sisco, and 
they took us out on the Common to receive our first military lessons. 

It was my good luck to be in the squad of Geo. G. Blake, later elected captain, 
and who had served three months as sergeant in Company X, 1st Vt. Regiment in 
the spring and summer of 1S61. He took us up opposite of the village cemetery 
where stood a good stretch of fence and placed us up against it. and in this 
way formed a pretty good line, placing the tallest at the head of the line and then 
asked us to count twos. This was Greek to us. None in this squad knew what to do, 
but were told and did it then all right, and he, Blake, said. "Now when I say right 
face number one will turn one-quarter way round to the right standing in the same 
places, No. 2 will, when they turn take one step to the right and forward so as to 
be on line with No. 1 man, forming double or two ranks:" this was a long order and 
all were ignorant, but apt and eager to learn. This we practised for some time, and 
had it not been for the cemetery fence nearby, the line would have been anything 
but straight. We could see now the reason why placed along the side of the fence. 

After a little the order was given "right dress." No one moved, but were told 
what to do and how, and soon had that. Then came instruction how to march and 
keep step, stepping off with left toot first then the right, and so we started down the 
road. Sergeant Blake marking time by saying, "Left, right, left, right." and keeping 
watch to see if all were doing as told. This was the first lesson, and it lasted about 
two hours. It was hot and the boys began to look red in the face and wanted to 
rest. It was about noon, and down to the hotel we all went to dinner, well satisfied 
w-ith the first lesson necessary to fit us for soldiers. 

As I recall to mind that first lesson. I wonder that we ever became proficient 
in military tactics and so quickly. Companv K was one of the best drilled companies 
in the line, and on drtss parade was always prompt, lining up into position in 
good style. 

Friday the 19th was a day of considerable interest for all who were on hand to 
hear the announcement of non-commissioned officers of the company, promised for 
that day. We were all lined up in front of the hotel, and an order was read in 
military style, as follows: 
"Headquarters. Highgate Company. Johnson's Hotel, Highgate. Vt. General Order No. 1. 

The following appointments are hereby made: Sidney S. Morey. First Sergeant: 
James Halloway, Second Sergeant: George G. Blake. Third Sergeant: Levi Smith. 
Fourth Sergeant: Orloff Whitney, Fifth Sergeant; Sumner H. Jennison, First Cor- 
poral; William Church. Second Corporal: Martin H. Hicks. Third Corporal; EMgar 
F. Sisco. Fourth Corporal: Harland P. BuUard. Fifth Corporal: Hiraiu S. Smith. Sixth 
Corporal; Melvin D. Corey, Seventh Corporal: William P. Olmstead, Eighth Corporal: 
Edward A. Hibbard, Ninth Corporal: Cornelius T. Frink, Tenth Corporal." This 
announcement disappointed a few, and surprised more, but the luajority was satisfied 
and were in no sense candidates and did not care. 1 never knew just why two more 
corporals were appointed than we were entitled to. but so it was. Hibbard and Frink 
were at the bottom of the list, so had to surrender and take tlieir places as high 
privates and wait for the future. 

The most of us remained at Highgate drilling daily until the 26th. In the mean 
time orders had been received, giving notice of the organization of the regiment at 



Bioi/rapliical and Historical of Com ['any K. 693 

Montpelier on the 24th of September. The commissioned officers of Company K 
responded to this call, and were present and took an active part in selecting the 
field officers. Captain Clark of Company K was there and had seen service, was 
ripe in years, and his general appearance was quite striking, and gave a very favor- 
able Impression. 

After arrival at Montpelier, looking over the situation, it was found that the 
election of Francis Voltaire Randall as Colonel was conceded and for Lieutenant 
Colonel and Major a number of candidates were talked of, and the officers of High- 
gate company with Whitney and others of our company, who went down to watch 
the proceedings decided to try and elect Captain Clark as Major. Lieutenant Stephen 
F. Brown was auite an aggressive wire puller, and Marsh and Whitney were not slow, 
and Captain Clark understood the ways of the world and was a shrewd man, and 
on finding out the situation at once made friends with the Montpelier and Barre 
Company, suggesting to them they bring forward A. C. Brown, the then Captain 
of the Montpelier Company, as a candidate for Lieutenant Colonel, pledging their 
assistance. It was agreed to, after they had gathered tor election and arrangements 
were at once made for bringing forward A. C. Brown for Lieutenant Colonel, and 
Captain Clark as Major, and it worked like a charm and they were duly elected. 

Sergeant Orloff H. Whitney was also made Adjutant of the regiment, which was 
quite a compliment to this company. These changes left a vacancy in our company 
of a captain and sergeant, and that was the next question that stirred up our boys 
considerably, and there was no end of talk and differences of opinion, as to who 
was best fitted to fill the position of Captain made vacant by Captain Clark promoted 
to Major, in fact every man of our company was now siding up and counting noses 
for the contest. 

Some of us who had heard about the military rule of promotion took it tor 
granted that First Lieutenant Stephen F. Brown would be advanced to the captaincy, 
and Lieutenant Carmi L. Marsh, First Lieutenant, and. First Sergeant Sidney S. Morey 
advanced to Second Lieutenant, and so on, but we were soon informed that a 
contest would be made for the position of Captain by Third Sergeant George G. 
Blake, of Swanton, and he had seen service as Sergeant in the First Vt. Regiment 
three months, and had many friends among the boys whom he had been drilling 
for some days, besides influential friends outside, wiio were active in his support. 

The writer who had now become somewhat acquainted with Sergeant Blake 
and many of the others of our company realized at once that he would be a strongr 
candidate against Lieutenant Brown, and as a friend of Brown, and. working for his 
promotion, expressed fears and gave reasons to Lieutenant Brown for them, but Brown 
confident as ever and remarking that Orderly Sergeant Morey would like to be elected 
Second Lieutenant, and he had many friends in the company from Swanton and High- 
gate, who w-ere anxious for his promotion and Carmi L. Marsh's friends, too, would 
stand by him because they wanted him advanced to First Lieutenant, and he had seen 
the boys and was sure that it would be all right, and that my fears were groundless. 

I could see that in view of his now being left in command of the Company as 
First Lieutenant and fairly entitled to promotion, and Marsh's friends who were en- 
thusiastic for Brown in order that Marsh might be advanced, and Morey's friends 
too, were anxious for his advancement, that likely my judgment was a little off and 
yet I had been daily with the boys since organization September 11th, and had become 
very well acquainted with most of them, and as soon as we heard the news on the 
evening of September 24th, that Captain Clark had been elected Major, the boys 
commenced to talk about who would now be elected captain. Some said Lieutenant 
Brown and others Sergeant Morey, and a tew of the Highgate boys wanted Sergeant 
Halloway, also quite a respectable number who thought Sergeant Blake would be 
the better man for captain. 

The next day and night and forenoon of the 2Gth was spent by the respective 
friends of the several candidates, in an endeavor to arrange combinations, programs 
that would bring victory to the aspirants for office, and it was a very laudable am- 
bition, for all mentioned were worthy and qualified, and no mistake could be made 
whoever won out. Naturally my little influence was for Brown, and yet I had in the 
few days of association with the boys become attached to many, especially Sergeant 
Morey, Halloway, Blake, Lieutenant Marsh, and privates Best, Meigs, Robey, Hicks, 
Searl, Butterfield, Comstock, Hibbard, Richardson and others and so mingled with all 
and conversed freelv concerning the coming event, which bid fair to be more exciting 
than our first election. 

September 26th was a grand day for election and all were on hand agreeable 
to notice, cheerful and happy, enthusiastic for election, and confidence could be seen 
in every face (but before the day was over some were sadder and wiser too). No 
one seemed to be in a hurry to commence. It was evident that all were not of the 
same opinion, and time was given to talk the all important suljject over, and for 
an hour or two on the little common in front of the old hotel, was seen squads of boys 
here and there, earnestly engaged in trying to convince each other as to who should 
be elected captain. It was urged that Highgate had their man at the 



694 ' ''•' Tliirlt-riitli h'r(/iiiii-iit I'l-niiciit I '(ihdttrrrs 

first elec'tuiii, wlicii Caiilaiii Cliirk was chosen, and tliai Franklin liad second 
lieutenant and Sergeant Whitney of Franklin had heen made Adjutant of the 
Regiment and they ought to be satisfied, and Swauton should he accorded the captain. 
This line of argument was ciuite effective, but there was trouble about agreeing as 
to who should have the place. Sergeant Halloway would not consent to be a candi- 
date, for he said Highgale was not entitled to it. and that he was not fit for it anyway. 
Lieutenant .Marsh would not l)e a candidate against Lieutenant Urown under no 
circumstances, and that l'"ranklin had been given all they asked, and now had all they 
were entitled to, and he did not feel competent for the position, which he already 
held, and did not care to advise anyone how to vote. Major Clark was on hand and 
took an active interest in the tiuestion of the day, and in fact had been authorized 
to have charge of the election. It was claimed by some that .Major Clark favored 
Sergeant Mlake to succeed as captain, and the result justified this claim.. The 
third house or o\itsiders were consideralile in evidence on this election as well as 
at the first, but of a different composition. It was well toward noon when Orderly 
Sergeant Morey appeared on the piazza of the hotel and said, "Already, forward your 
votes for some one for Captain, only those who belong to Highgate company have a 
right to vote, and no others will be permitted to come into the place where the 
votes are to be received by those appointed for the purpose, not to hurry or crowd, 
plenty of time will be given for all to vote." The count showed that Hrown. Hlake 
and Vorev cnnie out about lu ck and neck with a few scattering for Sergeant Halloway 
and Lieutenant Marsh, but no one receiving a majority, another ballot was at once 
ordered. 

It was now quite sure that a number of the boys had on the first ballot given a 
complimentary vote to their particular friends, with the promise if no choice, to 
vote for some one else at the next ballot, and the line up was a little different this 
time. An effort was made to break the slate, but it was too late, the Franklin boys 
(the most of them) were supporting Sergeant Blake instead of Lieutenant Brown. 
The Highgate boys were divided between Brown. Morey and Blake, and those from 
Alburgh. North Hero and Grand Isle were largely favorable to Blake and Morey, 
and thus matters stood as the second ballot was about to be taken. 

The vote was taken and counted, and Sergeant George G. Blake was elected 
captain by a handsome majority, and the boys cheered and clapped their 
hands. Sergeant, now Captain Blake, ajipeared and in his quiet and modest manner 
thanked the boys for the honor and pledged his best efforts to serve the whole com- 
pany, and that it would make no difference to him in his relations to the individual 
members of the company as to whom they voted for, that it would be his aim to treat 
all alike. 

Among the first that walked up to Captain Blake was Lieutenant Brown, who 
like a true man and loyal soldier, (and he was that from head to foot), and con- 
gratulated hini on being elected cajitain, and that he not only cheerfully acquiesced, 
but having served as sergeant in Company A, First Vt. Regiment (the same company 
his father was a member of) and had had experience was by far the better fitted 
for the position than any other man of the comjiany. 

Sergeant Morey came forward and in shaking hands said that while he had suiv 
ported Brown, had not the slightest objection or feeling against him, and was pleased 
to congratulate him on his success, and at once tendered his resignation as orderly 
sergeant. if Captain Blake had anyone else he desired to jnit in his place. Xo one 
seemed to feel bad, for all recognized it a most suitable choice. 

If Marsh had not been quite so modest about being promoted to first lieutenant, 
and Morey's friends could have been convinced that the only chance for him was 
to support Brown on the first ballot, then advance Marsh, the company would have 
been officered Stephen F. Brown, Captain: Carmi L. Marsh. First Lieutenant and 
Sidney S. Morey. Second Lieutenant. But in the light of to-day the writer is of the 
opinion that all of the survivors of Company K sincerely believe that no mistake was 
made when Sergeant Blake was chosen captain. 

The vacancies in the list of sergeants by reason of Sergeant Blake's and Whit- 
ney's promotion to captain and adjutant, were filled by appointing Merritt Manzer 
third sergeant and promoting First Corporal Sumner H. .lennison to fifth sergeant. 
Jackson Chadwick. the especial friend of Lieutenant Marsh was appointed first cor- 
poral to take the place of Corpora! .lennison. 

The election was over and Captain Blake gave all i)ermission to go home, but to 
be back Monday for we were liable to be ordered to Brattleboro for muster into 
United States service at any hour, and then the most of us went to our homes, to 
say good-by to our friends for the last time before leaving the state. 

Either at the close of this day or on the following, which was Saturday, Captain 
Blake received orders from headquarters to start with his company on Monday morn- 
ing for Brattleboro. We were now scattered and at our respective homes, and 
special messengers were sent out to he at Swauton Monday morning September 29th 
in season to take the cars for Brattleboro on the early morning train. Nearly all 
arrived in time. The writer met the train at St. .•Mbans, having come over from 



BioiirapUical and Historical of Co)ii/^aiiy K. 695 

Egypt in the town of Fairfield that morning, twelve miles away. We were the furthest 
nortii, and therefore took the cars first. 

Company G, the Bakersfield Company we met at St. Albans, and the Winooski, 
Colchester and Essex company and Burlington company at Essex Junction, and the 
Richmond Company at Richmond, and the Morristown and Waitsfield companies at 
Waterbury, and the East Montpelier company and Montpelier company and other 
companies at Montpelier Junction. 

It was a long, heavy train, moved slow, and did not arrive until late in the after- 
noon. I am not certain that all of the companies of this regiment rode into Brat- 
tleboro on the same train, but if two, one followed the other arriving at the same 
time. 

On our arrival at Brattleboro, we were received by Colonel Blunt with his regi- 
ment, the 12th, and escorted to the camp groimd called Camp Lincoln, where the 
12th regiment had been tor some days. We were assigned to some wooden buildings 
long and low called barracks, prepared tor the purpose, and in these we took up 
our temporary residence, and right glad were all that found a place to rest for the 
night, for all were hungry and tired. We were now for the first time, together as 
a regiment, and from now on must be considered from new surroundings and asso- 
ciations, and as a part of the 1.3th regiment. 

I will now leave for the present further comment on the general history of my 
company and speak of the individual members of Company K, hoping to revive in 
the memory of the survivors, incidents connected with our comrades of forty-five 
years ago when boys, camping and tramping, marching and fighting, as soldiers and 
patriots, for the preservation of the Union. 

The implacable foe of man, time, unrelentless as ever has severed the brittle 
thread of life and many, yes, a majority, of our company comrades of those eventful 
days have passed over the turbulent river and joined the silent majority where too 
soon those who remain must follow. 

I am apiirehensive unless some mention is made here by name of those who belonged 
to this company, some one may be forgotten. Those who have prepared sketches 
of themselves and their comrades that served in this company will not need ad- 
ditional comment in this article, and should such be not further spoken of here, the 
reason will be because elsewhere in our book of history, ample mention is made. 



696 riic 'rUirtmith h'riiiiiirul I'riiiiniit I 'dhiiitccrs 

CAPTAIN LAWRENCE D. CLARK 

first cai)taiu of this company, was born in Swantoii, \'l.. In 1812 and died in his 
native town in 1892. He was the grandson of Tlionias Clarli, one of the early settlers 
of the town. His father was a captain of a sailboat for many years on Lake Cham- 
plain, and took with him his son Lawrence while a mere boy, who soon became pro- 
ficient and attached to the occupation of a sailor and followed it for many years, 
attaining the then quite distinguished title of Captain on the Lake. Captain L. D. 
Clark was a leading citizen and took an active part in all matters for the advancement 
of society. 

At the time President Lincoln made his first call for troops in April, 1861, 
Captain Clark was captain of the Green Mountain Guards of Swanton, and was the 
first line officer of the organized militia of the state to offer the services of this 
company to Governor Fairbanks in response to the President's call for 75,000 men. 
This company, the Green Mountain Guards of Swanton was given the right of the 
line and called Company .Ji, 1st Vt. Regiment, and mustered into United States service 
May 2nd. 1S61. 

Captain Clark was mustered out at the expiration of the term of service, and 
was subsequently active in the organization of Company K. i:!th Vt. Regiment, was 
elected its first captain, and on the organization of the regiment elected major. He 
was an able man, and a very fluent talker, and his speeches at town meetings and 
elsewhere were always eloquent, captivating and convincing. Though about fifty years 
of age when elected major, yet he was vigorous and active. 

The oldest officer in the Regiment and in the Second Vermont Brigade, and 
yet was on hand and ready for duty at all times, night or day. He resigned at Camp 
Wolf Run Shoals, Va., March 31st, 1863, with the declared purpose of entering the 
navy. 

He had been to Washington a number of times w-ith that end in view, as was 
said, to confer with General Casey and others, and when he presented himself before 
the board for e.xamination with his resignation and recommendations, he was told 
that he was not eligible for service in the navy on account of his age, having a few 
days previous passed the age limit of fifty, and was for that reason rejected. Failing 
in this pet desire, and mortified that he had resigned, he returned home and again 
took up the life occupation of farming, but remained a true jtatriot to the end. 

CAPTAIN GEORGE G. BLAKE 

of Swanton. was tte next captain of ('(iiupany K, and was elected September 2(ith, 1862, 
at Highgate. Vt.. 10 fill the vaiancy by reason of Captain Clark's election as major of the 
13th Regiment. Blake at the time was third sergeant. He had had experience as third 
sergeant in the First Vermont for three months, and the boys liked him. 

Xo captain of the line was more efficient, careful and prompt and enjoyed the 
confidence of the officers, field, staff and line, than he, never sick, always on duty and 
with his regiment and company, until mustered out with the regiment July 21, 1S63. 
-A. very modett and quiet man, and would neither seek promotion nor permit others to 
work for him when vacancies in field offices occurred. He was attached to his com- 
pany and preferred to remain with them. 

His reports of the business aftairs of the company were models of neatness and 
accuracy and his watchful care over the company looking to its general welfare 
was vigilant, maintaining the best of disci))line always without offence to any. 

He freely mingled with the boys and considered all on the level, so long as they 
conducted themselves like good soldiers. There was nothing in his appearance and 
conduct while in the service, though well born and belonging to one of the first 
families in his native town, Swanton, that indicated in the slightest degree that 
he felt above associating with the most ignorant and lowly 1 orn man of bis 1 rninany. 

Was ever kind and indul.cent, and ready to grant favors to leave camp within the 
limit of the rules and discipline of the regiment, ^\^lile he was outside of the pale 
and restraints of civil life and polite society, no one ever heard fall from his lips 
profane and vulgar language or words of unwarranted reprimand. He never spoke 
in anger. In fact I never saw him aroused with anger but once, and that was in the 
forenoon of the third day of the battle of Gettysburg when one of his boys, a French- 
man, ran to the rear over the hill out of sight. He said with much feeling, "The 
miserable coward, see him run; he ought to be shot. Oh; if one of those shells 
would hit him it would help him along a little faster and it would not be much 
loss either." It was reckless indeed, as well as cowardly to run in that direction 
then, for shot and shell were plowing the ground up where M. ran, but he, as often 
is the case with such, was not harmed. Will say more of him further on. 

Captain Blake was third sergeant in an independent company called the Green 
Mountain Guards located at Swanton when the news of firing at Fort Sumter aroused 
the nation as never before, at the opening of the Rebellion, and this company after- 



Bioyraphicid and Historical of Company K. 697 

wards called Company A. First Vermont Regiment, was the first company In the 
state to he inscribed upon the rolls ot honor in response to President Lincoln's 
first call for volunteers to suppress the Rebellion. 

These facts are authenticated by Warren Gibbs, Esq.. in his article on the 
Military History of Franklin County as published in volume eleven, Hjistorical 
Gazetteer, and also appears in Vermont in the Civil War by G. G. Benedict, volume 
one, chapter 4. 

Captain Blake, then sergeant, was with the platoon of Company A when the 
First Vermont Regiment made a reconnoissance to the village of Hampden, Va., May 
22nd, 1S61. The bridge on approaching it had been fired by the Confederate troops, 
a platoon was selected by Colonel Phelps which was led by Captain Clark and dashed 
forward on the double quick, reached the center of the bridge, tore up the planks 
that held up the tarred wood and dumped them fire and all into the river helow, then 
put other planks across the space and the regiment crossed over, captured a cannon, 
located so as to rake the bridge and also captured the major and other officers and 
men in charge. 

Sergeant Blake, afterwards captain o£ Company K, was with the platoon that 
made this charge and helped pull up the planks, put out the fire and capture the 
cannon on this occasion. 

On the 27th of May the regiment went to Newport News, Va., and made the 
first permanent occupation ot the sacred soil of Virginia, as was said at the time 
by the New York Tribune, and here with spade and pick Sergeant Blake, in charge 
of a platoon of Company A was thrown up the first bastian and rampart on Virginia 
soil, and Company .A completed their task in their front first, and in this bulwark was 
located a number of cannon, and Sergeant Blake was detailed and placed in charge 
of these guns while the regiment remained at New-port News. Further mention is 
made of Captain Blake in this history in a biographical sketch on page . See roster. 

FIRST LIEUTENANT STEPHEN F. BROWN 

First Lieutenant Stephen F. Brown of Company K, was in many respects quite 
a precocious boy and young man, a brilliant scholar, applying himself at all times 
with zeal and determination when at school, and every leisure moment w'hile at home 
on the farm, to acquire knowledge. He was a teacher at the age of sixteen years in 
a district school of his native town. In the fall of 1S60 the writer first met him as a 
student at Bakersfield Academy. He was then eighteen, past, but looked and ap- 
peared much older. Was here preparing for college and ten to fifteen hours each 
day did he toil with Greek and Latin and other text books to reach the goal of his 
ambition. His father and mother were devoted Christians and prominent and leading 
members of the Methodist Church at Swanton, and therefore. Lieutenant Brown in 
early life was surrounded by exceptional advantages for acquisition of knowledge, moral 
and technical. 

He was born and raised as a genuin^ patriot, confirmed in the belief that there 
was no country or land like his. Only a mere circumstance prevented him from 
volunteering into Company A, First Vermont Regiment under the first call made 
hy President Lincoln for troops. He was anxious to go, and so was his father, but 
only one could be spared very well from the farm. His father was forty-four years 
of age, and his son. afterwards Lieutenant Brown, nineteen, and both were anxious 
to join the Green Mountain Guards and go to the front, but finally agreed that one 
should go and the other remain to carry on the farm. The father, in order to amicably 
settle the question, as to which should go, proposed the old arbitrary custom of 
drawing cuts, and the one who drew the longest to remain at home and the shortest 
to go. The wife and mother like a true Spartan, said, (with an aching heart for she 
would not decide between husband and son), "now, the one that draws long to remain; 
and the one short to go." The mother prepared the sticks and held them firmly 
grasped and securely guarded so neither could detect one from the other, and the 
father drew first and won, and volunteered, and the son though sadly disappointed, 
cheerfully acquiesced in the result and manfully managed the farm until his father 
returned. 

Within thirty days after his father's return home he enrolled under recruiting 
officer George P. Conger, of St. Albans, expecting then to serve in the First Regi- 
ment, Vermont Cavalry, but on account of an injury to the back in early life, was 
advised by the family physician that he was disqualified for service as a cavalryman, 
and therefore was not mustered in with this regiment. 

The next year in August. 1862. Lieutenant Brown realizing the urgency for 
troops, and not satisfied to defer longer his cherished desire, and becoming seriously 
impressed with duty to country, again volunteered, and this time to go into the 
infantry branch of the service. He with Captain Blake was given authority by the 
selectmen of their town to raise recruits to fill the quota of the town under the call of 
August 4th for 300,000 volunteers. Brown and Blake volunteered at a public meeting, 
and was then and there supplied with recruiting papers and at once started out to 



6()8 Tlic Tliiili\'iilli l\c<nnicnl I cniuntt I'uluntecrs 

raise the company, and in a few days, more than i-noiigh had enrolled to avoid a 
draft In their town. Hrown in this as in all matters was energetic, and secured 
many school mates and friends of good standing to go with him. He was not one 
of that class usually called "a hail fellow well met." and yet always kind and generous, 
very friendly to every one, and would shake hands as often as he met you, and yet 
his appearance was reserved and therefore some were led to think that he felt above 
the boys of his company, which was not true, but these were first impressions and 
all soon discovered that Lieutenant Hrown conversed and mingled freely with all, 
especially the more humble born and ignorant of his company. 

Brown felt that he was entitled to be advanced to the captaincy of Company K, 
when Captain Clark was promoted to Major of the Regiment, but no one, unless 
some very intimate friend, ever heard a word of criticism fall from his lips con- 
cerning it. 

He sincerely believed in the principal of majority rule and manfully discharged 
his full duty in whatever capacity assigned him. He was ever loyal, kind and con- 
descending to his superiors in office and never manifested revenge, jealousy or ill-will 
toward any in his company or regiment. He entered into military life with his whole 
heart and gave his undivided attention to the end of rendering the best possible ser- 
vice to his country. He would cheerlully divide his last cent or ration of food with 
any of the boys of his company, and would freely stretch forth his hand at any 
time to assist and serve the most lowly of his comrades regardless of time and effort. 
At all times day or night he could be found in his place ready for duty. 

The boys did not at all times take kindly to every idiosyncrasy manifested or 
suggested by him, and sometimes failed to accord to him the courtesy he deserved. 
He visited the sick in camp or at the hospital almost daily, looking after their wants 
and care, and with his ever present supply of quaint and funny stories endeavored to 
encourage and cheer. The despondent, the sick, the unfortunate, the more ignorant, 
and the homesick ones he sympathized with, and such were his ardent admirers. 
Likely no officer in the regiment would make so great a personal sacrifice as he, to 
accommodate or do a favor, regardless of rank or title. He was always with his com- 
pany and regiment, alert and anxious concerning the wants and comforts of those 
of his company, especially, (and sometimes at great risk of life and sacrifice of 
official jiosition) as will appear in a biographical sketch of him in another part of 
this book. 

While I personally knew he was apprehensive of death every moment in battle, 
yet no one showed less fear or acted more bravely. He had perfect command over 
himself and moved about as if no accident could befall him. It was my privilege 
during that great battle of Gettysburg to see but few whose appearance commanded 
my admiration like that of Lieutenant Brown. On this bloody field he illustrated 
again and again those great and noble qualities, absolutely essential in a soldier, 
whether an officer or a private. 

His conduct as an officer of the Line in the 13th Regiment was highly honorable 
and creditable. He was a valiant soldier and conscientiously discharged every duty. A 
biographical and genealogical sketch of Captain Brown will be found on page 
See Roster of this book, which will speak of him in civil life as well as military. 

SECOND LIEUTENANT CARMI L. MARSH 

Second Lieutenant of Company K, was elected at the organization of the Com- 
pany at Highgate, Vt.. September 11th. 1S62. He was a stranger to all except his 
friends from the town of FYanklin who had enlisted and came with him to attend 
the election of company officers. Though some had heard the names of those 
enrolled from Franklin that w-ere to become a part of Company K. none of us who 
had lived in other towns had any acquaintance or had ever seen them until that day. 

We soon learned that the Franklin boys were urging the claim for the position 
of lieutenant, and this lead the outside fellows to look over the Franklin boys and 
make inquiry as to who their candidate w-as to be. Some of us were considerably 
surprised when young Marsh was pointed out to us by Orloff Whitney, Jack Chad- 
wick and others of the clan of the east side of Franklin Pond. 

He was only nineteen at enlistment, smooth face, quite small, and very young 
looking and appearing for one of his age. We were told that he was a farmer's son 
of good character and standing at home, and though he looked young, yet he had 
shown as a boy at school, that he had sufficient courage and would stand up for his 
rights, and would never run though badly worsted by the other fellow, and all the 
boys liked him and would stand by him. and assured all who doubted their judgment in 
proclaiming their friend Marsh for so important position, that he was the best 
stuff for a soldier and would make a good officer. 

I sotight introduction to satsify myself as to his fitness, as I was four years 
older and thought myself at that time quite capable of judging as to qualifications, 
requisite for such a position, (which was altogether too much egotism on my part) 
also was anxious to confer with him and his supporters concerning election, for I 



Bioijvaphical and Historical of Coiiif-aiiy K . ()gy 

was interested in advancing the interests of my friend, Stephen F. Brown, as the 
candidate for first lieutenant of the company. We were there to organize. 

Orloff Whitney gave me an introduction which left a very favorable impression, 
and was fully satisfied the boys were not exaggerating, nor making any mistake in 
urging Carnii as they called him, for official honors. He appeared older to me 
after my short visit and did not look quite so young. In fact he was a very good 
looking young man, with a genial disposition, and though modest and retiring, mani- 
fested much interest in the business we had met to transact. 

The boys from Swanton, as soon as they became acquainted with young Marsh, 
were pleased that he was a candidate for second lieutenant, and pledged their ardent 
support, only asking that Brown of Swanton should be considered by them a candi- 
date for first lieutenant, and this was satisfactory. 

When the hour of election arrived there was a pretty good understanding all 
around, and the election passed off in a friendly manner, and Marsh was unanimously 
elected, and the Franklin boys were elated and went home happy and satisfied with 
the results. 

As soon as Carnii, as he was called, was declared elected, he was given a ride 
around the common on the shoulders of his ardent and enthusiastic admirers (as 
was customary in that day) while the others cheered and clapped hands as they 
witnessed the antics of the boys. As 1 now recall to mind this incident. Comrade Marsh 
did not seem to enjoy the ride, and yet he submitted with good grace and tried hard 
to show- appreciation for that kind of a compliment. 

During the following three weeks, while we were at Highgate drilling and waiting 
for orders, 1 often met Lieutenant Marsh and became quite well acquainted with him. 
Our relations were pleasant and soon our acquaintance ripened into warm friendship, 
though I was a private and he a lieutenant, it made no ilitleien'-e to i.uu. a;i i le 
ever treated me as an equal, which owing to my peculiar notions as to rank and 
file w'as much appreciated. Lieutenant Marsh discovered early that I came to the 
Company as a total stranger (save that of Lieutenant Brown) and he took in the 
situation, and in many ways endeavored to make things pleasant. 

The writer was naturaly proud spirited, had had some educational advantages, 
had been for a number of years a teacher in the common schools of our state, had 
been a student at Bakersfleld Academy for a number of terms, had mingled in good 
society, had quite an extensive acquaintance, and enrolling under such circumstances 
among strangers when 1 came to consider the situation, seemed to me a mistake. I 
did not at first take kindly to the subordinate relation occupied by myself and in 
fact refused from first to last the use of my name for non-commissioned appointments, 
and Lieutenant Marsh did more than any other of my comrades to make my soldier 
life pleasant, and in a measure useful. 

This personal reference is made only to show- some of the excellent qualities 
of head and heart of Comrade Marsh while a soldier. Lieutenant Marsh grew fast 
in the estimation of his company associates, and before we left for Brattleboro 
September 29th, all were agreed that his selection as lieutenant was as good as could 
have been made. Marsh was at Montpelier as one of the officers of the Line Sep- 
tember 24th, and took an active part in the election of the field officers of the regi- 
ment. His especial friend and neighbor. Orloff H. Whitney, was made adjutant of 
the regiment on this occasion, which was considered a compliment to the officers 
of Company K, and an honor deservedly bestowed. 

Considerable credit may properly be given Lieutenant Marsh for Sergeant Blake's 
election as captain of Company K. He had been associated with, and observed Ser- 
geant Blake's drilling of the boys on the common daily, and discovered his qualifi- 
cation to handle and read men, and therefore favored his election simply because he 
deemed him the most fit man for the position. 

Military tactics and soldier life was all new to Lieutenant Marsh, as well as 
nearly every one in the company. He had been brought up on a farm in the east 
part of Franklin and his father's many acres were bounded on the west by that 
beautiful sheet of water known and now called Silver Lake. Here he was born, and had 
spent his life until now. and therefore knew how to plow and sow, milk cows, drive 
oxen, make sugar, break colts, and was an apt hand in all that pertained to carrying 
on a large farm, besides he could fish, hunt and swim, never had seen or heard a 
cannon, but had now and then taken the old musket that hung on the kitchen wall 
to hunt for squirrels, and as a small lad played with the old flintlock gun his grand- 
father carried in the war of 1812. This was the extent of his military education when 
he was elected lieutenant of Company K. He was an apt scholar and applied him- 
self with diligence, and as soon as any, acquired sufficient knowledge to do his part 
In a creditable manner. When he dressed up in his new uniform at Brattleboro, 
the day we escorted the 12th Vermont Regiment to the depot on their way to Wash- 
ington, he certainly looked fine and appeared well, and gave promise of an efficient 
officer, and his company had reason to feel proud of his soldierly appearance even 
thus early in the service. 



"OO '/'/((• Tliirtcciitli Rcjiiiiiriit Icniunit I'olnntccrs 

Lieutenaiu Marsh continued with the company in the faithful discharge of his 
every duty to the full satisfaction of his associate officers of the Line, as well as 
those of the field and staff until he was taken down with typhoid pneumonia, or 
congestion of the lungs as it was then called, on the last day of December, 1862. 
Our regiment beinK then stationed at Fairfax Court House, Virginia. We arrived 
at this place in the night of December 12lh, marching all the way from our old 
Camp Vermont, a mile or so from Alexandria, Virginia. This was a long, hard march 
from daylight to dark. 

Our regiment was located northwest of the Court House about one mile, on a 
rather low flat piece of ground near some woods. Lieutenant Marsh was taken to 
the Court House village and placed in the hosi)ital about December .31st. We had 
betn mere than usually busy at this camp. (Jeneral Stoughton, who had just been a\>- 
pointed and placed in command of the Second Vermont Brigade, was ambitious to have 
his brigade in good condition, and the Thirteenth was daily engaged in battalion and 
brigade drill beside picket duty. The weather was cold and the low. flat lands were 
soft and muddy, and the locality was anything but healthy. Many were sick with 
entric diseases and malarial fevers, colds and other diseases incident to army life 
in this part of Virginia at this season of the year. At no time thus far were so many 
of Comi)any K on the sick list as at Fairfax Court Hovise, in the latter part of December. 
The duties here were exacting and hard, for officers and privates alike. Lieutenant 
Marsh for ten days before giving up was really uufit for duty, but remained with his 
company doing his part just the same. 

Our regiment was sent out to Centreville some six or eight miles away on four 
days of picket duty on the front line, without tents on the 20th of December, and 
when Lieutenant Marsh returned was urged by captain I51ake to go to the Court 
House into the hospital for a few days, but he said no. that he was all right, but 
the daily drills of the Regiment and Brigade, and the all night in the trenches on 
the 28th of December, when General J. E. B. Stuart made his raid and attack on the 
court Hcuse. was tec much for the sick man. and he was taken to the hospital from 
camp on the last day of December, and there remained until the day the regiment left 
for Wolf Run Shoals .January 20th. 1863. The writer was left behind with others in 
charge of tents and baggage, to wait for transportation. Two from each company were 
left as guards, from Company K. Corp. M. V, Hicks and myself. 

Lieutenant Marsh learned of the removal of our regiment to Wolf Run Shoals, 
and being now convalescent was anxious to join his company and regiment, and 
also having ascertained that a guard from his company were still at the old camp 
in charge of baggage, waiting for transportation, came down there and found Com- 
rade Hicks and myself still waiting, but expecting the mule teams any hour to take 
the remainder of the regimental baggage to our new camp some twelve miles south 
to the upper Occoquan River. 

Lieutenant Marsh remained -with us a number of days for the teams to come, 
expecting an ambulance would also come, there being no other way for Lieutenant 
Marsh to reach camp without marching. He had seen enough of the hospital, he 
said, and if he couldn't ride he would march to camp. The weather had been bad, and 
much rain for several days, the roads were awfully muddy, small streams overflowing 
their banks. The teams finally arrived, the balance of the baggage was soon loaded 
and on the way to Wolf Run Shoals, by way of Fairfax Station, there being no chance 
to ride. Lieutenant Marsh, regardless of rain, mud and high water, started with 
Hicks and myself and others of the guard, to make the march. We were soldiers 
and must join the regiment as soon as possible. We had been waiting here five 
days, rations were growing scarce. We had plenty of salt pork and beef and coffee 
left behind, but this we had already eaten too much of. After baking a hoe cake 
in the coals between our tin plates, boiled some rice and made coffee, loaded up the 
wapons. ))acked knapsacks, were ready to leave for our new camp. 

This was a hard march through Virginia mud and water for ten miles and more, 
it was too much for Lieutenant Marsh, who had only just recovered, but he was 
anxious and determined to go and said he was all right and could stand a short march 
like that as well as ever. We reached Fairfax Station some four or five miles, all 
right. Here an officer of the quartermaster's department came along riding one horse 
and leading another, and the author informed the officer of the extremely exhausted 
condition of Lieutenant Marsh and asked that he be given a chance to ride to camp, 
for he had just recovered and left the hospital, and was very anxious to join the regi- 
ment at Camp Wolf Run Shoals. He was tired and could not march further with safety. 
Had this officer responded to this appeal to allow Lieutenant Marsh a ride to camp 
five miles away he would not have had a relapse, and an attack of cerebro spinal menin- 
gitis that carried him so near the shadow of death where for weeks he lingered on the 
brink of Eternity, the spark of life by gentle hands and careful nursing continued until 
restored: a ride to camp on this occasion would have averted this long sickness and 
retained in the service one of the best and most devoted officers of the 13th Regi- 
ment. Lieutenant Marsh was obliged to stop and rest a number of times, 
and his appearance was alarming, and T feared he would not be able to reach 



Biographical and Hisforical of Company K. 701 

cami). but by slow marching and resting often, we did reacli camp, though well jaded 
and used up. Lieutenant Marsh, especially, was completely tired out, the journey 
was too much for him. We got him into a tent as soon as possible and made him 
as comfortable as surroundings would permit for the night, but he could not sleep 
or rest, and in the morning had a raging fever, and was suffering with intense pain 
in the head and back. He remained in the tent that day and night, and late in the 
afternoon of the 27th we took him to the Regimental hospitaf where he could have 
a better place and better care. 

The regimental surgeon. Dr. Nichols, said he was suffering with a relapse, and 
was a very sick man, and was apprehensive about his recovery, and called the case 
now cerebro spinal meningitis. 

He was regarded in a critical condition. Lieutenant Marsh's father was imme- 
diately notified, and the father and mother arrived in camp as soon as conveyance 
could bring them, reaching camp on the evening of February 5th. My diary of Feb- 
ruary 6th records the fact that I labored all day in fixing up a tent for the accommo- 
dation of Lieutenant Marsh's father and mother, but under the advice of Surgeon 
Nichols, Mr. Marsh found a suitable place about a mile from camp where his son 
was taken and nursed until able to return with his parents to Vermont. (A sketch of 
this rebel nurse that likely saved Lieutenant Marsh's life, and how he found her 
in Virginia 30 years after the war will appear over Lieutenant Marsh's signature on 
another page in this book, so I refrain from further comment now about this esteemed 
lady.) 

Lieutenant Marsh was told that if he ever fully recovered it would be a long time 
before able to do any kind of work. He resigned on February 17th and when he 
had sufficiently recovered was taken home by his parents to Vermont. I remember 
very well the day he left home. I took him by the hand and said good-by, feeling 
I should never see him again. All who knew him, especially Company K hoys, were 
sorry to part with him. His company comrades loved and respected him, his genial 
disposition and kind and generous hearted ways had endeared every one of his 
company, and they were his strong and abiding friends. I can never forget, nor 
would f. his words of regret, disappointment, and his sorrowful good-by the day be 
parted with the regiment and started for home. He returned to his old home, re- 
covered his health in the course of two or three years, and soon became a leader 
among his townsmen. He married soon after the war a beautiful and estimable 
young lady. Miss Delia Pelton ot Highgate, whom he saw for the first time when we 
were soldiers at Highgate in September, 1S62, and if love at first sight it was excusable. 
The old home farm which he still owns, he carried on for a number of years with 
marked ability and success. 

In the course of a few years he bought a large interest in the Kendall Spavin 
Cure business, then located at Enosburg Falls, furnished the necessary capital and 
push, and soon it was a growing and prosperous business. The concern was reor- 
ganized and Olin Merrill and Moses P. Perley became partners with Marsh and for 
many years past it has been one of the most flourishing and money making enter- 
prises in Vermont. 

It seems quite proper for me to here say that Olin Merrill married the only 
dau.ghter of our beloved adjutant, Orloff Whitney of the Thirteenth Vermont Regiment, 
and of Company K. Mr. Merrill is an honorary member of our Regimental Associa- 
tion, and takes a lively interest in the record made by the soldiers of his native 
state, and especially of this regiment that won fame and imperishable honor on the 
battlefield of Gettysburg, also because Mrs. Merrill's father, Orloff Whitney, was 
adjutant of the regiment and Captain of Company H of the Thirteenth Regiment. 

Lieutenant Marsh has been honored in civil life at home and in the county and 
the State. When he was elected president of the Thirteenth Vermont Regimental 
Association, he said, "that he prized that compliment as more honorable and dis- 
tinguished, of which he was prouder than any other that had been conferred 
on him in life, or could be." Those of us who have been quite intimate with him 
since and before the organization of our Regimental Association, have many reasons 
for the high regard and esteem that we have for him. 

None save his more intimate friends know of his deeds of philanthropy for many 
years past. He has been financially successful, and has widely and liberally dispensed 
much in a quite unostentatious manner. The friendships formed in youth and early 
manhood, which include many of Company K, are abiding as the ever green hills 
that surround the home and hamlet where he was born. Lieutenant Marsh now lives 
in Enosburg Falls, a beautiful and thriving village on the banks of the Missisquoi, 
nestled among the hills of Enosburg, county of Franklin, in a beautiful home sur- 
rounded by wife, children and grandchildren, and everything to make one happy and 
contented. He still looks young, though born in 1S43, and is as active in business 
and interested in affairs of life, social, political and philanthropic, as ever. His 
comrades wish him a green old age, and that he will be the last survivor of the surviv- 
ors of Company K, convinced that he will see that his old comrades will be 
tenderly and sorrowfully and suitably buried and some record left that future genera- 



"O- I'lic Thirteenth Reijinicnt Vermont J'oluntecrs 

tioiis may read and admire. His iiictures, one as a youiiK officer of Company K, and 
others of recent date and a liioRraphlcal sketch, found on other pages of this l)ook. 
See Roster. 

Lieutenant Carnii l.alluop Marsh was born in the town of Franklin. Vermont, 
in 1843. The only son of a i)rosperous farmer on tlie eastern shores of Franklin Pond 
(now called Silver Lake). Educated in the common schools of his native town; by 
occupation a lainnr. and (or many ycais after tlie war carried on ttie old farm. 

SERGEANT SIDNEY S. MOREY 

was made first sergeant at the or.ganization of Comjiany K. He was born in Highgale, 
Vt., in 1S40, and went to Swanton as a young man ami engaged as a clerk in a store, 
which was his occupation when he enrolled as a volunteer under President Lincoln's 
call in August, 1S62, for :'■()(), 000 nine months' men. He was popular among all classes, 
and had the confidence of his employers, whom he served with fidelity and honesty. 
He was at the time of his enlistment, August, 1S(>2, 22 years of age. 

My fii'st acquaintance was after he had signed the roll, and 1 think only a few 
days before we all met at Highgate, September nth to organize a company. At 
this time he was young, vigorous, active, enthusiastic, and on hand for any duty, and 
(better than all) upright and reliable. His whole appearance indicated patriotic de- 
votion and suflRcifnt courage for the strenuous life of a soldier. As first sergeant 
he was brought necessarily in close relation with each member of the company, and 
to get along smoothly with a hundred (a number in each company) of young Ver- 
monters with peculiarities and notions of their own, and not used to military life and 
discipline was no easy task, but he maragfd the details for guard and picket duty and 
the many things to be done each day with such care and skill as to offend none. 

The i)rompt and courteous manner with which he discharged every duty gained 
for him early in the service the commendation of his superior officers and the respect 
of all with whom he mingled. There was no better looking, no more tidy appearing, 
nor taithful and active among the whole list of orderlly sergeants in the Thirteenth 
Regiment than Sergeant Morey of Company K, and his company was exceedingly 
proud of him. He might, and should have had a commission when he entered the 
service, but this he did not even try to secure. Evidently he had no thought of office 
when he volunteered. Meritorious service and his admirable qualities pointed him out 
as proper material for office, and in due season was commissioned Secnod Lieutenant 
and assigned to duty in Company E. He was ever prompt and on time at company 
roll call, and his clear cut voice rang out in camp first and often was well down the 
list callin.g the roll, before any other voice could be heard. Not one of Company K 
could ever forget the quick time made as he called the roll, alphabetically arranged. 
It rings in my ears now, and I can see just where he stood morning and evening, and 
other times when calling the roll. He called it from memory, as I have been much 
amused since the war to hear hini repeat the old roll call, as when in the service in 
the old days. We were often awakened from our morning dreams of home and loved 
ones by the shrill voice of Sergeant Morey, and thus it was, "Fall in Company K; 
hurry up there boys. Company K fall in, get into line there quick, right dress, attention. 
Sergeants Halloway, Manzer. Smith, Jennison ; Corporals Chadwick. Hicks. Sisco, 
Bullard. Smith. Corey. Olmstead: Musicians Brotigh. Labounty. Wagoner Searl; Pri- 
vates Harney. Pest. Bovin. Brown. Bronton. Burnell, Charles Burnell. Homer. Burns, 
Burgess. Barr. Butler, Butterfield. Chamberlain, Chappel, Clark, Martin Clark, Welling- 
ton, Comstock, Currie." and down through the list he went as fast as he could speak 
the names. He had every name on the end of his tongue and off they fell in rapid 
succession to the end, and before the last name was fully pronounced would come the 
command, "break ranks, march," and in a jiffy every one was back in his tent, spitting 
fire because called out in the rain and wind before day light, simply to answer when 
called. It was fun to see the boys tumble out of their tents to get into line before 
their names were reached, many half drssed, trousers in hand, caii on, bare foot, 
shoes in hand, on the jump and run to be in season to answer to their names and 
avoid being reported as absent. Sergeant Morey commenced to call the roll as soon as 
the first man on the list was in line, and would not wait, for it was imperative duty 
to fall in at once as the order (fall In Company K) was given. 

The line was formed down the company street on either side of which were the two 
rows of tents occupied by Company K. 1 was well down the alphabet, and near the end 
of the list, so had more time than most of them to get into line, and often saw the antics 
of the boys as they came out of their tents into position. Some would stick their heads 
out of the tent and answer to their names and some would ask his tentmate to imitate his 
voice and answer to his name if it was dark, and so on every name was answered to, 
whether present or not. and the sergeant did not always notice the fact if now and then 
one was absent. All were reported present and accounted for when the ser.geant ap- 
peared at headquarters to make his report. He was indulgent, and accommodating, 
and did his best to please, when within bounds of rules and reasonable discipline. 



Biof/rapliical and Historical of Coiiipanv K. 703 

Morey was a good officer and a brave soldier. ] saw fiiiii in the l)attle of Gettys- 
burg and can not be mistaken. He was near General Hancock when he was shot 
out on the front line in the afternoon of the last day, and came running to Company 
K for a tourniquet (knowing that Clark H. Butterfleld had one), to be applied on 
the General's leg to stop the flow of blood. 

Lieutenant Morey has always claimed that he was one of those who assisted 
General Hancock down from his horse to the ground, and of this fact there is no 
doubt. The atithor was present and saw the incident. The writer knows that Lieu- 
tenant Morey came to Company K, and returned to the place where General Hancock 
was lying on the ground with Butterfield's tourniquet, and so says Butterfield in 
his sketch. Quite a number hastened to the General's assistance. Lieutenant Morey 
returned with his regiment, was mustered out July 21st, 1863, and resumed his occu- 
pation in Swanton and continued business until 1886, when he sold out and went 
to Kansas City. Mo., where with his family, wife and only child, a son, Raymond 
Morey, and his wife and child. Dorothy now reside. 

For some years past he had held a responsible position in connection with the 
water works of the city. He had always lived in Vermont and most of the time in 
Swanton. His married life and business career was a ]iart of the history of the town 
of Swanton, and at the age of 46 he accepted the advice of Horace Greely and went West, 
leaving behind a large circle of admiring comrades and friends. He had a cousin by 
the name of George Y. Smith, a prosperous merchant in Kansas City, Mo., who had 
urged him to come West, and held out very flattering inducements if he would come 
to Kansas City, and because of these assurances from one in whom he had implicit 
confidence, sold out his business in Swanton and on the morning of April 21st, 1886 
started for the great West. He left behind his numerous friends who grieved over 
the separation, and many there are yet in old Swanton that like to think of him and 
his family, and are not yet reconciled to the parting. I am quite sure it Comrade 
Morey could have seen what was before him. and realized the lonely hours because 
of distant separation from dear friends and comrades, he would still be in Swanton. 

The writer of this article felt the loss of parting more than any other, for I 
was with him in the service and an intimate associate in civil life for many years 
since, and had become like brothers, knowing each others joys and sorrows and 
castle buildings of the future. Morning and evening we talked over again and again 
the old days when soldiers, current events, local and general, and plans for the goal 
we hoped some time to reach. (How idle, like the will-of-the-wisp ever seen but 
never reached). 

He was my dearest friend, and no one can ever realize how much I have missed 
him. I do not look for one to take his place, nor would it now be possible. We 
are now both standing on the brink of life's swiftly passing stream, expecting to be 
summoned any day to join our comrades and friends on the other side. There 
will appear on other pages of this book pictures and a biographical sketch of Com- 
rade Morey. See page 242 of this book. 

SEEGEANT JAMES HALLOWAY 

volunteered from the town of Highgate in August, 1862, and was made second ser- 
geant at the organization of Company K. He was at this time a good looking, gentle- 
manly appearing young man, six feet tall, well proportioned, dignified and reserved. 
His age was 27 years, occupation a farmer. Was born February 24, 183.5: died September 
1, 1897; buried in South Main Street cemetery, St. Albans City, Vt. Married Jennie 
A. Pierce, January 1.5, 1S71. He was a fine specimen of the typical volunteer from 
Vermont at this important period. To see him gave ready answer why some of the 
boys voted for him for captain at the election of company officers. He was a modest 
and conscientious man, strictly honest and would not allow his name to be used for 
any position that he did not feel himself qualified to fill. Had never had any military 
drill or experience. He was a raw recruit and because of these facts reluctantly ac- 
cepted, after considerable urging, the position of sergeant. He was well thought 
of by neighbors and acquaintances and stood well in the community where he lived. 
He had the reputation of standing courageously by his convictions, and the con- 
stituent elements, prominent in his character made him just the kind of material 
essential for the life of a soldier. Army life made no changes in his character, and 
he maintained throughout the service the same dignified, modest and retiring dis- 
position that was manifest when we first saw him at the company organization Sep- 
tember 11th, 1862. 

Every duty was promptly and fully done, courteous alike to oflicers and privates. 
His clothing was clean and in order, gun and straps, buttons and buckles glistened 
as new, and when he appeared for duty his tidy appearance was the envy of many 
a slovenly fellow who wondered how he could keep so neat and trim living in aj 
cotton tent and sleeping on the ground. His example taught his tentmates and the 
rest of company K a timely and valuable lesson. 



"04 J lie Tliirtccntit Rcyiiiiciil I eriiiunt I 'oluiilccrs 

When Orderly Morey was promoted to second lieutenant, Sergeant Halloway took 
his place as first sergeant, though by neglect no mention was ever made of his being 
promoted and conmiissioned to first sergeant, and therefore was discharged as second 
sergeant. He performed the quite arduous and exacting duties of this position with 
entire satisfaction of all until the regiment was mustered out. 

At Gettysburg on the charge against General Pickett's forces, he was wounded. 
A piece of a shell hit him on the shin causing blood to flow quite freely, the wound 
looked quite serious, and he appeared to suffer intense pain. This occurred just 
after the charge had ended and after the Rebels had come inside our lines. I noticed 
him limping a little and inquired of him the cause, he replied something hit my shin 
a lew minutes ago. but I am all right. I advised him he had better see what 
the trouble was, and we made a hasty inspection, and concluded that he was fortunate 
it was no worse. It was so l)ad that he went to the rear with Companies G and I. who 
had charge of prisoners captured to have his wound attended to and dressed by the 
surgeon, and very soon was back again in his place, though now quite lame and 
white in the face, but not because of fear, for he was as brave and impetous in battle as 
modest and calm on dress parade. 

After being mustered out July 21st, 1863 he returned to his home in Highgate, 
engaged as foreman for Waite and Jennison in the manufacture of turpentine from 
pitch pine stumps that were found in the stump fences in Swanton and Highgate. 
He continued in the eniiiloy of Waite and Jennison about two years, and then com- 
menced work in a foundry at Highgate, and soon after went to St. Albans, about 1867, 
and engaged for the St. .Albans Foundry Co., and with them he remained for many 
years until 1SS6, when he was appointed Deputy Collector and Inspector of Customs 
and located at St. Albans, which position he held until compelled to resign on account 
of failing health. He met with an accident, breaking some of the bones of his 
shoulder, which he said was the cause of the disease of the lungs from which he 
died September 1st. 1897. He married Jennie A. Pierce, a daughter of Hiram Pierce, 
the old hotel proprietor of the American House, St. Albans, w'ho with two daughters, 
Catherine M. and Emma survive and reside at this day, January, 1906, at St. Albans 
City. Vt. 

Comrade Halloway held many offices of trust and responsibility. He was a 
prominent Mason and a more zealous one or one who illustrated the principles of 
the Order more faithfully and conscientiously in his daily life it would be hard to 
find. A biographical sketch and a picture of Comrade Halloway will be found on 
pages referred to in Roster. See page 404. 

SERGEANT MERRITT MANZER 

volunteered from the town of Albuig al>out .\ugunt 2.jth, 1S62, though in fact he 
was born and brought up in Swanton which was his home, but he had a right to enlist 
fn and count on the quota of Alburg. He was present and participated in the organi- 
zation of Company K September 11th. 1S62, and was at this time connected with a 
hotel at Alburg Springs, then and since quite a famous resort on account of the 
medicinal jjroperties of its healing waters. He called himself an inn keeper. His age 
was 23 years, five feet and nine inches tall, well proportioned, black eyes and hair, good 
looking, strong and sturdy, just the kind for soldier life in the army. 

When Third Sergeant George G. Blake was elected captain on September 26th, 
young Manzer was promoted to fill the vacancy. The boys all seemed pleased with 
his ajiijointment and cheerfully endorsed and recognized the jiropriety of it. His 
every duty was faithfully performed from first to last. No one ever heard him say 
what he would do if he ever had a chance to fight; was no brag, he had an even and 
cheerful disposition, and was very considerate with the boys when sergeant of the 
guard in camp or on picket line, and never showed undue authority or acted in any 
way, but what he considered himself only an equal of the privates in the company. 
He made an admirable sergeant and attracted attention because of his fine appear- 
ance. His conduct in camp, and on the march, and in battle was kind, heroic and 
brave. He returned with the regiment to Vermont, and was mustered out at Brat- 
tlehore July 21st. 1863. Very soon he again took up the occupation of inn keeper, 
and for a number of years was proprietor of the Merritt House, Alburg Springs. 

About the year 18.. he started West and finally settled in St. Joseph, Mo., where 
he managed the Huxly House, a large hotel, for twelve years, when he was suddenly 
summoned to join friends and comrades in the great beyond. He never married. 
The date of his death was April 7>. 18... He was buried among strangers, not a rela- 
tive or dear friend present to lovingly care for his remains. It is said a mod«(st 
headstone marks the place where buried, and on it this inscription, "Merritt Manzer, 
born in Swanton, \'t.. 1839. Died at St. Joseph. Mo.. April 1,'), 18... A patriot and 
soldier, sergeant of Company K, Thirteenth Vermont Volunteers in the war of 1S61- 
1865." 

Though he died far from his native state among comparative strangers, yet we 
are told once a year on Memorial Day loving hands scatter flowers and raise the 



Biographical and Historical of Companx K. 703 

Stars and Stripes over his grave in memory of service freely offered, that his country 
might not perish. A picture and brief sketch of Sergeant Manzer will be found by 
reference to the roster and page 404 of this Ijook. 

ORLOFF H. WHITNEY 

volunteered August 25th. 1S62, and on the organization of Company K was made fifth 
sergeant, in which capacity he served only a few days, for on the organization of 
the Thirteenth Regiment, September 24th, was made adjutant, and therefore his 
career as a soldier with the regiment was as adjutant of the regiment and captain 
of Company H. On account of his many duties Company K boys saw him but a 
little, only in his official positions, and yet we always claimed him as one of our 
company. His age when enrolled in Company K was 23 years, five feet and nine 
inches high, occupation a farmer, and married, born in Franklin, Vt., in 1839. He 
was of a good family, well brought up. and had a good common school education. He 
was intelligent and prepcssessing. ambitious, and full of life and push, zealous in the 
discharge of duty, anxious for active service to test courage and accomplish deeds 
of valor that the goal might be reached as soon as possible. His appearance on dress 
parade commanded the admiration of the whole regiment, and his military bearing 
and fitness pointed him out quite early for promotion, and he was commissioned 
cajitain of Company H, January, 1863, which position he filled with ability and 
satisfaction, no officer of the line was more popular. His premature and untimely 
death fell like a pall over the whole regiment. He was prostrated with typhoid fever 
in camp Widow Violet on the Occoquan, Virginia, and removed to Alexandria, Va., 
and placed in a hospital where the next day in an unguarded moment on account 
of negligence of nurse, as his comrades believe, and while in a raging fever, without 
knowing what he did jumped through an open window into the street below, and 
died in a few hours after, June 4th. 1863. This sad event was a great loss to the regi- 
ment, as well as to country, home and society. A picture of Adjutant Whitney and 
a valuable sketch will be found by reference to roster and page 316 of this book. 

SERGEANT LEVI SMITH 

volunteered from Highgate August 25th, 1S62, this was his second enlistment, and on 
the organization of Company K was made fourth sergeant. He had seen service in 
Company A, First Vermont Regiment for three months, and for this and other good 
reasons was selected as one of the company sergeants. He was from the town of 
Highgate, 26 years old, a married man, born in Highgate, was a good citizen and well 
thought of by those who knew him. I recall with pleasure his kind and generous 
disposition and his pleasant and manly ways with the boys of the company. No one 
had occasion to say aught against him. He was a conscientious man and soldier, and 
at all times satisfactorily discharged every required duty. An excellent sketch of 
him by his friend. Comrade Meigs will be found on page .... See roster. 

SERGEANT SUMNER H. JENNISON 

of Swanton. was born in the town of Highgate, Vermont, March 6, 1843. His father 
later moved to Swanton and engaged in hotel business and in Swanton the son 
attended and had the advantages of both district schools and academy of Swanton. 
His occupation was hotel business when he enlisted. Was the son of Erastus Jenni- 
son. the proprietor of the Central House, the leading hotel then, and for many years 
at Swanton Falls. It was situated on the corner of Grand Avenue and First Street 
on the easterly side of the Public Mall, within a stone's throw of the old Academy 
and Congregational Church. 

Young Jennison was brought up in the hotel, surrounded by all the influences 
of a village hotel in a place like Swanton in those early days, good and bad. The 
father was quite severe and watched his boys with zealous care. The mother was 
kind and indulgent, and Sumner, the oldest, often took advantage of the difference 
of opinion held by father and mother as to bringing up boys, and now and then 
played the truant and was not very steady at school or church, though nearby. 

At the time of enlistment into Company K, August 26th, 1862, his age was 20, 
five feet six inches tall, stout, well built and evidently well fed. He had a jovial, 
rollicking way and was ready for a good time night or day. In the slang phrase of 
the day was a hail fellow well met. His hotel surroundings made him quite bold 
and forward and he knew many things that the boys from the farms had not as 
yet learned. He came from a good family, and could trace it back to Robert Jen- 
nison who came from England and settled in Watertown, Mass., in 1636. His grand- 
father coming to Vermont in 1S03. 

At the organization of Company K, young Jennison was dubbed first corporal, 
a position that he was qualified to fill, and when Orloff Whitney was promoted to 



7o6 Till- Tliiitci-iilli Kcgintciit I 'criiinut I 'Dhiittrcis 

adjiitiint. t'orpoial .lennisoii was advanced to fifth sergeant, and was chcvroned with 
three hhie stripes on the sleeve instead of two, which pleased him Ijotter. He was 
full of fuu and frolic and kept his tentniates, S<TKeants Morey and Halloway, and 
Private t'adnius Gates stirred up most of the time. He was no shirk or coward, far 
from it. Was on hand for duty or a scrap at all times, and a rouKh and tumble scuffle 
was his delight. He did mucli to drive away dull care and homesickness, and kept 
the boys cheered U]) and would say, "Don't mope around so, the war will soon be 
over and we will be on our way home." ThouKh full of the old nick, yet he was 
kind and generous and was a good soldier, and when the trying days of march and 
battle <'ame, he was resolutely at his post and could well be classed among the bravest 
of Com|)aiiy K. He was an all round No. 1 soldier. He was mustered out with his 
regiment ,luly lilst, \iHV.', and returned to Swanton and contiinied in the hotel business 
at the old stand \intil l,S(ii(. He married .Miss Mary V. Hammond, and in 1S72 went 
to New York ("ity and for many years travelled as a drummer for a wholesale house 
in New York City. Then he went to Saratoga Springs and engaged in a small way in 
the hotel and lioarding house business. He returned to Swanton, his old home, 
in 1SS4, and rented the same old hotel stand and ran a first class hotel for one year, 
and then sold out and returned to Saratoga Springs. 

Sergeant .lennison's first enlistment was in April. 1861, serving in Company A, 
First Vermont Volunteers. Our esteemed comrade died long before his time in New 
York City, September l.'i, 1904. His old coiurades sincerely mourn his death and 
sympathize with the widow and fatherless. He was buried at Saratoga Springs, 
N. Y. His children are Homer E., born January 24, 18fi9; Sumner S., born .July l.i, 
1871: Nina M., born March 14, 1877; Albert E., born October 19, 1878, Emma L., born 
April Ul. 1S8S; all living in New York City. Last P. O. Address of widow and chil- 
dren, 111 W. S2nd St.. New York City. See page 403 of this book. 

CORPORAL ANDREW JACKSON CHADWICK 

volunteered from the town of Franklin August 2.-ith. 1S62, and at the time resided in 
that part called East Franklin. He was a chum and loyal friend of Lieutenant Marsh, 
and ready at all times to advance or defend his rights. He w-as at this time 21 years 
of age, five feet, nine inches tall, big and strong and weighed 2.")0 pounds in blouse 
and trousers and army shoes. His confident way of expression and determined looks 
persuaded most of us at sight that it would not be wise to run up against him in any 
unfriendly manner. At our first meeting September 11th, lSfi2, at Highgate, the date 
of election of company officers, it was much in evidence who his first choice was 
for second lieutenant, and his words of preference were emphatic and to the more 
timid of us weighty at least. We had no desire to express any doubt to him as to his 
friend Marsh being the best man for the position of second lieutenant. 

When First Corporal Sumner H. Jennison was promoted to fifth sergeant. Private 
Chadwick was elevated to the quite responsible position of first corporal, jumping 
from the ranks to the head of the corporal list. We had at this time ten corporals, 
two more than the regulations allowed, but this was all right, as long as we remained 
in Highgate, and 1 presume it was true as hinted at the time there was a large number 
of Company K boys who considered themselves highly qualified for these official 
places, and to satisfy as many as possible and encourage laudable ambition the com- 
missioned officers. Captain Clark and Lieutenants Brown and Marsh hit on the 
happy expedient of adding two more than usual to the list, you can see therefore 
why Lieutenant Marsh had Andrew ,Tackson made First Corporal, tor if all were 
set up a notch and ,Iack put at the toot when we reached Hrattleboro and were 
mustered in and chevrons were distributed eight would be the limit and .lack would 
be left out and that would not do and undoubtedly his friend. Carmi Marsh under- 
stood this and had him made first corporal. It was a little humiliating to the ninth 
and tenth corporals. Hibbard and P^ink. to be left out in this manner. They were 
never quite satisfied with the explanation offered, however, both Hibbard and Frink, 
were remembered in due season as will appear. 

No other first corporal with such an admirable figure and presence so well fitted for 
the arduous duties of corporai as First Cori)oral .\ndrpw .lacksou ChadwMck of Company 
K. He was the heavyweight of Company K, and his 2.tO i)ounds was largely bone and 
muscle. In all feats of strength, rough and tumble, catch as catch can, side or back 
hold, or collar and elbow. Corporal Chadwick was chaiupion of Company K, but quite 
a nuiuber gave him a hard struggle and Private Hardy Ladue, a young blacksmith 
from Alburg, was quite his match at collar and elbow, and many a day in Company 
K street at Camp Occoquan did they wrestle till each were exhausted without ap- 
parent victory to either. Jack had the luost science and was by far the heaviest, but 
Ladue was quick and eel like and could not be thrown to the ground square on his hack, 
so not a fall as was said. The wrestling bouts brought many spectators from other 
companies to watch the fun. Considerable strife arose and Company K boys did 
considerable bragging and were ready to back Corporal Chadwick with any man in the 
regiment with their greenbacks and seri]i and sutler's checks. I had noticed on 



Buigral^hical and Historical of Coiiipaiiv K. 707 

these occasions one of Company G boys who was always present and watching care- 
fully every lock and twist and trip of the wrestlers, but said not a word. I knew 
him and had seen him wrestle on Fairfield Green on election days with Mick Kirk, 
Andrew Sherwood and others; likely no other of Company K had knowledge of his skill 
and fame at home. 

One day while visiting with Company G boys for many of them I knew, before 
we enlisted, it was hinted, and I was requested not to say a word, that there was 
a [)rospect tor a match of wrestling between Company K and Company G, that Com- 
pany G had a wrestler, but he was Just recovering from a fever, and as soon as he 
was well enough thought a match could be arranged. Nothing more was said for 
some time about the match between Company K and G, but the wrestling went on 
from time to time and now and then a fellow would try titles with Corporal Cha,dwick, 
but none were able to stand up before him, but after a while a Company G man, 
a good looking and proportioned as often seen, was prevailed upon by much urging 
and prodding, and finally with much apparent reluctance took hold of Cori)oral 
Chadwick in a rather awkward and careless manner, but acted afraid and stood off 
bracing up so that he could not be tripped, or be caught in Jack's fatal hip lock, 
which had cost many an unsuspecting fellow before, but the Company G man had 
watched Corporal Chadwick and took note of his particular skill and did not easily 
fall into the trap. After a few trials Company G men not show-ing up very well. 
Company K boys were ready for the match. Jack assured the boys he could throw 
the Company G man right over his head as easy as rolling off a log, and they need 
not be afraid to put up their dosh, he would see that they did not lose. The day was 
fixed a week ahead, umpires chosen, all details agreed upon, a smooth level plot of 
ground, just in the rear of camp was selected. The day and hour arrived and the 
regiment gathered in a large circle around the would-be champion. A few preliminaries 
were completed and all was ready, excitement ran high and the betting by Company 
K was two to one on their f?,vorite corporal. The young aspirants for fame now faced 
each other carefully and securely grasping collars and elbows at once commenced the 
fencing with feet and hands, watching for a favorable opportunity to lock, trip and 
twist. Company G man appeared less timid now, for the hour that he had been play- 
ing and watching for was at hand, and was exhibiting unexpected skill and new 
antics in the ring. Our corporal found that Company G man stood firmly on his 
feet and labored with all his great strength to win the bout quickly. Corporal Chad- 
wick grew red in the face, great drops of sweat coursed along his massive forehead 
and down his cheeks in his manly efforts to close the contest, and show the assembled 
sports that the clan from East Franklin was equal to the occasion. Company G man 
hopped and jumped about first on one foot and then on the other, and every now and 
then one foot would fly up on the corporal's side and down again so quick it hardly 
could be seen. Cheer after cheer rang out first by Company K and then by Company 
G. It was soon apparent among my comrades of Company K they were losing confidence 
and might after all lose the bets so lavishly put up. After Company G man had worried 
and sufficiently tired out the corporal, he suddenly and quickly took the famous Fair- 
field Ju Jitsu lock and over his head, heels in the air down to the ground square 0:1 
his back came the champion of Company K. The ground trembled as he fell, but 
no bones were broken nor was the corporal severely injured. 

One long, loud and exulting cheer filled the air in which Company K took no 
part. Now everybody was making inquiry as to who this Company G man was, and 
where he came from. It was no less a person than John McMahon, the famous boy 
wrestler, of Fairfield, and since the war has won, and it now hangs in his room, the 
belt for the world's champion collar and elbow wrestler. Greenbacks, scrip and sut- 
ler's checks were scarce with the boys of Company K for some time after but Company 
G had plenty. This was Jack's last wrestling match, and he was wiser, and now 
gave his whole attention to his official duties. Company K, though humiliated, grace- 
fully parted with their dosh, and cheerfully submitted to the loss of prestige, but 
never again while in the service did so much bragging. 

Corporal Chadwick was a good and valiant soldier, remained with his company 
till the last and was mustered out July 21st, 18fi3. Since the war he has travelled 
over his country from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and in many of the states. For 
the last twenty years or more, he has resided in the town of Enosburg. in the employ 
of his life long and loyal friend and comrade. Lieutenant Carml L. Marsh. He looks 
older, but is still the same nolile hearted and generous fellow as in the old days 
when we knew him as corporal of Company K. The full name of Corporal Chadwick 
is Andrew Jackson Chadwick. and was born in Franklin, September 27th, 1841, and 
at the date of enlistment his occupation was that of a farmer. You will see on page 

See roster of this book a brief sketch, and a picture on page 406 corroborates 

my judgment of him. He married after the war, and now in the evening of life his 
marital relations are happy and he enjoys the good will of a large circle of warm 
friends. Since the writing of the above Comrade Chadwick has joined the silent 
majority. Died In 1908; was buried in Enosburg, Vt. 



JoS 'Jilt- 'lltuiccnlh Ki-ijiiiu-nl I'cniiniit I'oliiiilecrs 

CORPORAL WILLIAM CHURCH 

volunleend iiiuler the firsi call lor 7.'., (Hid mcii in April. lS(il, and joined Company A, 
First Vermont Infantry. His second enlistment was August 2.">th, 1862, and from the 
town of Higligate. At the organization of Company K, he was made second corporal 
because a good man for the i)lace, and also had had three months' experience in the 
First Vermont Regiment. His ways were never offensive, a quiet manner, and gentle 
disposition. He was a conscientious young man, had been brought up on a farm, sur- 
rounded by the best of home influences, was a zealous Christian, and sincerely believed 
that duty called him to enlist and battle for the preservation of the Union. He was 
a model soldier, never shrinking from any duty, striving always to do his best. He 
comnuuuled respect and was htid in bigh esteem by his comrades. His age at this 
time was 22, five feet, eight inches tall, light hair, eyes dark, occui)ation a farmer 
born in .loriclio. Vermont. A fine apiiearing soldier, always well dressed, neat and tidy. 
Took pride and pleasure in discharge o£ his official duties and was among the best 
in the manual of arms and company and regimental drill. He was always at his post 
of duty ready to res|iond at any lall His end was sad. vi-t glorious on the :ird and last 
day in the famous charge made by the Confederate General Pickett. 

After the battle had been won, and the victory was ours, and we were returning 
to a i)osition in the front line, a hostile shell hit him and burst causing almost instant 
death. Among all the bodies that I had seen on this gory field, his was the most 
horril)ly man.gled. On tlie follovving day we carefully gathered up his remains, moved 
them to the brow of a hill where we had dug a shallow grave and lovingly and ten- 
derly placed him in it and at the head we set a mark that the place might be found 
should occasion require it. 

In a short time Captain Blake after he had been mustered out returned to that 
great battlefield where many thousands had been buried, and guided by the mark 
we left, readily found the grave, opened it, and found the body, and brought it to 
Vermont, and be was buried in the Church strttt ctiuettiN ac :• • ■uiton raus, and a 
modest head stone now marks his last earthly resting place. This young life was 
freely offered a willing sacrifice upon his country's altar. He died in a great cause 

and not in vain. A brief sketch by the hand of another will be found on page 

See Roster. 

CORPORAL MARTIN V. HICKS 

-was enrolled August 21st. 1862. and was from the town of Swanton and joined Com- 
pany K at Highgate September 11th, 1862, the date of the election of company of- 
ficers. His age was 2.5, born in Swanton, Vt., and a married man, five feet six inches 
tall, sandy hair and complexion, eyes blue, ratlier slight in build, though active and 
vigorous. He was gentle and kind with a happy disposition. Evidently he had been 
well brought up. and his occupation was a farmer. He married a daughter of H. 
fieals, a prosperous farmer of the east part of Swanton. 

The firing on Sumter found Martin V. just settled down in this neighborhood 
with his chosen life partner, happy and looking forward to a blissful and honorable 
life. At the organization of Company K. Hicks was made a corporal. This position 
he filled with credit to himself and honor to the company. He was reduced to the 
ranks after he had served considerable time at his own request, while we were in 
camp at Fairfax Court House in January, 1863. Corporal Hicks made up his mind 
while in this camp that the honors of office were a burden, and that there were so 
many aspirants anxious for the few blue stripes upon the sleeve in Company K, that 

he said to Captain Blake, "Reduce me to the ranks and appoint to 

fill my place, I am willing to pass the honors around. " Thereafter Hicks was an 
honorable private, which position he enjoyed and filled all O. K. Hicks was taken sick 
at Camp Widow Violet with malarial fever, and went into the camp hospital, and 
subsequently was moved to Alexandria. Va., to a general hos])ital where he remained 
until the exiiiration of our term of service and joined us at l-)altinu)re on our way to 
Vermont. He was mustered out with the Regiment at Brattleboro, Vt.. July 21st, 1863. 

Since the war Comrade Hicks has resided in Franklin County, Vt., engaged in 
speculation and mercantile business. For the last twenty years or more has resided 
in Fairfax and has been engaged in the furniture and undertaking business. He 
has been a very active business man, and his efforts have been rewarded with rea- 
sonable success. He is well thought of by those who know him. His first wife 
died a good many years ago. and he is now living with his second wife, apparently 
happy and contented. When 1 meet him he delights to dwell on the incidents of 
army life, and the days of his early manhood. Corporal Hicks was for a time my 
tentmate, and hence I have spoken from know-ledge concerning him. He now looks 
and appears young and is still as active in business as ever, and if you doubt my 
judgment look on page 108 of this book where you will see him as he was and as he 
-is now, January. 1906. 



Biographical and Historical of Coinpaux K. jog 

CORPORAL EDGAR F. SISCO 

was of the Franklin clan, and on the organization of Company K was made fourth 
corporal. He had seen service as a private in Company A, First Vermont Volunteers, 
and I was told at the time that was the principal reason of selecting him for one of 
Company K's non-commissioned officers. My first acquaintance was when our com- 
pany elected its officers at Highgate September 11th, 1862. At this date his age 
was 27 years, five feet, seven inches high, dark hair and eyes, and slight in build. 
Born in Franklin, Vt., and educated in the old district schools of his native town. 
His occupation was a shoemaker, and was a married man. His disposition was fretty 
and morose, and evidently he was not satisfied with the distribution of offices made. 
He was better fitted for the shoemaker's bench with hammer, last and awl, than 
the arduous life of a soldier in time of war. He mingled but little with the company, 
save when on duty, was not contented, and like many others, longed tor home and the 
loved ones left behind. He was seriously affected with homesickness which was 
at times epidemic in our regiment. 

The marching, snow and rain, and Virginia mud and sleeping on the cold, wet 
ground in cotton tents, was too much for him. He was taken sick on January 4th, 
sent to the hospital at Brattleboro, Vt., and finally discharged .January 12th, 1863, 
for disability. He returned home, recovered his health, resumed his occupation, and 
after a few years moved West, where we are told he died quite a number of years 
ago. but when or where have not been able to obtain any definite knowledge. 

CORPORAL HARLAN P. BULLARD 

Fifth corporal of Company K, volunteered from the town of Swanton, August 25th, 
1862, and at once became active and interested in the enrollment of relatives and 
friends and the preliminaries leading up to the election of officers and organization 
of Company K on September 11th, 1S62. He was at this date 2a years of age and 
married, five feet nine inchs high, light hair and complexion, blue eyes and a fine 
looking and a well appearing young man. He had been educated in the common 
schools and the Swanton Falls academ.v of his native town, was well bred, belonged 
to one of the first families in town, and as a young man stood high in the estimation 
of all among whom he had lived. His life was an open book, and there was not to be 
found on a single page one word against his character. He was a son of George and 
Achsah Bullard and his grandfather, Daniel Bullard, came from Barre, Mass., and 
settled in Swanton on the west road in 1800. The Bullard family for many years were 
among the leading and influential citizens of the town. Corporal Bullard was of a 
nervous temperament, active and enthusiastic. His accomplishments were varied, 
which made him very useful in his new life as a soldier. A good musician, and a) 
fine singer. 

The captain's tent was headquarters for many an evening concert with Corporal 
Bullard as leader. The popular army songs of the day, patriotic and sentimental rang 
out over the camp to the delight and pleasure of the boys of Company K and many 
others, that were attracted by sentiment and soul-stirring strains of music. Captain 
Blake, Lieutenant Brown, Corporal Bullard all had fine voices, and the parts each 
sang harmonized and blended in delightful melody: the best trio in the regiment. In 
my ears still ring the songs they sang, though 45 years have passed, nor can, or 
would I forget the memories of home and loved ones awakened as we stood around 
and listened to the words and music sang. 

Corporal Bullard devoted a part of his spare time as Captain Blake's clerk, and 
did much of the necessary writing of the company, daily reports, muster rolls, quarterly 
returns, ordinance stores, etc., etc., in addition to his regular duties. He was detailed 
by Colonel Randall as regimental bugler, which position he filled with credit until 
mustered out. This position was one of responsibility, especially on regimental and 
brigade drills, on the march and in battle, must always be near the Colonel to receive 
orders and repeat them on the bugle. Corporal Bullard was a true and faithful 
soldier, and as brave as any. He was mustered out with the regiment July 21, 1863, 
and returned to his home, and for a while followed the occupation of a farmer. He 
soon, however, after the war moved to Essex Junction and went into the manufacturing 
and mercantile business. Subsequently on account of his father's age returned to 
the old home, and there remained until his father and mother were laid to rest. He 
remained on the old farm a few years more, and then, believing it would be better 
for himself and family, some fifteen years ago moved to Buffalo, N. Y., and engaged 
in the manufacture and sale of mattresses and spring beds in which he has been 
quite successful. 

He married Hattie Jennison, sister of Henry G. Jennison, of Company K. Cor- 
poral Bullard and wife are surrounded by a beautiful and most delightful family of 
children, one son and five girls. Will, Mabel, Fanny, Sadie, Bessie and Katie, and 
also grandchildren, more or less. He is at this date. January. 1906, still in business 
at Buffalo. If you would like to see Corporal Bullard as he was when a soldier, and 



"lo llic 'rUirlcciitli h'i-</init-nl I'l-niioiit I 'i)liiiiti\-is 

as he is now turn to pase 40r> of this book. Consult rosier. You will, 1 thiuk, bo 
convinced that Company K. though at the foot of the alphabet in line and rank, was 
at the bead in many things. 

The writer spint many days in caiup with Corporal liuUard in the games of 
ohess and checkers. 1 thought myself pretty good, but was no match for him. There 
were many, who like myself, thought they were skillful at the game of drafts, hut 
could not stand before Corporal Hullard's single corner opening game. The corporal 
was easily the champion at chess and stood at the head of the list in checkers when 
we broke camp and started for Gettysburg. Since the writing of this sketch Comrade 
lUillard lias passed on to his reward. His old comrades sincerely regret his death and 
deplore the loss and deeply symi>atliize with the widow and fatherless in their bereave- 
ment. He was a good and noble man and a brave and loyal soldier. He died in 1906, 
and is buried in Huffalo, X Y. 

CORPORAL HIRAM S. SMITH 

was made sixth corporal when Company K was organized. He had seen three months' 
service in Company A, First Vermont Volunteers, having volunteered in April, 1861, 
under the first call for soldiers. His enrollment into Company K, Thirteenth Vermont 
Volunteers, was August 25th, 1862, his age at this time was 28 years, five feet, nine 
inches hii;h. Ijlue eyes and dark hair and complexion. Birthplace. Highgate and a 
single man. He was a lean, wiry, active person, and would not weigh over 135 pounds, 
vigorous and healthy, of sturdy stock, a genuine Y'ankee horny handed farmer boy. 
Was full of fun and mischief all the time, but a good soldier and attended to duty. 
He feared no one, yet was respectful to his superior officers and kind and cordial 
to his associate comrades. He was on hand for any kind of a scrap day or night, 
in or out of camp. The restraints of civil life and moral codes in government were 
thrown aside as soon as he left his native state. He was alert, and on the lookout 
for something to turn up. that might command his attention. The bend of his mind 
was to play some kind of a trick (and he was not particular what) on any one at) 
every opportunity. Not to be mean, but for the fun of it. His brain was fertile soil 
for the growth of plans to acquire whatever the caprice of thought might give him. 
That kind of i)ilfering that was winked at and tolerated when on the picket line among 
the so called Unionists, which was a misnomer. He was a successful forager, and in 
his tent could be found edibles, not on the regtilar list. If he wanted anything, and 
it was within ten miles of camp, he would ferret it out and appropriate what he 
wanted, justifying his conduct by saying they were rebels and he was working for 
the Vnited States Government and had a right to api)ro])riate a little milk and honey, 
bacon and meal, sweet potatoes, butter, ham and eggs, etc., chickens had to roost 
high to avoid his outstretched hand. It was rumored on several occasions that the 
regimental sutler had lost cheese, butter and canned goods, etc., but no one outside 
of Company K susjjected Corporal Smith, and no one cared much if the sutler did 
lose, for he charged the boys enormous prices for what he sold. 

As an expert and successful forager. Corporal Smith had no equal in the regiment, 
and Coni])any K was at the head of the list in this, as the boys called it. innocent and 
permissive diversion. Though 1 have drawn you a true picture of army life, only 
now and then one took part in such amusements. But this is not all. for there is 
another side of this soldier's army life in all those qualities essential in a soldier, 
especially in times of danger and battle. Corporal Smith excelled. His attention to 
duty and determination to do everything that was really required on the march and 
in battle illustrated his real purpose of volunteering. The sound of the long roll 
found him up and ready, active and zealous, and promptly in his position. It can 
lie said of him land my comrades of Company K know as well as 11 that none ex- 
hibited better and more valiant conduct on the long and weary march from Virginia 
to Gettysburg, and on that bloody field than Corporal Smith. 

He was mustered out with the regiment .luly 21st. 1863, and returned home and 
resumed the occupation of a farmer. He married soon after his return from the 
army and continued in the occupation of farming until his death. December 2. 1900. 
He left a widow and two children, who still survive him. He died respected by all 
who knew him. His family sincerely mourn his loss. In Riverside cemetery at 
Swanton village stands a modest headstone that marks his grave. A brief sketch 
and picture of him will be found on page .... of this book. See roster. 

CORPORAL MELVIN B. COREY 

was from Grand Isle, in the cotinty of Grand Isle. He was the only drafted man that 
served in Company K. and so far as I know, in the Thirteenth Vermont Regiment. At 
the time of his enrollment and his assignment to Comi)any K. he was 32 years old. 
and a married man. Born in the state of New York and there was educated, but 
as a young man moved to Grand Isle County and counted on the town of Grand Isle. 
On the organization of Company K was made seventh corporal, and held the position 



Biographical and Historical of Coiiipanx K. 711 

during our term of service. He was on detached duty in ttie Provost Marshal's de- 
partment a considerable of the time, but returned to the regiment the first of June 
and remained with it through the Gettysburg campaign and battle, and was mustered 
out July 21st, 1863. Was born in the state of New Yorli in 1830, and by occupation 
a farmer: was a man of more than ordinary ability and of good character. Was in 
every respect a good and faithful soldier. He said to the writer that he could have 
had a substitute, and his wife and her people were anxious to have him procure a 
substitute, and offered to furnish the money, but he would not consent. He said he 
was drafted and the Government needed men and a dratted man could do as good 
service as any. He said to me after Pickett's charge at Gettysburg, "What think you 
now about a drafted soldier?" I replied. "In your case there is no difference." He 
was a man of a few words, made the best of the situation and cheerfully submitted to 
the work at hand. No brag or bluster in his make-up, and evidently believed that 
deeds and faithfulness spoke far better the worth and value of the soldier. He 
was drafted in August, and assigned to duty in Company K September llth, 1862, 
and therefore, the time for which he was drafted, nine months, had expired before the 
battle of Gettysburg, and yet he said on the march to Gettysburg that he "would not 
now leave it given permission, for I am convinced we shall all be needed before this 
campaign is over." He seemed anxious to satisfy the boys that his devotion and 
sense of duty was as loyal, keen and abiding as any, though a drafted man. 

There is no doubt but what Corporal Corey felt just a little mortified, because 
the only drafted man in his company, but he should not have had such a feeling, 
for he could not be charged with being a hired substitute or in any manner influenced 
by offers of bounty. He returned home to Grand Isle, resumed the occupation of 
farming where he lived tor many years, and was honored by his townsmen until 
his death June 14th, 1901. Corporal Corey's son, W. E. Corey, of Los Angeles, Cal., 
writes me that his father was one of those "dauntless pioneers that crossed the 
plains to California in the great gold excitement of 1S49 and remained five years." 
He was among the first over the Rockies to the golden state. 

His wife, Caroline Corbett Corey, died March 24th, 1901, and both are buried 
in the country cemetery at Grand Isle, Vt., where they lived and died. He left four 
children, one son and three daughters, William E. Corey, in Los Angeles, California; 
Leona Corey Parks. Grand Isle. Vt.; Flora Corey Stanton, Lake Placid, N. Y.; and 
Marion Corey, Burlington, Vt. 

CORPORAL WILLIAM P. OLMSTEAD 

volunteered from the town of Franklin and from that part where his friend Lieu- 
tenant Marsh lived, so was of the same clan and likely this accounts for his being 
offlcialy recognized and honored with the position of eighth corporal. My first in- 
troduction and acquaintance with him was at Highgate. September llth, when Com- 
pany K elected officers. At this time he was a beardless, fresh looking chap, just 
approaching into manhood, well and tidily dressed and rather of a spruce looking 
farmer (such was his occupation). He was of a good family and the reputation he 
brought with him was evidence that he had been carefully brought up. His age 
was eighteen years, and was five feet, eight inches high. He was a well proportioned 
and well built young fellow, light hair and complexion, dark brown eyes and was 
good looking and quite prepossessing. He did not strike me as being the son of a 
horny handed farmer, but such I was told was the fact. Like most boys of that 
important age, 18. took pride in being nicely dressed on all occasions. His general 
appearance hardly warranted the exposure and deprivation incident to army lite. 
He however endured the new life fairly well during the fall and winter, until we 
arrived at Wolf Run Shoals about January 21st, 1S63. The unusual winter of Virginia, 
the long marches from Camp Vermont to Union Mills in mud, rain and snow, camping 
without tents, back again to Camp Vermont in a snow storm and in a few days to 
Fairfax Court House, picket duty out to Centreville beyond Chantilla and along Bull 
Run and brigade drill here most every day and then to Wolf Run Shoals where we 
experienced in February and March the worst possible weather conditions for camiiing 
and picket duty. All this was too much for Comrade Olmstead's constitution, and 
not having the best of accommodations in our regimental hospital, and also being 
crowded in February and March he was sent the last of March to a general hospital 
at Alexandria. 

About the first of June he requested Captain Blake to reduce him to the ranks, 
which of course was done. He was mustered out with the regiment and returned 
to his home and again took up for a brief season the life on a farm. It was not 
just what he wanted to do, and he went to St. Albans as a merchant's clerk, and filled 
this ])Osition very acceptably, and in course of a few years engaged in the mercantile 
business in St. Albans for quite a number of years, finally sold out and went West 
and settled in Anthony, Kansas, where he is supposed to be at this date, January, 1906. 
But little has been heard from Comrade Olmstead since he left Vermont, and hence 
his success in life or misfortunes I am not able to state. As historian I wrote him, 



"12 'The Tliirtcriitli Regiment I'cntioiit I 'oliiiilccrs 

1)111 iipver rt'ceivcd any ri'iily. Ho married a very estinial)le lady from his native 
town, file daughter of Judge John K. Whitney, sister of Adjutant Whitney of the 
Thirteenth Regiment. I regret very much not having heard from Corporal Olmstead, 
and therefore being deprived ni furuisliiiiK inloi mat inn lonieining his life in the great 
West. 

EDWARD L. HIBBARD 

was born in Canada, in 1832, but his parents moved early to Franklin, where he was 
educated and at the date of enlistment was engaged in mercantile business and a 
married man. Edward L. Hibbard, of Franklin, and Cornelius T. Frink. of Highgate, 
for some good reason 1 suppose, were appointed ninth and tenth corporals on the 
organization of Company K. The appointments were first class, and were appreciated, 
but when we were mustered into the United States service at Hrattleboro. October 
10th. were informed that eight corirorals was a full complement for a company. 
While Hibbard and Frink were not decorated with the blue chevron on the sleeve, 
the boys dubbed them as supernumerary corporals, which they did not relish, but 
of course took it good naturedly or if not would have been hectored the more. Hut 
both of these worthy comrades were in due season honored according to their 
merits, and of them something will be said elsewhere. I mention the above historical 
fact to svibstantiate a statement made that Company K. though at the foot of the 
list was at the head in many things. No company marched into Camp Lincoln, nrat- 
tleboro, Vt., with so large a corps of non-commissioned officers as Company K, and 
there were others equally deserving and more ambitious too. possibly. 

JOHN W. BROUGH 

We next arrive to Company K's musicians, the boys that blew the fife ajid 
rattled the drum. John W. Brough. fifer, volunteered from the town of Swanton 
August 2oth, 1862. at the age of 19 years, only five feet, six inches tall, but quite 
stocky and vigorous, light hair and complexion fair, blue eyes. He was born in 1840 
in the town of Morristown. Vermont, and by occupation a wheelwright. At the 
date of his enlistment was learning the wheelwright's trade, and at work for Chester 
Lawrence, a local wagon builder and quite a musician, and young Brough under the 
Instructions of Mr. Lawrence had acquired some knowledge of music, and could read 
and soimd the gamut of musical notes quite readily, and also could play the fiddle, 
fife, flute and drum, and this being known to Captain Blake, was appointed fifer 
from the company. John was an industrious and determined fellow, and his efforts 
on the ffe were soon rewarded with an appointment as a part of the regimental 
drum corps. Company K. especially Brough's tentmates. and those next to him have 
not forgotten the incessant strains of fife (not music) night and day for a number 
of weeks. 

John soon was able to play some of the marches and finally became one of the 
best fifers in the corps. He was faithful and on duty from first to last. Was with the 
regiment in all its marches, and at Gettysburg courageously performed his duty of 
assisting the wounded from the field to the hospital and places of safety to be 
attended to by the surgeons. John was a great hand to visit the houses near by our 
camp, to see the people, but never made only a single visit to a house that did not 
contain some fair and blushing damsel, and his diary kept by him gives names and 
ages of fair maidens near by every camp we had. His musical talents were a passport 
Into the cabins and mansions in the neighborhood of our several camps. John played the 
fiddle and the colored boys and girls the banjo and bones and some of you who occa- 
sionally were invited by John to go with him remember still the stamp of feet and clap 
of hands and animated dance: all were delighted. It was fun to see and hear the 
colored boys and girls as their bodies from head to foot kept time to the music. 

Jobn returned home soon after the war and engaged at his trade with E. X. 
Sunderland for a number of years, and then engaged as a pattern maker for the St 
Albans Fotmdry Co.. and remained in their employ about 27 years. He is now follow- 
ing the calling of a traveling optician, fitting and selling eye glasses, and it is said 
is successful, and doing a lucrative business. He bought a modest little home, ten 
acres of land and buildings, located near Prospect Hill just outside of the city 
limits of St. Albans City. He has been married for many years and has lived 
a hajipy life. 1 see him quite often in Swanton and St. Albans, and 
other towns of the county. He looks yet quite young and bids fair to live as long 
as his father who died at the age of 89 years. You will see how he looks now by 
turning to page .... See roster. 

LEWIS G. LABOUNTY 

volunteered from Swanton .\ugust 25th, 1SC2, was only 17 years old. five feet high, 
light complexion, dark hair and eyes. He was very slight in build and looked too 
young even for a drummer boy. He was anxious to go and Doctor Stevens said he 



Biographical and Hisfarical of Company K. 713 

would pass him lor a drummer, and to this iiosition he was appointed. He suc- 
ceeded in making a noise on the drum, but it was a long time before he was able to 
do much more than beat the time with his drum stick. His first attempts at playing 
the long roll was amusing to see, and dreadful to hear, but Thad. Whipple, the boss 
drummer of the regiment said "for raw material he was first class, he never saw any 
more raw," but he succeeded in course of time in making a very creditable drummer 
out of LaBounty. He was a good, honest boy and tried to do his duty. 

Lewis's father died in Canada when he was about twelve, and his mother being 
very poor with five children, thought best to move, and did move, to Highgate, Vt. 
Lewis, the oldest, at the age of twelve, found a place with Horace Saxe, a good man 
with whom he lived doing chores and going to school in winter and work on the 
farm the rest of the year for his board and clothing until he enlisted. After his 
discharge he returned to Mr. Saxe and lived with him for many years. He married 
and has followed the occupation of farming, living in Franklin County all the time. 
He applied for a pension on account of injury received at Fairfax court House, Decem- 
ber 2S, 1S62, when General J. E. B. Stuart made an attack on our brigade in the dead 
of night. Drummer LaBounty staid near the cannon when shells were being fired 
into the approaching charging columns of Sttiart's cavalry. His ear drum was injured 
but continued with the sticks until he could beat the long roll as well as the best 
of them. He was brave on the battlefield and kindly assisted with hands and 
stretcher many a wounded soldier to the hospital for surgical attendance. A pension 
w-as granted him with quite a sum of back pay with which he bought a small farm 
and was happy. His connubial life was blessed with seven children, two boys and 
five girls, all of which have been well brought up and given a fair education. He 
has through life been industrious, frugal, faithful and reliable. His word as good as 
his bond, and has ever sustained a good reputation among his neighbors and friends. 

In 1905 he sold his small farm in Franklin and bought a larger one in Fletcher, 
Vt., near Fletcher, Station. I see him occasionally, and he is glad to see and hear 
about the old boys in Company K. I had quite a nice visit with him this 1.5th day 
of February, 1906. He is 63 years old, and looks old and gray, but says he is quite 
nigged and able to do a pretty fair day's work yet. He is very deaf and it is difficult 
to talk with him. He sold his Fletcher farm and recently, 1909, bought a small farm 
in Randolph, Vt., where he now resides. I saw him October, last, and he was well 
and happy. See picture on page 419. 

GEORGE L. BARNEY 

volunteered from Swanton, August 25th. 1862. He was born in Swanton in 1840, and 
was a descendant of a family of that name who settled in Swanton in 1798. His 
age was 20, five feet ten inches, light complexion, brown hair and blue eyes, and 
by occupation a farmer, if any occupation at the time. He was good natured, full 
of lite and in for a good time. He seemed to enjoy soldier's life, except marching, 
picket and guard duty, building forts and fighting, and the captain hoping to 
please him had him detailed as teamster. This duty pleased him better, for now 
he could ride a mule and be where there was generally plenty of rations. After 
this the boys called him Dr. Barney, for he was an M. D. (mule driver.) He returned 
to Vermont and was discharged with the regiment July 21st, 1863. and resumed work 
among the farmers In his native town for a while, and then became a railroad man. 
and this occupation he followed many years and was promoted to the position of 
passenger conductor on the Central Vermont Railroad, and was a popular and 

obliging conductor. He was taken sick and died at and is 

buried at 

MARCUS A. BEST 

volunteered from his native town, Highgate. August 25th, 1862, at the age of 21 years, 
five feet, six inches high, dark hair and blue eyes and light complexion, a farmer by 
occupation. He was not rugged in build or general appearance. His life had been for 
a number of years spent in the little village of Highgate, and had the advantages 
of a common school education, and the surroundings of a Christian home and the 
blessings of kind and indulgent parents and loving brothers and sisters. The moral 
training of home and the influences of society in which he mingled made him highly 
thought of among his friends and associates. He was indeed a very exemplary young 
man. He was of few words and reserved disposition. He was kind and friendly, but 
cultivated intimate friendship with but few. Was from the first imbued with the 
grand and noble purpose that prompted him to volunteer when his country was assailed 
by foes within and the intrigues of ambitious nations without. He brought to this 
new life a conscientious devotion that found him ever ready and willing to respond 
to duty without one word of criticism. There were no loosening of moral obligations 
and decorum with him because a soldier. He realized fully his obligations to tha 
Government of the country that gave him birth and had freely laid down his young 



JI4 Till- riiirtccnth h'iijiiiu-nt \\-nn<nit I 'uluiilrcrs 

life on tlu' altar of his counliy when he volunteered and said "Here am 1, do with 
me as you please, my devotion is true, my life is freely offered." 

Company K could point to but few like him. It was my good fortune to have 
been for a time a tentniate of Comrade Best, and therefore likely there were none 
who knew him so intimately and appreciated so deeply his noble qualities as myself. 
The severity of that Virginia winter of 18r)2-H, the hard marches, lying on 
the cold, wet ground often without tents, the malarial atmosphere of the low. flat 
grounds along the Potomac and Occoquan undermined his rather delicate constitu- 
tion, and he was <iuite suddenly prostrated with fever while at Camp Occoquan in 
May, ISlii!. lie lemained in our tent and was attended there by Drs. Nichols and 
Criindall, our surgeons, and I was his nurse, and a very attentive and anxious one 
too. He was sick a number of weeks and when sufficiently recovered was sent on 
the 2nd day of .Mine to the general hospital at AU'xandria, Va., where he remained 
until brougiit with others by Dr. Nichols and joined us at Baltimore, Md., on our way 
home to be mustered out. He returned home, but never fully recovered from the 
effects of the lever that came so near numbering him among those of Company K 
who died In the service. 

As soon as he was able returned to the occupation of farmer for quite a number 
of years, married, settled down in his native town happy and contented. After a 
while he engaged in the mercantile business, which he followed for some fifteen 
years with reasonable success. He then in 1888 moved to Reading, Vt., bought a 
farm and resumed the old occupation and lived there until his death November 2Gth. 
1896. He was three times married, left a widow and three children surviving him. 
You will find a picture of Comrade Best on |)age 40t!, and a meritorious sketch of him 
by the pen of Lieutenant Brown of Comiiany K by reference to roster. 

PETER BOVAT 

volunteered from the town of Hlghgate August 2.5th, 1862 at the age of 23 years. He 
was born in Canada in 1839, but had been brought up in Vermont, and was what is some- 
times called a Yankee Frenchman. Was a short, rugged and vigorous young man and 
married. He was a very good soldier and performed well all duties assigned him. I have no 
doubt that had he lived would have returned home with a good record. Comrade Bovat 
was the first of Company K to die. We called the cause of his death congestion of the 
lungs, but no doubt it was pneumonia. His death was quite sudden, and he died in 
camp at Wolf Run Shoals February 20th, 1863. His remains were sent home by 
voluntary subscription from his company, and was buried in his adopted town, and 
a marble slab now marks the place where lays the remains of one as devoted and 
patriotic as any of his comrades. His death saddened our hearts for we knew he 
left behind a loving wife and parents that needed his care and would deeply mourn 
his loss. 

JOHN B. BROWN 

was a volunteer from the town of Alljurg, and .joimd Company K at Highgate July 
nth, 1862, the day of election of company officers. This was my first acquaintance 
with him, he was quite an old man, being at this time 34 years of age and born in 
Canada in 1828, one of the shortest recruits in Company K, only a trifle taller than 
Drummer LaBounty. I am not able to recall to mind much concerning this comrade. 
He was on detached duty considerable of the time, and did not mingle much with 
the company. He was mustered out with the regiment and returned to Alburg and 
resumed his former occupation, (a farmer). The last we heard of him and only a 
few i-f-irs aco he was living in the state of Massachusetts. 1 think he wrote Comrade 
Lieutenant Cooper, asking his assistance to secure a pension. 

BAILEY B. BRONSON 

was a volunteer from the town of Alburgh August 2r)th, 1862. and came to Company 
K September 11th, 1862, and took an active interest in the election of company 
officers. He was at this time 28 years of age and a married man, and left behind a 
devoted wife and mother of his then only child, a beautiful young daughter of four 
summers. He married a sister of our esteemed comrade Henry B. Meigs, of Company 
K. He was tall and straight as an arrow, brown hair, dark complexion and blue 
eyes. Was a native of North Hero, Vt., born in 1S34, and by occupation a carpenter 
and joiner as well as farmer. He was an independent fellow and inclined to be 
outspoken in his views. No matter who or how many present, friend or foe, he 
freely gave his opinions on every question under consideration. He performed well 
his duty, but never took any particular interest in the formation of intimate friend- 
ships. Was rather distant, but always covirteous and respectful. He had sufficient 
courage to meet manfully any condition that might arise. 



Biographical and [historical of Company K. 715 

Comrade Bronson was the first man detailed from Company K for duty, that of 
work on the barracks in process of construction at Brattleboro. Vt., when we arrived 
there September 29th. Bronson. because a good mechanic, was detailed on the 30th, 
took charge of a squad that worked on the barracks. He was detailed as one of the 
company cooks to draw and prepare rations for the company. He was mustered out 
with the regiment and returned home. After his discharge he was for a number of 
years manager of a lime kiln at Highgate Springs. He built a dwelling house in 
Swanton village and moved into it in 1871, continued his occupation as builder for 
a number of years, and then becoming dissatisfied, went West, and has lived in 
many of the states, including the Alaska territory. He returned to Vermont in 
January, 1905, and for a season lived with his only son in St. Albans, Vt. At this 
date, December, 1909. he is still living in St. Albans City. A brief sketch of him will be 
found on page .... see roster prepared by his brother-in-law. Henry B. Meigs, also 
a picture of him will be found in the same cut with Henry Robey, both being cooks 
of Company K at that time. See page 415. 

HOMER BURNELL AND CHARLES BURNELL 

Charles Burnell and Honu-r Burnell were brothers and volunteered from the town 
of Swanton, August 25th. 1S62. Homer aged 19 and Charles IS. They were about the 
same in looks and general appearance, were fresh from the farm and knew but little 
about the ways of the world or what would be expected of them as soldiers. Both 
were born in Swanton, Vt.. Homer in 1843 and Charles in 1844. They were from a 
«ood family. living in the eastern part of the town, had attended district school, 
but their education was quite limited. They were so far as I could judge nice young 
fellows, anxious to know and do their duty, in fact were green country boys, and 
knew no more about handling a gun or military life than a child, but such were most 
of Company K, and yet out of just such raw material were made the very best of 
brave and useful soldiers that rendered invaluable service. 

Neither of these were rugged boys, nor were they able to stand the hardships 
of army life. T&ey were not adapted to it, nor had they the constitutions equal to the 
necessary exposure of active warfare. Charles was born in Swanton, Vt., April 28, 
1844. Homer was injured and was discharged February 25th, 1863, Charles was 
sent to Brattleboro, Vt., to the hospital, and was discharged at Burlington, Vt., January 
31st, 1863 on account of disability, and returned home to Swanton and later married 
Hattie Decker of Swanton, born in Swanton in 1844. The fruit of this marriage 
was a daughter, Sadie Viola, born in Kingsbury, Whiteside County, 111.. February 
20, 1867; married and resides in Minneapolis, Minn. Second wife born in the state 
of New York, January 3rd, 1854, Frances J. Pearl. The fruit of this marriage, Cora 
Myrtle, born in Bristol, Dak., March 13. 1884; Edith Born in Bristol, Dak., May 31, 
1886. Occupation, farmer, photographer and carpenter. 

They were both well-behaved, did the best they could. Homer died soon after 
the war and was buried in his native town. Charles is now living at South Pomfret, 
Vt.. January, 1909. living alone on a farm, children grown up. and his wives all dead. 
Charles has lived the most of the time since 1866 in the West, Illinois. Minnesota 
and Dakota, but finally returned to Vermont a few years since and settled down to 
the happy life of a farmer. On page 410 you will see Charles Burnell as a soldier 
and as he looks to-day. 

JAMES N. BURN. 

was a Highgate boy and enlisted from that town August 25th, 1862 and joined Company 
K on the day of its organization, September 11th. 1863. James was 28 years old. but 
did not look or appear one day older than 20, only for the red. grizzly mustache that 
covered his upper lip. He was a happy and jovial, good natured fellow, and was in 
for fun and a good time whether on the march, in camp, picket duty or elsewhere. 

He was born in Highgate: and was a farmer working out by the month among 
his neighbors when he volunteered. His early surroundings were quite unfortunate, 
and he grew up without the advantage of a common school education. He was a first 
class soldier, and was on hand and full of fight at Gettysburg. I know of course 
that he tented part of the time with Hi Smith and learned some of his ways of finding 
things when hungry and dry. James was sent to Vermont on account of sickness 
and might have been discharged had he asked for it. but he returned to the regiment 
in March all right, and took his place and did good and valuable service until the 
end and came home with the regiment, and was mustered out July 21st, 1863. 

Since his discharge he has lived in his native town all of the time, was never 
married but for many years has lived alone, kept a shop, repairs wagons, sleighs and 
such work. He is respected by all. is a happy old batchelor and his many friends will 
some day miss him when his little home and shop are forever closed. A brief sketch 
will be found on page . . . (see roster) written up by his life long friend, Comrade 
Meigs, also a picture with others of his comrades in the same cut. Page 419. 



7i6 riw Thirteenth h'ri/iiih-iit I'criiii'nt I oluiitccrs 

WILLIAM BURGESS 

volunteered from the town of Franklin and joined Company K September llth, 1862 
at Highgate the date of the organization of our company. His age at this time was 
i;0 years years, a single man. born in Kngland, was a stranger to nearly all, and 1 think 
an orphan with no relatives in this country. Was only five feet five inches tall, 
stoutly built, complexion fair and a young man that ap|)eared and looked well, a 
farmer by occupation. He was a faithful soldier and won the admiration of his 
associates. Some time in February, 1863, was taken sick in camp at Wolf Run 
Shoals, and was moved to the regimental hos|)ital where he died March 24th. of 
typhoid fever. He was buried at camp Wolf Run Shoals, nearby our camp on the 
brow of a hill in a small pine grove. The |)lace was selected by himself. He was 
buried with military honors, and there we sorrowfully left him. He had no home 
or relatives, and we could do no different than bury him there agreeable to his 
request. NothiiiK marks his resting ])lace. He was the only one of Company K that 
was not returned to Vermont for burial, that died while in the service. No comrade 
has ever sought or found his grave. The voices of the clouds and the sighs of the 
wind aiP the only requiems sang over the grave of our comrade, but he is not forgotten. 
As historian of our regiment and in \)ehalf of Company K. I dedicate to his 
memory the grateful appreciation of loving comrades, and here record this inscription, 
namely. William Burgess born in England in 1S42, volunteered into Company K, 
Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers, August, 18C2, in the war of 1861-1865. 
Died and l)uried at Camp Wolf Run Shoals, Va.. March 24th, 1863. His grave is 
unknown, but his memory is implanted in the hearts of his comrades in arms. 

CHARLES A. BARR 

volunteered from the town of Swanton August 2.5th, 1862. His age was 26, and a 
married man, and his birthplace, Highgate, and occupation carpenter and joiner. 
Complexion dark, eyes blue and hair brown, five feet, seven inches tall, a solid, well 
built man, capable of much endurance, apparently well fitted for the life of a soldier. 
His father, Conrad Barr, and mother, Sallie Carman, were both born in Highgate 
in 1804 and 1807, respectivelv and their children were thirteen, of which Charles was 
number six, and born in 1836, June 4th. The Barr family were quite conspicuous 
as well as numerous in Highgate, and many of that family still reside In Franklin 
County. The father. Conrad, died at the age of 83, May 2nd, 1887. The mother, 
Sallie, died May 10th, 1897, aged 90 years. 

Charles A. Barr descended from a hardy race of people, and inherited some of the 
peculiarities and military spirit of his father. While Charles was ready for duty 
when called, he soon tired of the monotony of the duty round camp and longed for a 
change. Wliile at Fairfax Court House he was assigned to duty at General Stoughton's 
headquarters, and with others was gobbled up when Mosby and his followers quietly 
rode in and stealthily carried away General Stoughton, March 9th. 1S63. Comrade 
Barr was given a horseback ride toward Richmond by the way of Manassas Gap 
or Chester Gap or some other gap in the Blue Ridge for about 24 hours and faster 
than he enjoyed, and on a raw-boned, sharp back shack of a small mule without a 
saddle or blanket and a swim through the swift running stream of Cub Run. Charles 
managed on the way to escape or be paroled and returned to camp in the course of 
three or four days. He was a bad fellow to keep as a prisoner, required too much 
watching, he told us of his rough ride toward Richmond, a thrilling experience going 
and his hard march back to camp. He claimed that Mosby as soon as at a safe 
distnrcp from our cavalry videttes and within their own lines, that they. Frank Felt, 
of Company K and others, were given the privilege of swearing not to take further 
part until exchanged (paroled it was called) and this alternative was preferable to 
bare back mule ride further, so accepted and started back toward camp. We had 
to accept their word for this parole business, no i)ai)ers as evidence and none of 
our officers cared to look up Mosby and find out about it. There were some in our 
brigade that felt quite friendly toward Mosby for what he had done, believing General 
Stoughton's place could be filled without injury to the morale of the brigade and to 
the satisfaction of officers and privates alike. It was bad for Stoughton. but he 
was careless, being on an outpost where the enemy were on the alert night and day. 
It is my recollection that Comrade Barr claimed to have been paroled and therefore 
refused to do duty until he was exchanged. He remained in camp a while and then 
went to the parole camp near Alexandria. Va., where he remained until our term of 
service expired. He returned with others from Alexandria and Washington and 
joined the regiment at Baltimore on our return home from Gettysburg. He was mus- 
tered out with the regiment July 21st, 1863, and returned to his home in Swanton 
and Highgate. 

Soon after the war he moved West and remained until he died. His brother, 
Myron Barr. of Highgate, claims that he died in the West, but when and where is 



Biographical and Historical of Company K. 



/i/ 



not able to say. Had not heard tiom him for a good many years, or any ot his 
family, if he left any. A picture of him will be found on page 412 ot this book. The 
historian has taken much pains to ascertain more definitely concerning Comrade 
Barr, but without avail. 

HENRY BUTLER 

volunteered and joined Company K at Highgate September 11th, 1862. and was from 
the town of Alburgh. His looks and appearance good, dark hair and light complexion, 
not a very rugged looking person, his age at the time of enlistment was 20. Had 
been brought up on a farm and accustomed to work and exposure. He was born in 
1842, in Alburg, Vt., a farmer and educated in the common schools of Vermont. I 
recall him as cheerful and full of fun and ready to take a hand in most any innocent 
diversion proposed, provided his tentmate, George Mott, would join. He was no shirk 
or coward and manfully stood by at the critical time when only the brave were able 
to do full duty. Your attention is called to page 412 for pictures of Comrade Butler 
and a biographical sketch, at this date, January, 1906, he is living at Buena Vista, 
Colo. See roster. 

CLARK H. BUTTERFIELD 

volunteered from Swanton, Vt., August 25th, 1862, at the age of 21. Was born in 
Swanton and his education was in the district schools of the town where he lived 
while a boy in the eastern part. He was five feet, eight inches tall, blue eyes, dark 
brown hair, and fair complexion. Was straight, active and well proportioned, a 
fine looking and appearing young man. He could boast of direct descent from Thomas 
Butterfield, his great grandfather, who was first town clerk ot Swanton. Clark H. 
when first enrolled as a member of Company K, was learning the trade of carpenter 
and joiner, and had worked at it for a year or two and before this had 
worked on the farm at home. He was a first class soldier and on 
hand and ready always. On the March to Union Mills in the niglit of November 
2.5th in the fast falling rain and deep Virginia mud, and so dark you could not see 
your hand before you, late in the night, Clark in attempting to jump across a ditch, 
fell and severely strained himself, which immediately developed Into hernia. He was 
after this assigned to light duty and no long marches. He remained with the company 
though much of the time unfit for duty, though under Surgeon Nichols' careful at- 
tention gradually improved, and well enough so he started with the regiment June 
25th from Camp Occoquan on the long march to Gettysburg. Though he was told he 
would not be able to endure the march which would likely be hard and long, he said he 
was going to try it anyway; was advised to go to Alexandria to the hospital. He de- 
cided to remain with the company and go with it on the march. He stood the march 
all right the first day, but after that obtained permission to ride occasionally in the 
baggage wagon or ambulance, and so marching and riding reached Gettysburg with, 
his company as good as when he started, and was happy to be with the boys at what 
was to all appearances the end of the march, for on our arrival at Gettysburg, July 
1st, 1863, the fight was on and had been raging for hours. 

On the afternoon of July 3rd. General Hancock was wounded near Company K, 
so near many of our company saw him taken from his horse after being shot. Orderly 
Sergeant S. S. Morey, of Company K, who had been promoted and was then on duty 
as second lieutenant of Company E, was within a few feet of General Hancock when 
he was shot, and assisted in taking him from his horse, and as soon as it was dis- 
covered that he was bleeding, ran to Company K and called as he came, "Butterfield, 
give me your turniquette," knowing that Butterfield had one and returning with it 
on the run and it was applied, hoping to stop the flow of blood, but the wound was 
so near the body it was of little avail, and other means were adopted. Comrade 
Butterfield often relates this incident of personal experience with zest and pride, 
happy in the thought that the turniquette he had carried so long was finally made 
use of to check the flow of blood of the gunshot wound to save the life of as devoted 
and brave an officer as ever fought a battle. Comrade Butterfield on our return to 
position across the open field after General Pickett's charge was near the exploding 
shell that killed Corporal William Church of our Company. One hand was filled 
with burnt powder, and he nearly thrown to the ground by the concussion. The 
fraction of a second of time only prevented that shell from passing through his body, 
and yet he was not afraid to stay on the field though his hand was bleeding and painful. 

No one ever heard Clark brag what he would do if ever in a fight, but his com- 
rades who were with him know full well his heroic conduct in that bloody battle. 
He returned home and resumed his occupation and for many years run a shop in 
Swanton village, manufacturing sash, doors and blinds, and iireparation of material 
tor house building and finishing. For some years past he has worked some at his 
trade, and is likely the best mechanic in this vicinity. He married about 1867 and 
this union was blessed with four children. Grace, who married Charles White; Walter 
C, who is engaged in the manufacturing of the famous Atwood Suspender; Lee C, 



7i8 The TliiiliU'iilli Rcgiincnt Icniwiil I 'uliiitlccrs 

who Is cashier in a railroad office at Jersey City; and Poarl, the youngest, a successful 
teacher In the high schools of Swanton. Comrade Hutterfield holds his age well, and 
still looks young. Is a pensioner on account of hernia contracted in line of duty. 
He now resides in Swanloii coniparativcly well iind happy. You may see how he 
looks by turning to page 413. 

ALPHONZO CHAMBERLIN 

was a volunteer from the town of Franklin and was enrolled from that town and at 
Highgate, September 11th at the organization of the company. His age at this time, 
1862, was 20 years, five feet tall. light complexion, blue eyes and light hair, was bom 
in Canada, occupation, a farmer. He appeared very young, and I doubt if he was as 
old as he called himself. He did not look as if he would be able to stand soldier life, 
but the doctor said he would do, and he seemed very anxious to go. and so far as I 
saw him, cheerfully did his duty and did it well. He was quite bashful and reserved 
and therefore T became only slightly acquainted with him, and do not recall at this 
time but very little about him while serving with us in Company K. He returned 
home, was mustered out with the comiiany and in course of a few years I lost sight 
of him and have not known of him for many y^ars, hut am informed by his friends 
that he is dead. 

JOHN CHAPPELL 

was from the town of Grand Isle where he enlisted and counted on the quota of that 
town. At the date of his enlistment August 2.5th, 1862, he was 53 years and 10 months 
old, and the oldest man in the brigade, so you can see in this unimportant particular 
to the credit of Company K must be given of furnishing the oldest person, John 
Chappell, and the oldest officer. Captain L. D. Clark, who was promoted as major. 
Comrade Chappell was of French descent, was well preserved for one of his age. 
Was a quiet, pleasant, good natured and well disposed person, attended to his own 
business and had no disputes or quarrels with any one. Was quite tall and rather 
slim, five feet ten inches, blue eyes, light complexion, dark hair and a little gray. 
His age and other considerations generally excused him from the most arduous duties. 
He was by trade and occupation a shoemaker and acted as Company K's shoemaker 
considerable of the time, and therefore excused from other duties. 

He was a good man and soldier, honest and true, and in the days that tried 
men's souls, the march to and the battle of Gettysburg found him at his post of 
duty, as brave and cool and as active as the best. He returned to Highgate after 
being mustered out July 21st. 1863, and there spent the rest of his life. He was 
ever a respected citizen. While it was not his to do great things, yet his life was 
busy and conscientiously lived the golden rule. He died at Highgate, Vt., 18... and 
is buried in the town of Highgate. 

MARTIN L. CLARK 

volunteered from Highgate. Vt., August 2.5th, 1862, at the age of IS. as he called 
himself, but in fact, was only about 16. He was born in Keeseville, N. Y., was rather 
slim in build, but of fair height, five feet seven. He was a mere child In appearance 
and unfit for a soldier, but Captain Clark afterwards Major Clark was his foster 
father and that had much to do about his going and passing the test of medical 
examinations. He was on duty most of the time at Major Clark's tent and seldom 
took much interest in becoming acquainted with drill to be of service as a soldier. 
He was of a feeble constitution and was on the sick list considerable of the time, 
and soon aftter Major Clark's resignation Martin was discharged for disability and 
returned home. We of Company K did not know very much about him. He was 
transferred from Company K to A at Brattleboro and remained a member of A until 
March. 1863, and was then transferred back to Company K, and in a few days after, 
April 5th, was discharged on account of disability. He again enlisted November 13th. 
1863 Into Company F, Eleventh Regiment Vermont Volunteers, was taken prisoner 
June 23rd. 1864, and died in Andersonville prison, August 31st, 1864, and was there 
buried among the thousands of others who from starvation and disease died in this 
horrible prison pen. 

I am not aware that any headstone marks the grave where he was buried, but 
in the family lot at Swanton village in the Church street cemetery there is a family 
monument on which an inscription is written of his service and to his memory. 

WELLINGTON W. CLARK 

volunteered from Highgate August 25th. 1863. at the age of 21. He was born in 
Highgate in 1841. and by occupation was a farmer, and at the time of enlistment 
•was a single man. Was quite tall and slim, light complexion and light hair. The 



Biographical and Historical of Company K. Jig 

severe winter with marches and sleeping on cold, damp ground with and without 
tent, was too much for him, and he was obliged to go into the hospital. He was 
discharged March 29th, 1863 for disability. He died soon after his return and was 
buried in the cemetery at East Swanton, and a modest headstone tells his age, death 
and service in the war of 1861-1865. 

ORANGE A. COMSTOCK 

volunteered from the town of Swanton, as I recollect it on August 20th, 1862, though 
it appears on one of the first descriptive rolls of our company as August 2oth, but 
this evidently is wrong, tor by that roll all of Company K appeared to have enlisted 
on the same day, which is not true. The actual dates of their enlistment I presume 
can not be ascertained with certainty, some signed the roll as early as August 20th, and 
from that date to the date of the organization of the company, September llth. and some 
later, continued to enlist into Company K. Comstock was a near neighbor of Lieu- 
tenant Brown, and signed the roll that he circulated. I am quite sure, for 1 was 
present when Comstock signed the roll, that the date of his enlistment was as above 
stated. I had some acquaintance with Comrade Comstock before this date. Orange 
was at this time 29 years and a single man. He was an only son and had always 
lived at home and could not be well spared. His father and mother were quite old 
and needed him very much. His parents were patriotic and said, "You must decide, 
we cannot, if you think your country calls you, and are in need, then go, and God's 
blessing be with you." Orange had been thinking over the question some days, and 
had come to the conclusion that he must go. and unhesitatingly signed his name to 
the roll. His sisters who were present seemed proud to have a brother so ready 
and willing to volunteer in the service of his country. 

From the very first trial of drill at Highgate, Orange appeared very awkward 
and could not keep step on the march or with music, but it was said he will learn 
soon. He tried many times, even after we were mustered in at Brattleboro, but 
no improvement. It was very strange, his father was a teacher in the old days of 
singing schools, and his sisters were all fine musicians, but i irange could not keep 
step or march to music. When he got his gun, etc., and tried the drill of the manual 
of arms was equally awkward, and Captain Blake said, "No use, must find some 
other place for him." He was the first permanent detail from Company K made the 
day we were mustered into the United States service at Brattleboro, October 10th, 
1862, and was detailed as nurse in the regimental hospital where he remained as one 
of the best and most reliable that Surgeon Nichols had under his charge. He seemed 
well adapted to this calling, he was kind, sympathetic and faithful, had a cheerful 
disposition and ever went through the hospital with an encouraging look and pleasant 
smile. His work was more active and often times more arduous than the common 
soldier in the ranks. At times many of our boys were sick and the hospital tents 
were full and at such times Orange was vigilant and attentive as one could be, ever 
anxious for the comfort of those in his care. 

Dr. Nichols always spoke of him as his boy Faithful. Fortunate indeed, was the 
poor, sick soldier that had him for a nurse. He was often sent by Surgeon Nichols 
or Assistant Surgeon Crandall to the tents of the boys who were there sick with medi- 
cine, and to see how they were. This work had to be done and not all were fitted 
for it, but he was and did it well, and conscientiously. Orange is entitled to the same 
measure of credit as those who stood on the firing line and made the charge. Orange 
returned with the regiment and was mustered out July 21st, 186.3. He returned home 
and resumed his place in the old home and cared for the farm and his father and 
mother while they lived. 

Orange married soon after the war a Miss from 

Two children blessed the union, Lucia Abbey, born April 19th, 1868, and Walter Harris, 
born October 6, 1S69, neither of which ever married, but live on the old home farm 
with their aunt Betsey Comstock, carrying it on just the same as father and grand- 
father did. Orange's married life continued but a few brief and happy years. His 

wife died and was buried at Swanton. Orange lived a good many 

years after her and until he was quite an old man. The last years of his life he 
suffered with disease contracted in the service. He was born December 17th, 1832, 
and died May 5th, 1903, and is buried at Swanton, Vt., in Riverside cemetery. Com- 
rade Comstock was a member of Jesse .\. Jewett Post G. A. R., located at Swanton 
for 18 years and was a faithful member. He was buried with Grand Army honors. 
He was ever a true friend to his comrades and had their esteem. He was of good 
character, conscientious and strictly honest in all matters. His picture will be found 
on page 412. 

ALLEN COREY 

volunteered from Franklin and joined Company K at Highgate September llth, 1862 
the day of the organization of the company. His age was 19, but looked and ap- 
peared very much younger. Not a strong, vigorous young man, but enthusiastic to 



~20 The Thirteenth Keyiiiieiil I 'eniiaiit I tiliiiifeers 

become a good soldier. He willingly peil'oiiiicd Mis cviiy duty until early spring, 1863, 
when lie was taken sick and spent sonic time in llie brigade lios|iital. returning to 
the company about June 1st, 1SC3, and remained with it until discharged July 2l8t, 
1863. He was a quiet, well-behaved and honorable young fellow. He returned home 
to Franklin where he lived until he died. He won liis share of honors on the battle- 
field ol' ( Jetty sburg. 

EDGAR CURRIE 

volunteered from Swanton August 25th, 1862, at the age of 18. He was born in 
Swanton in 1842, and educated in the common schools of the town. Was five feet 
nine inches, but slim in build. He had done some work on the farm as a boy, but as 
yet had no particular occupation. He was a very lively, good-natured boy, and of a 
very happy disposition, full of fun and innocent mischief when awake, if any oppor- 
tunity presented itself. He enjoyed soldier life first class and never complained as 
to the duties required of him. He seemed bound to have a good time whether in 
camp or on the picket line or on the march, always just the same, running, jumping 
and a hilai-ious boy. He was thus happy because a soldier. Two of his older brothers 
■were in other Vermont regiments, and the ambition of Edgar was satisfied when he 
found hinifelf a full fledged soldier. He was sick at Camp Widow Violet in .May 
and sent to a hospital at .Mexandria City. Va., the fore part of June. Curric was 
not able and did not do further duty. He arrived with some of the others at Brattle- 
boro, Vt.. brought from one of the hospitals about Washington by Surgeon Nichols in 
to be mustered out with the regiment, and was mustered out July 21st, 1863. 

Comrade Currie returned to his home in Swanton where he remained a few 
years, went to Canada where he still resides. He has for many years been in the 
Customs Department of Canada and is a faithful and efficient officer. His present 
address is Abercorn. P. Q. You will see on page 419 his picture in a group with 
James Burns and Phil Smith. 

BURTON DEAN 

volunteered from Highgate about September 1st. 1862, was present at the organization 
of the Highgate company, September 11th. He went with Company K to Washington 
and with the regiment to Virginia, and remained until January 10th, l^G'A. .\fter 
quite a serious sickness at Fairfax Court House, he obtained permission to go to 
Washington, D. C, to see his wife, who was boarding there at that time. It is possible 
that he was sent at this time by Captain Blake, with others, on some particular duty, 
just what it was 1 do not now recall. After arriving at Washington he had a relapse 
and was sick for some time, and as soon as able to ride took the cars for Vermont 
and never returned. It was perhaps better thus as a soldier; he could never have 
done duty again, was totally disabled and should have been discharged before this 
date, and I have no doubt if he had made application for a discharge it would have 
been granted, and it would have been much better for him had he made an applica- 
tion for a discharge, taken an examination and been discharged on the recommenda- 
tion of the surgeon of the regiment. He still lives, but has never seen a well day 
since he was a soldier. He is not now, nor has he been, able to perform manual 
labor to any extent for many years. He is a feeble-minded harmless old man, though 
only 69 years of age. Used up in the service and is justly entitled to a pension. 
I have lived beside him for many years past, and know that he was used up in the 
service before he left for home. He was given a furlough to Washington by Captain 
Blake; he should have had a discharge instead. 

SMITH M. DECKER 

volunteered from Highgate about September 1st, 1S62, at the a.ee of 20, and joined 
Company K, September 11th, on the day of the election of officers of the Highgate 
Company. He was well proportioned, strong and vigorous, and a fine looking and 
appearing young man. A perfect specimen of Vermont type of volunteers that filled 
the ranks "of the regiments that went from the Green Mountain State into the war 
of 1861-1865. Young Decker was born in Swanton and while a small boy his father 
moved into the town of Highgate just across the line and only about one mile from 
Swanton village, and hence his association was with Swanton boys and people. His 
education before enlistment was in the district schools and academy at Swanton 
Falls. He had a good character as a boy. upright, honest, open hearted and straight- 
forward. In disposition he was kind and generous, habits good, neither used rum or 
tobacco nor jjrofane and vulgar language. His conduct as a soldier was worthy of imita- 
tion. He was courteous alike to officers and privates, regarding all as on an equal en- 
gaged in a common cause. Was never quarrelsome, but would not submit to foolish and 
unjust treatment by anv. No one in Company K after becoming acquainted with 
bim and observing" his skill in the occasional rough and tumble clinch and tussle 
cared to push him into a quarrel, and no one did. He had the physical ability and 



Bioyniphical and I listorical of Coiiifiaux K . 721 

courage to take good care of himself, and therefore none who were inclined to play 
the bully once in a while never molested Decker. 

Young Decker left home at the age of 17 and was in Lawrence, Mass., when the 
flag of his country that fluttered in the breeze over Fort Sumter was shot away 
by hostile shell. The patriotic blood that flowed in his veins was pregnant with 
righteous indignation against any who should so wickedly attack the country he loved 
so well. He had heard from home, his father had enlisted, an uncle and cousins 
and he could not resist the desire to enlist, so gave up his position, hastened home 
and volunteered to serve his country. He joined Company K, because many of his 
boyhood companions had already volunteered into the Highgate Company. None 
of my comrades will question my statement when I say Smith Decker was a model 
young man. and stood well toward the head of the list of Company K as a brave 
and gallant soldier. When I saw him on Cemetery Hill July 2nd with others of our 
company carrying shell from the caisson to the crippled battery at our right whose 
gunners had been mostly slain that the firing might continue, I was proud to be 
associated with him and reckoned among his friends, for such courage and prowess 
are rarely seen even on a battlefield. It was a critical moment, and he with others of 
Company K, as you will recollect, volunteered and hastened to the assistance of that 
silent battery, and how you and I cheered our comrades and that particular battery, 
as the shell they carried were sent across the valley into the approaching ranks of 
the foe. We felt that Company K was now serving a battery and sending our compli- 
ments to those fellows that had been for hours dropping exploding shrapnel so thick 
and fast among us. while we lay in that city of the dead waiting the expected charge 
and rebel yell. Decker went tnrough the fight without a scratch or undue fright. His 
escape illustrated that statement made by Napoleon 1st at the battle of Lodi, "That 
brave men are never slain in battle." 

Decker was mustered out with his regiment and returned home to Vermont with 
a clean and enviable record. He, with nearly all of Company K, thought when they 
enlisted, the war would be over before the expiration of our term of service. In this 
all were sadly disappointed, but one thing we had to console us and be proud of, that 
we took part in that gi'eatest of battles and memorable conflict that gave the death 
blow to the Confederate cause, and restored confidence in President Lincoln's admin- 
istration and made certain final victory for the L^nion. After Decker's return home, 
realizing lack of education he took a one year academic course at the old Academy 
at Franklin. Vt. 

The war was not yet over and Decker hastened to Lawrence. Mass., where the 
position he left two years before was still open for him, but the spirit of devotion still 
burned in his heart and controlled him, and again volunteered into Company K, 
Sixth Massachusetts Volunteers, again went to the front and served until the close of 
the war. I assume the same soldierly conduct was manifested in the Sixth Massa- 
chusetts regiment as shown by him when a volunteer in the Thirteenth Vermont, 
for he was promoted from private to second sergeant, which position no doubt he 
filled with credit to himself and honor to his adopted State and Vermont. Though 
Comrade Decker, now called Colonel Decker by reason of being elected Colonel of the 
Sixth Massachusetts of M. V. M. in 1S81, has lived in his adopted state since the war 
and yet his heart still longs for the old home and the scenes of his childhood are 
so dear that twice a year like the flight of birds he journeys northward for recreation 
and the blessed privilege of sleeping beneath the roof (once his father's modest home, 
now his) when as a boy he planned and dreamed of the future and determined upon 
the kind of life he would try to live. 

His comrades of old Company K of the Thirteenth Vermont Volunteers are thank- 
ful for his success, the reputation earned and more than all to grasp the hand of 
one they love and respect. If all were like him might we believe that the millennium 
was near at hand. Long may my comrade Decker live to cheer and make happy 
the last days of his comrades in arms, and all that are near and dear to him. The 
majority of his intimate comrades of Company K have passed beyond, and the 
remainder, one by one and day by day are crossing the silent river where very soon 
(too soon) those who fought the battle that saved the Union and made possible this 
great and mighty nation will find joy, peace and eternal happiness with comrades 
that have joined the immortal army now bivouacked on the elysian fields of heaven. 

If the reader would like to see how Comrade Decker looked as a soldier boy and 
how he now looks turn to page 418 also on page .... (See roster) will be found an 
autobiographical sketch of Colonel Decker. He now resides in Lawrence, Mass., 
happy and prosperous, respected by all. The latchstring hangs out and his comrades 
are his most welcome guests. 

MYRON C. DORMAN 

volunteered from the town of Swanton about August 25th, 1S62. and joined the High- 
gate Company at the date of its organization. His age at this time was 20, and a 
single man. full of life, and with a strong desire to serve his country in the then 



~22 The 'lliirtccnth Rcijimcni Vermont Volunteers 

pending conflict. He was born in 1S42. Young Dorman belonged to an old and 
Influential family of his native town, and he had been well brought up with the 
advantages of a district school and academy of his native town. He was an only 
son of a doting father and mother, who feared that he would not return, and yet being 
patriotic and realizing the urgency and absolute necessity for soldiers to light the 
battles for the cause of freedom, the right, and preservation of the Union of States, 
would not say no, and gave their consent for their only son to go into the army, 
though in tears and sorrow. Young Dormau's grandfather, the Hev. Eben II. Dorman, 
was the first settled pastor of the Congregational Church of Swanton, being duly 
installed January 13th. 1825, and continued as such until December, 1855, and on 
account of failing health was compelled to ask for a release and was dismissed with 
the title of Senior Pastor. He raised up a large and influential family of sons and 
daughters, one of which, Dennison Dorman, was the father of Comrade Myron C. 
Dorman. The above facts are mentioned to show the moral and educationel advan- 
tages that surrounded Comrade Dorman up to the date of enlistment. His home 
was happy and attractive and his father well to do and a prosperous farmer. Myron's 
heart was stirred with the spirit of devotion and gladly accepted the opportunity to 
volunteer into the army and go with his friends. 

He seemed to enjoy the outdoor and novel lite of camp, drill, picket and march. 
Its freedom from the restraints of civil life, the constant motion and moving from 
place to i)lace, the new scenes, the thousands of regiments of cavalry, infantry and other 
branches of the service that were daily seen moving to and fro mobilizing for active 
service. Washington and its immediate vicinity where our regiment spent 
considerable time in October was one panorama of military activity, preparing and 
equipjiiug for strenuous war. These with the places of interest in and about Wash- 
ington and on duty as soldiers made it impossible for any of us to be homesick. 
Dorman enjoyed most of all the splendid specimens of horses caparisoned in gor- 
geous colors and mounted by fine looking officers dressed according to the 
branch of service to which they belonged, and at this time these scenes were 
ever a moving and fascinating picture on every hand and of these sights Dorman 
never tired. Whenever we started on a march if an empty saddle could be found 
Dorman was sure to be astride of it, for he liked it better than walking in dust and 
mud. Comrade Dorman remained with the regiment during its entire term of service 
and was mustered out July 21st, 1863. For a considerable of the time while he was 
In the service, he was detailed at headquarters and had charge of the horses of the 
Feld and Staff officers, quite a responsible and important duty, for horses must be 
carefully cared for at all times, otherwise they could not endure the hard usage and 
exposure attending the service. He was with us on the march to Gettysburg and 
manfully performed his full duty. 

Since the war until a few years ago. Comrade Dorman has followed farming and 
the handling of horses. One of the best and most valuable ever owned in Vermont, 
Lambert, was the property of Comrade Dorman. He has lived in Swanton village 
for a number of years last passed. He married Miss Alice Bullard, a younger sister 
of the wife of Captain George G. Blake. They have three children, two daughters 
and one son. The oldest daughter is the wife of Andrew Anderson, a local pharmacist 
of renown. Bell, the younger daughter is still single from choice. The son is married, 
and is on a coffee plantation in old Mexico accumulating dollars for old age. Should 
you be interested to see how Comrade Dorman looks you will find his pictures on 
page 410 of this book. 

JOHN ELLIOTT 

joined Highgate company September 10th, 1862, and was a volunteer from that town. 
He was at that time 44 years old, and had a wife and children. He was bom In 
New Hampshire and by occupation a farmer. He was a man of very few words and 
rather austere and distant, in fact a dignified and courteous gentleman. He took no 
part in the frolics and pranks, nor foraging expedititons that a few of Company K 
were proned to plan and carry out. His habits of life had been established on the 
basis of doing just right, and because now a soldier could not see any reason for any 
such radical changes that would give license to help yourself to things that belonged 
to others, no matter though enemies of the government. So Uncle John (as we 
generally called him) continued in the practice of the rule of life that had hitherto 
controlled his actions. Though looking quite young and blessed with a good consti- 
tution and correct habits, yet he was too old for the life we were called upon to live. 
The exposure, march and drill was so different than his former life it appeared hard 
for him. Uncle John being old and very much respected, the younger boys would 
often take his place on the picket line and help him now and then on the march, and 
was often favored by Orderly Sergeant Morey in the details of duty, always giving 
Uncle John as easy a task as possible, for all felt unless favored, he could not con- 
tinue with us. Because of his regularity and care and the favors and solicitude of 
his comrades he remained with the company, participated in the marches and other 
duties, and because of his strong will and determination to stand by when there were 



Biographical and Historical of Company K. 723 

indications of deadly conflict ahead, did he nobly and manfully make the seven days' 
march from Virginia to Gettysburg and then though weary and footsore and hungry, 
bravely took his position in the line of battle and heroically performed his part as 
■well as the best of us. On the charge made on General Pickett on the last day of 
the battle, and the last hour a hostile bullet passed through his leg below the knee, 
and we were obliged to leave him on the field until the close of the battle. He was 
taken to the hospital, cared for and recovered without the loss of his lite. We left 
him at Gettysburg. He soon recovered and was sent to Vermont and was discharged 
and then he returned to his home and family. He lived for many years after the 
close of the war and died as he had lived in the full conscientiousness of having 

done his duty according to the light given him. He died at and 

was buried at 

FRANK E. FELT 

was of the Swanton contingent and volunteered about August 25th, 1862. His age was 
33 years and a married man and born in the state of Maine in 1829. His occupation 
was a blacksmith and was quite a muscular, wiry, active, healthy looking young man, 
having the general appearance of first class material for a soldier. As I became 
acquainted with him I concluded that church and Sabbath school instruction (if he 
had ever had it) did not leave sufficient impression as to control his conduct when 
exposed to the tenaptations of soldier life. He was a good soldier and generally on 
hand to do his duty. Nothing seemed to appeal to his ambition like visitations to 
the nearby farmhouses, and to the cities of Washington and Alexandria to see the 
sights. Hi Smith, Charlie Barr, Hardy Ladue, George Mott, and such were his boon 
companions and never allowed moral ethics to stand in the way of their military 
code or rule of action. It was considered quite preferable to be detailed and as- 
signed to special duty, for this duty there was no marching and less exposure, more 
freedom, less arduous duties, always plenty of rations and a better chance to beg or 
appropriate, or as the boys called it, make out a government requisition and draw it 
yourseli'. 

Comrade Felt being a blacksmith, was detailed in December and sent on duty to 
headquarters, Fairfax Court House, and there remained until the following May, at 
which time he was returned to his comrades. While I am not sure, it is my recollec- 
tion that Felt was one of the number gobbled up by Mosby March 9th, but escaped 
If he was taken I am confident that lie escaped, for he like Charlie Barr, had no 
controlling desire to be a prisoner on Bell Isle, or in Libby, Richmond, Va., or any 
place south of Mason and Dixon's line. I do not recall him on the march to Gettys- 
burg, and yet he may have been there. He was mustered out with the regiment July 
21st, 1863, and returned to Swanton. Later and after the war went West, since 
which time none of us in Swanton have heard of or from him. He is supposed to 
be dead. 

CORNELIUS T. FRINK 

volunteered in the Highgate Company about August 2.5th, 1862, at the age of 19, 
and joined said company on the date of its organization. He was bom in Underhill, 
Vermont in 1843, but his father moved to Highgate, Vt.. when Cornelius was a mere 
lad. His education was in the district schools and at Swanton Falls Academy.. This 
was his second enlistment. He first volunteered into the old Green Mountain Guards in 
Swanton which went out in May, 1861 as Company A, First Vermont Volunteers for 
three months under President Lincoln's first call for 75,000 troops. His home was 
within one and one-half miles from Swanton village, and just across the line into 
the town of Highgate. His associ .ions were with Swanton boys and people and there 
attended church and academy school, so really was a Swanton boy. We were glad 
to count him as one of the Swanton boys. He had been well brought up and bore a 
good name, and was by education and sentiment intensely patriotic. He was tall, 
straight, and made a fine looking soldier, and in fact was one of the best of Company 
K's rank and file. He volunteered three times and belonged to three separate or- 
ganizations. First Vermont Volunteers, three months' men; Thirteenth Vermont Vol- 
unteers. Company K, and Company F of Frontier Cavalry, rendering in each f'lithful 
service. Frink was quiet and always of good deportment, decorous to all and 
attended to his own business, required nothing of others that he was not willing to 
accord. Soldier life did not loosen the moral and legal obligations that he had been 
taught to obey and respect. He returned home as clean and upright as when he 
volunteered. After the war he married and raised up a family educated and refined. 
He now resides in Brookfield, Vt. See page 460 for his pictures. 

CADMUS S. GATES 

volunteered from the town of Highgate where he was born in 1838 and about August 
25th, 1862, at the age of 24, and was a married man at the time and by occupation a 



724 flic rhirtccnth Rcijiincnt I'cnitont I'oluntccrs 

farmer. Six feet tall in stocking feet and straight as an arrow, head up and standing 
solid and square on both feet, ready for fun or business at all times. Entirely frank 
and outspoken in his opinions and sometimes quite aggressive in argument, and yet 
If convinced he was wrong would cheerfully admit it and acknowledge his error. 
He was an only son. and bis falher and niollier and older sisters thought much of 
him and that he was all right, and what Cadmus said must be acquiesced in. This 
indulgence had a tendi iioy to make Comrade Gati-s a little opinionated which now and 
then appeared over matters arising in our new life. Some of us felt that military 
regulations were little too arbitrary for volunteers, and yet knew full well that 
discipline could not be maintained without rule nor could we be properly fitted for 
duty unless we submitted to the regulations. 

Cadmus was morf fortimate than other privates for his tentmates were Sergeants 
Morey. Halloway and .Jeriiiison. and their tent, as you wi-11 remember was the first 
on the right passing down Company K street. These four tented together until June 
25, when Morey was promoted to second lieutenant and assigned to Company E. 
Cadmus, too, came near promotion as follows. When our regiment was making prep- 
aration for the march that commenced June 2.5th, Cadmus was looking over his ward- 
robe selecting a few things to carry and the rest to leave behind or send home, he 
found he had two very good looking dress coats; Morey had only one. and that showed 
wear and hard usage, and he had just been commissioned as second lieutenant and 
had no time or money either at hand to go to Washington for a uniform, so proposed 
to Cadmus that he let him have one of his dress coats, and Cadmus gave him willingly 
the best looking one, for he naturally w-anted his friend Morey to appear as trim 
and tidy as possible. Lieutenant Morey took the coat, sewed on the shoulder straps 
and made a second lieutenant dress coat out of Private Gates's coat which Morey 
liut on and thereafter wore until mustered out. It was all right only Gates was taller 
and larger than Morey and hence was not a good fit. Morey turned \\\i the sleeves and 
buckled on the waist strap quite tight, but there was no way that the misfit could be 
disguised, but no help for it, no tailor In camp, nor time to send for a coat. Quarter- 
master's stores had been sent away some days before. To convince you that this 
story is true turn to page 242 of this book, where you will see Lieutenant Morey's 
picture taken in this identical coat. Though Cad was not commissioned himself, his 
coat was, and I am sure if it had been for Cad to say which should be commissioned 
he or Sergeant Morey, he would have said promptly, "No, thank you, Sid is the man 
and has earned it. 

Comrade Gates was a whole souled, generous, good-natured fellow, but while in 
camp was a little inclined to be lazy and lay in his tent and smoke that big laurel 
root pipe for hours. The pipe stem was made so he could place the pipe on the 
ground when in use. It was really a fine looking pipe and a good exhibition of 
mechanical skill and ingenuity. The boys would say to Cadmus when he would pass 
up and down the Company street smoking that pipe, "Straighten up there, better leave 
that pipe in your tent, it will make you round shouldered to carry it about in your 
moutli." The pipe was a present to Sergeant Morey by his admiring friend. S. A. Smith. 

While we were on Cemetery Hill, July 2nd. supporting a battery, pieces of shell 
fell pretty often and thick about us, and it was dangerous, though we were flat on 
the ground. Comrade Gates laid flat on the ground with his legs spread wide apart, 
one leg across a comrade next to him. and was asked by Henry Butler if he was 
afraid and replied, "Did not want to lose only one leg at a time," that was really a 
good reason, under the circumstances for spreading out in that way. I noticed others 
did the same. Cadmus was a good soldier and never showed signs of weakening In 
the battle line, on the charge or anywhere on that field. 

Comrade Gates returned home to Vermont and was mustered out at Brattleboro 
July 21st, 1863. and then to the old home and continued the management of the 
family farm until father and mother, wife, sisters and daughter had all been laid to 
rest, and then because of poor health, sold the old farm and moved to Swanton village 
into the house occupied by his father and his family for many years, which has been 
modernized by Cadmus and is now a fine looking residence. The latch string hangs 
out to the worthy poor and needy and always to his old comrades of Company K. On 
page 413 you will see his picture as he looked in 1.S9."i. he looks the same to-day, 1909. 

EDWARD GORMAN 

volunteered from the town of Pranklin and joined the Highgate company September 
11th, 18t;2, the day we elected company officers. His age was 22 and a single man. 
Was born in Scotland in 1840. but came to this country when a lad. T do not recall 
but little aljout Gorman. I know he remained with the company and participated 
in the battle of Gettysburg. I recall the fact of his being in the battle line on the 
third day. He was with us on the march in the pursuit of General Lee and his army 
to Frederick City and to Monocacy .lunction where we took the cars for Baltimore on 
our way home to Vermont. He was mustered out w-ith the regiment and returned to 
Franklin, his home. He re-enlisted into Company F. Tenth Vermont Regiment, Decern- 



BiograplucLil and Historical of Coiiil^aity K. 725 

ber 12th, 1863, and was mustered out with this regiment at the close of the war. I 
have seen him occasionally. He has lived most of the time out of the state. His 
home is in Boston, Mass. I have not been able to get any reply to letters addressed 
to him. My understanding is that he is still living. He attended our reunion in 1908. 

BELDIN A. GREENSLIT 

was from the town of Frankln, and joined the Highgate Company the day we were 
organized, September 11th, 1862. He was at this time 26 years of age and a married 
man and occupation a farmer. He was born in Ohio in 1836. He was a fleshy, solid 
built fellow and in his way was quite well informed. Greenslit was an active man, 
and generally on hand to do his share of duty. He did not mingle as freely with 
the boys as some, and I do not recall much concerning him. He returned and was 
mustered out with the regiment and went to his home in Franklin, Vt., where he 
resided for a time. He had a roving disposition and was not long satisfied in any one 
place. I saw him occasionally up to 1870, since which time I have not seen him or 
known of his place of residence. He moved to Massachusetts and there died, but have 
not been able to obtain facts concerning the cause or date of death. 

JAMES HAGAN 

volunteered from the town of Franklin about August 27th, 1862, and joined the Highgate 
company at Highgate September 11th, 1862, the day the boys were first called together 
and when w-e elected company officers. Hagan was now just passed IS years of age. 
My first introduction to him was on this day. In all my wanderings I never had seen 
any one that looked or appeared just like this green farmer boy. He was long, lank, 
lean, loose jointed and awkward, and apparently lazy, an overgrown, green looking 
sky farmer boy. Was over six feet tall in stocking feet. His trousers were tucked 
into his long legged boots, because too short, and his large sprawling hands extended 
far beyond the sleeves of bis tight fitting, buttoned-up coat; dark complexion, black 
hair and blue rolling eyes. He could see far around to right or left, and not move 
his head, and it was extremely funny to see him flap his long ears whenever he liked. 
No one at this time would venture to call him handsome. He was a genuine Yankee, 
though born just over the line near Slab City. P. Q. He was funny, full of jokes and 
tricks, and odd sayings. The Franklin boys called him Jim. and all of them seemed 
to like his ways, and his drawling speech convulsed all who heard and saw him with 
laughter. Evidently was a favorite which at first I could not understand. 

Comrade Hagan, though born on the other side of the line was brought up sur- 
rounded by the sturdy farmers who lived on both sides of the line, Franklin in Ver- 
mont and Slab City, so called, in Canada, and the families of this locality mingled 
together as neighbors and friends, and in their way of thought, education and culture 
were like the resident Vermonters who lived along the border line. Hagan was as 
much Yankee as if born on a Vermont farm. A more kind hearted and generous boy 
was not to be found in the ranks of Company K. and when he appeared for the first 
time with his bran new uniform on at Brattleboro, ready for our first dress parade, 
he was presto change, and now a fine looking, good appearing and well behaved soldier 
boy. The three or four weeks of drill had wrought a great change in step and gait and 
general physical appearance. He was no longer the awkward, long gaited, green 
looking and stooping shy fellow of four weeks before, but a good manly looking specimen 
of the kind of boys that made the best of soldiers. 

He had entered on a new life, and seemed anxious to do his best, and made rapid 
progress in the drill essential for a useful soldier. He was soon quite a favorite, and his 
frolicing, rollicking ways made fun for the boys in camp, picket line, and on the march. 
There was never a march, drill, parade, scouting or foraging party, that left Jim 
behind, and I was often told in those days that Jim was a foraging party of one, 
two or three, never more, that visited the farm houses, so called Union 
residents, (19 cases out of every 20 were rebels), to see what they had to sell 
that he could buy or trade for, and surely chickens had to roost high or Jim had them 
tight around the neck, before they could make the first squawk. I do not pretend to 
say positively that Lieutenant Marsh was knowing to these predatory expeditions, 
but it was said that the larder of the young lieutenant was generally well filled with 
chicken, ham, bacon, eggs, applejack and so on, and all of us knew that Jim thought more 
of Carmi (as he called him), than any other person on earth. Jim was an orphan, 
and Marsh had been his true friend. No doubt Comrade Hagan paid for what he 
got when out among the natives, far or near our camps, if he had the money, but 
I never knew him to have money many days after the pay-master left camp, too free 
Tiearted as long as his money held out, and the sutler, had good things to eat. Jim 
and his friends lived on the best to be had. 

Comrade Hagan was an honorable young man, a true friend and a brave, faithful 
-soldier. Company K could boast of none better, he stood the long, hard march of 



720 riw TliirtCi-iitli ki-(/iiiu-iit Icnmint \' olunlccrs 

seven days tranipiug through gravelly mud in sunshine and storm, 9U degrees in the 
shade, without a murmur, and in the great sanguinary battle of Gettysburg, gave 
evidence of courage and devotion equal to any. He returned at the expiration of 
his term of service thankful that he had volunteered and had been able to render 
important service on the field of battle. He was mustered out with his regiment 
and then moved to Massachusetts. He now lives in Richford, Vt., an honored and 
respected citizen, and among the achievements of life he points to his service in 
Company K, Thirteenth Vermont Regiment, as a soldier for the Union, as the proudest 
and most satisfactory part of his long career. In as much as a biographical sketch 
of him is to be found on page .... (see Roster) some things known to the writer 
are here omitted, also you will see the picture of Comrade Hagau as he is now on 
page 413. 

DeFOREST W. HATCH 

was a volunteer from the town of Swanton at the age of 22, about August 25th, 1862, 
and joined Highgate Company on the day of its organization September 11th, 1802. 
His occupation at this time was a jeweller of a few months' experience. His height 
was five feet, nine inches with blue eyes, dark brown hair and light complexion, well 
proportioned, but rather small, clean and tidy and made a fine looking and good 
feeling young man. He was single at the time of his enlistment, he married though, 
before we left the State. He was full of fun and mischief as an egg of meat, in for a 
good time and seemed to have it. He liked anything better than drill and guard 
duty about camp. If he could be sent out as guard at some farm house that suited 
him very well, especially if the household contained some good looking white girls. 
He generally found out about that before going. Quite a number of our regiment 
were out on this duty nearly all the time, for they made the government believe 
they were in favor of the Union and would make complaints that they were molested 
and robbed of poultry, etc., etc., and ask for guards, and so Hatch and others were 
detailed at these farm houses as guards to see that nothing was molested and stolen. 
Some of us who knew Deforest thought queer he should be sent out on that kind of 
duty. We would as soon think of placing a cat as a guard over a mouse as to place 
Dick, as we called him, guard against the devastations of Company K boys. Dick 
did not remain long in any one place, for things disappeared just the same. Dick's 
fertile brain was ready with some shrew'd story to excuse himself for lack of vigilance. 
He was diplomatic with plausible theories and excuses, and often satisfied these 
Unionists, so called, that he was not in any manner to blame. It was rumored in 
camp that Dick would tell the boys, his chums, the hours he might be found sleeping. 
Dick never had any attacks of cannon fever, nor was he afraid of bullets and shells. 
So far as being on hand when prospect of a fight, he was always ready, and thl& 
was the principal thing and only thing of any particular consequence that we enlisted 
for. and expected to attend to and not fail. 

Comrade Hatch was mustered out with the regiment at Rrattleboro. Vt., July 
1st, 1863, and returned to his home in Swanton where he lived a few years and then 
went to New York City, and for a few years was engaged with his brother. Decatur 
Hatch, a prominent architect of that city. He then returned to Swanton and later 
moved to Canada and entered the railroad service as ticket agent, in which service 
he has been engaged for many years, a faithful and valuable official. His home la 
In Bedford, P. Q. His office and place of business is in the city of Montreal. He 
is still a young looking and fine appearing man, intelligent and active and is well 
thought of by those who employ him. Pictures of him will be found on page 408 
of this book as he was when a soldier boy and as he is to-day. 

EDWARD L. HIBBARD 

was a volunteer from the town of Franklin and joined Highgate company on the day 
of the election of officers. September 11th, 1S62. He came with Carmi Marsh and the 
rest of the boys who had enlisted from that town, and this day was our first meeting, 
and our acquaintance with him commenced on this day. My first impressions (which 
are often the more correct) led me to form a very favorable opinion of Comrade Hib- 
bard. He was quite dignified, of few words, intelligent in looks and expression, and 
evidently a man of affairs. His conduct and his conversation was modest and retiring, 
leaving one to believe that his single purpose and ambition now was to serve his country. 
His age at this date was 30, five feet, ten inches tall, fair complexion, blue eyes, 
brown hair and a merchant by occupation, and a married man born in Canada in 1832. 
Was and had been a business man. and physically and mentally qualified for the life 
we were about to enter upon. He spent but little time socially with the boys, and 
took no particular pains to cultivate close relations with those even of his own com- 
pany outside of the Franklin boys, was at all times busy. 

He remained in the ranks, learned the manual of arms, the military movements, 
giving close attention to the detail of every thing connected with army life, and could 
be often found absorbed in study of Hardee's Military Tactics. Very soon he was: 



Bioyvapliical and Historical of Company K. yzj 

detailed at regimental lieadquarters at Adjutant Whitney's tent, and in January was 
promoted to the responsible position of sergeant major of the regiment. The duties 
of this office were well and satisfactorily done, for on the 23rd day of February, 
1863, he was commissioned as second lieutenant and assigned to duty in Company 
D, and later, June 4th, was promoted again, and now commissioned as first lieutenant 
of Company D. These quite rapid promotions from private to first lieutenant were 
the exception, and not the rule in the Thirteenth Regiment. I recall only two other 
similar incidents in the history of promotions in our regiment. Colonel Albert Clarke, 
who was a private in Company I, and promoted to first sergeant and then first lieu- 
tenant of Company G and Orloff Whitney, fifth sergeant of Company K, and on the 
organization of the regiment was made adjutant, and later made captain of Company 
H. All these promotions were merited, and none more so than Lieutenant Hibbard. 
While I saw but little of him after he joined Company D, I know he was always in 
his place and attended strictly to the duties of his office. I saw him many times 
during the battle of Gettysburg on Cemetery Hill on the charge from there over 
to the left center front battle line, and during the last day of the fight, and in my 
humble opinion he was as brave and efficient as any officer of the line. His conduct 
as an officer justified the promotions awarded him. This instance as well as that of 
Orloff Whitney, illustrates which was common knowledge in Company K, that no other 
company had so much good, raw, latent material for first class officers. 

Lieutenant Hibbard was mustered out with the regiment July 21st, 1863, and 
returned home to Fi-anklin where he was affectionately welcomed by his wife and 
dear friends. Lieutenant Hibbard re-enlisted and joined Company B. 17th Regiment 
Vermont Volunteers, and was commissioned as first lieutenant. Was promoted to cap- 
tain, but did not accept. Mustered out as first lieutenant October 19, 1864. Returned 
to Vermont and engaged in the mercantile business and continued until his quite sudden 
and untimely death. Lieutenant Hibbard is buried in Franklin, Vt. See page 222 of 
this book. 

ELI HOAG 

was enrolled from the town of Franklin and joined Highgate company September 11th, 
1862. His age at this time was 32, and born in Waterford, Vt., and was married. Was 
pretty old as some of us thought for a soldier. He appeared and looked much older 
than 32. He was a large, raw-boned, vigorous looking man, had every appearance of 
being a back woodsman. He neither could read or write, and was very illiterate, and 
^id not have a very amiable disposition. Was not as particular as some as to care 
of person and clothing. Was a common laborer on a farm in the woods. The 
life of camp and march and drill and the rations furnished was all right so far as 
he was concerned. His associates in the company were few, none cared to tent 
with him. He was a little crusty and ugly and was easily annoyed by the jokes and 
pranks of the boys, who when they found he did not like it bothered him all the 
more. I remember that considerable of the time he had a whole tent by himself. 
He was an educated wood chopper sure, for he spent much of his time when not on 
duty making ax helves and selling them to the boys, and he made the very best kind. 
I think he was on hand to do his duty always, and I am sure there was not a man 
in the regiment that carried on his shoulders so full and heavy a knapsack. He hid 
away things of no value in his knapsack that he had found about camp or elsewhere 
and when we started on the long march the last of June he had besides what was 
inside, on top of his knapsack rolled up two woolen blankets, one winter overcoat, one 
rubber blanket and these he carried to the end while many who started with woolen 
tlankets and overcoats threw them away after the first day's march. It is my recol- 
lection that he was brave and stood up in the fight as well as any. He returned and 
was mustered out with the regiment July 21, 1863, and then returned to his home in 
Franklin, and lived for quite a number of years and finally was accidentally killed 
in the woods by a falling tree, the date I have not been able to get or where buried. 

JAMES M. HOGABOOM 

was one of Highgate's bravest volunteers, though a mere boy not out of his teens. 
He volunteered the last day of August, 1862, and was present at the organization and 
•election of company officers of what was first called Highgate Company, later Com- 
pany K. At this election James cast his first vote and was much elated that he 
was placed on a level with the rest of the boys though not yet 21 years old. His 
age was 18, very slim, was awkward in gait and in every way. Was a green looking, 
untutored Yankee boy, but honest, truthful, well behaved and anxious to know what 
was required, and prompt to obey and quick to learn. He had but few faults and no 
vices. Was an innocent, bashful and shy young fellow, that evidently had seen but 
little of the world or traveled beyond the limits of his native county. Had never 
attended even the district schools of his native town but a little. His education had 
been sadly neglected. He was naturally bright enough and might have been a fair 



"28 'J'lic 'I liutii-iitli Rcfiiiiirnl I'miiinil I'ohiiitccrs 

scholar If he had been sent to school. Horn in Highgate in 1843, and a farm hand 
and :i vory nood. faitliful. trusty boy on the farm. 

The uniforni furnished liini was not too lonp, but very much too large, so slight 
and slim was he that it seemed difficult to stand erect and as you saw him walk, 
would exjject to see him double U|i like a jack-knife at every step. He was blessed with 
a good constitution and had a wonderful appetite, was a healthy young boy, and very 
willing to be made into a soldier, and no better raw material enlisted into Company K. 
The only spot that he failed in was shoveling Virginia Mud in building Kort Lyon 
between Camp ^'e^mont and Alexandria City. He said he was willing to fight but could 
not handle that mud. James M. was always on duty, and found as little fault us any 
and renuiined with his company to the end. He came very near being killed on 
Pickett's charge the last day of the battle at Gettysburg when our regiment was re- 
turning to position. He was in the ranks near Corporal William Church who was 
torn to iiieces by an exploding shell. The concussion doubled up Min, as we called 
him, and rolled him over like a hoop, but was soon on his feet again looking to see 
what had happened, was a little dazed, but followed on in a hurry and took his i)lace 
as if nothing unusual had happened, and that was true, for explosions of shell and 
concussicm liad Ik en frcipHnt and often nearby for two days and was expected at 
any moment and anywhere, and Min thought it simply an incident in battle and was 
happy that no mortal injury had befallen him. The bursting of shell had burned 
his coat tail a little and filled the skin of the back of his hands with powder, but 
he was all right in a few moments and as cool as ever. He said after the battle was 
over when we were crossing the battlefield where it happened, that it was lucky for 
him that he was slim, or would have been killed sure. It was a close call. I was 
very near by and saw the occurrence, and Min when he got up from the ground. I 
supposed for the moment he too, was killed. 

James Monroe Hogaboom was mustered out with the regiment at Brattleboro, 
July 21st, 1S63, w-ith a first class record and as good as any of Company K. He re- 
turned home and in due season married and has followed the life of a farmer and 
left his footprints on the sands of time, and did his full duty in the pursuit of happi- 
ness and peace in preparation for war. for he has now-. January, 1906, six boys grown 
up, all stalwart, brave and strong and one girl. I doubt if any outside of Company 
K can show a better record in married life than my esteemed comrade, James Monroe 
Hogalioom. except Ashael .Manning, that little short, slight boy from Alburg. Vt.. 
who has twelve children, seven boys and five girls, but I will tell about him when 
his name is reached in the aljihabetical order. I see Hogaboom quite often, and 
relentless time has made but slight change in his looks and general appearance and in 
confirmation of this opinion look on page 417 where his pictures as a soldier and 
now at this writing, January, 1906, appears. He resides in the town of St. Albans, 
still happy and contented and proud of the fact that he was a soldier for his country 
when needed. 

OSCAR B, HUBBARD 

■was born in Swanton, near the center of the town and volunteered about August 
30th, 1862; was present at the organization of the Highgate Company, September 11th, 
1802, and at this time was 19 years of age, six feet tall, gray eyes, dark hair and was 
a fine looking and appearing young man, a son of Curtis B. Hubbard, 
a well-to-do first class farmer. His father was a leading citizen and pros- 
perous farmer, and had a family of four boys, two old enough to enlist, and they both 
volunteered, but only one, Oscar, was mustered into the United States service; a 
peculiar situation as will be seen. Curtis Hubbard, the father, gave his written con- 
sent that his son might enlist. Young Hubbard followed the regiment in all its 
marches and ever performed his duty with entire satisfaction to all. Was well liked 
by the boys of our company and he seemed well pleased that he was in the service 
as a common soldier in company with so many that were his equals. His conduct 
secured early, October 23rd. promotion as corporal and he was a good one. He was 
taken sick at Camji Widow Violet with typhoid fever and died May 16th. 1863. His 
body was sent home and buried in the family lot in the town of Georgia, Vt. 

Corporal Hubbard died in our regimental hospital at Catiip Widow Violet on 
the Occoquan, and quite suddenly. His body was sent home to Vermont under the 
agreement between the boys of the company made when Bovat died at Wolf Run 
Shoals, namely, that all who might die should be sent home, the expense to be borne- 
equally among the survivors of the company. Bovat had been sent home, Burgas, 
-who died at Wolf Run Shoals was buried there because he had no friends or home 
In Vermont to send his remains to. Hubbard was the last that died of disease in our 
comjiany while in the service. Cor])oral Church was killed at Gettysburg and his 
remains were finally taken to .Vermont by Captain Blake as before mentioned. 



Bioijraf>lticiil and Historical of Coiiil^aiiy K. 729 

GEORGE H. JENNISON 

volunteered about the 25th of August, 1862, from the town of Swauton, and Joined 
Highgate company September 11th, 1862, the day of the organization of the company. 
His father had died some time before, and Clark S. Jennison was his legal guardian 
and gave his written consent to the enlistment. George v.as brought up on a farm 
and educated thus far in the district schools of his native town. Born in 1842 in 
Swanton, Vt., occupation a farmer. His conduct showed that his moral training 
had not been neglected, he was a quiet, unobtrusive young fellow with a retiring, 
though pleasant disposition. Entered into the necessary drill essential to army life 
with zeal that he might at the earliest moment become fitted for the duties expected. 
This new life changed not a single obligation of civil life and his conduct was always 
upright and courteous. An opportunity came very soon after we were assigned to 
General Heintzleman's command who was in charge of the defences of Washington 
while at Camp Vermont on the Mount Vernon road a mile or so south of Alexandria 
to be detailed in the ambulance department. Private Jennison accepted this offer 
and was on the 17th day of November, 1S62, detailed as ambulance guard, which posi- 
tion he liked ver>' much, was soon promoted as sergeant which gave him a mounted 
position with quite pleasant surroundings, and with less exposure and routine of 
camp life, than if he had remained with the company. He did not leave Company 
K only on detached duty, and he was often seen riding into our camp equipped and 
caparisoned as belonging to the ambulance corps. We only saw him occasionally, 
but we learned that his service was faithful and efficient and satisfactory. 

Comrade Jennison remained in the ambulance department until his term of enlist- 
ment expired, and was mustered out with his regiment at Brattleboro, Vt., July 21st, 
18(i3. He returned to his home in Swanton and resumed the occupation of a farmer. 
He subsequently married Addle Potter, of St. Albans, moved West, where he has 
since resided. He now lives in Mason City. Iowa. He was East a few years ago and 
at that time paid me a visit and while he is many years older than when in the 
service, he does not look as old as 64. To them were born two children, a son and 
a daughter. 

JAMES JUDKINS 

was one of the Highgate volunteers from that town enrolled about August 25, 1862, 
and joined the Highgate company September 11th, the day of the organization of 
the company. I do not think I had seen him before this occasion. His age at enlist- 
ment was 38 and was a married man with a family, and his occupation was that of 
a shoemaker, was five feet, nine inches tall, straight, active, and a good physical 
specimen for endurance and hardship. He was a man of a few words, and said 
but little to any one, and only those with whom he mated or to officers and others 
about duty and business. He was on hand and was always in line when Sergeant 
Morey called the roll. Likely no more faithful and conscientious soldier found in our 
company. I do not think we had been out long before Comrade Judkins was permitted 
to set up a cobbler's shop in his tent, and repair shoes and boots for the boys, and 
this he continued to do until about the time we left Virginia on the Gettysburg march. 
Comrade Judkins informed me that he was born in Plattsburg, N. Y., that his father 
was a soldier in the war of 1812. 

Since returning home from the army he has resided in Highgate and continued 
the occupation of shoemaker and is still at the old trade and at the same place with 
a fair prospect of quite a number of years of active life. There is not a comrade of 
Company K but what has travelled further away from home and oftener than Com- 
rade Judkins. He is as regular in his habits of lite as the rising and setting of 
the sun. perfectly honest, no one doubts his word and is respected by all. He has 
a picture that was taken with uniform on, but says it is not fit to be used, anc" for 
that reason does not want it to appear in our book. I am sorry, for I am sure you 
would at once recognize Company K's honest shoemaker soldier, for he did duty as 
a soldier and sewed and pegged our shoes and some time took his pay in promises 
to be paid when the paymaster came. 

He is now an old man, 85 years past, and yet he walks off ji"st as when he 
appeared on the march, quick, steady and strong. I saw him here in Swanton only 
a few days ago, during the month of June, 1909, and his memory of the old days 
was fresh and that life in the army was spoken of with pleasure, and when I remarked 
to him, "We all soon shall pass away and be forgotten," "Yes," said he, "but what 
we did will remain, and tor us it does not much matter." He was mustered out with 
his regiment at Brattleboro, Vt., July 21st, 1863, and returned to his home in High- 
gate, Vt., where he has always lived. 

Comrade Judkins was born in Plattsburg, N. Y.. November 19th, 1824. He moved 
early to Vermont and married Mary Ann Wlieelock, of Bakersfleld, Vt., in 1846, and 
the fruit of this union was three daughters, Emma L., Sarah E., and Abbie M. Emma 
married a Mr. Sylvester Washburn; the other two never married and remain at home 



730 7 /ii" riiirti-ciith Rryiiiicnl I'cnuoiit I'olunlccrs 

giving care and comfort and joy to father and mother in the sunset of life. 1 am 
told he still applies his trade with customary satisfaction and promptness. He is 
now a pensioner at $2U per month and quite hajipy. 

ROBERT KEENAN 

volunteered as a substitute lor Henrj' G. King of llighgate and joined the Highgate 
company some time subsequent to September 23rd. and before we left the state 
for Hraltleboro to be mustered into the United States service. He was as I thought 
at the time, an old man, and in fact his age was '.'•l or more, and yet he was a strong, 
healthy looking, vigorous, athletic man. lie was a Yankee Irishman, born in this 
country, but his father and mother were from sweet old Ireland. Rob, as we called 
him. was full of fun and wit, and made lots of droll talk that tickled and amused 
the boys very much. He was all right and made a good soldier, and was one of the 
best shots in Company K. if not the best, it was an even thing between him and 
Oliver Parizo. Rob had two brothers in the army, one who enlisted from a western 
state, and one from Vermont, who belonged to Company F, I'nited States Shari)sliooters 
that was recruited from Vermont, both of these brothers are still living in Swanton, 
Vt. Rob was patriotic and seemed perfectly satisfied with army life. He had a roving 
disposition, and was seldon found in camp in good weather, unless detailed for duty. 
Rob, like some others, hankered now and then for liquid rations, and whenever given 
ovit, which was not often, was on hand for his share, and would not refuse even what 
belonged to the other boys who did not use liqvior of any kind, and if he could iire- 
vail upon them to draw their rations and turn the same over to him, he was more 
than pleased If not fully satisfied. 

He remained with the regiment in line of duty to the end and showed himself 
to be a brave, fearless, courageous and aggressive soldier. He was mustered out 
with the regiment July 21st, 1863, and returned to East Highgate where he was em- 
ployed for many years in O. S. Rixford's Axe and Scythe Mfg. establishment. He 
died in and is buried in Highgate, Vt. 

OLIVER L. KEEZER 

enlisted from the town of Georgia, Vt., as a substitute for Orrin Hubbard, and on 
October 23, was enrolled and mustered in the same day, the only man in Company 
K or the Thirteenth Regiment from that town except William Ryan, that joined 
Company A, 13th Vermont Volunteers. He was an old man and must have been led 
to volunteer liy some jjeculiar ciicumstances. He was |iast 4.') in Ociol)er. isti2. 
He joined Company K after we arrived at Washington and while we were in camp 
on East Capitol Hill, called Camp Casey, and was mustered in on the same day, 
October 2:ird. lSfi2. .Now you wonder how this irrej^ularity came about. I will explain 
as I recall and understand the situation. There were two Hubbard boys who enlisted 
from the town of Swanton. Oscar and Orrin, both all right and acceptable and both 
went with us to Brattleboro, Vt., on September 29th and remained there until October 
9th, the day befjre we were mustered into the United States service. Our uniforms 
had been distributed and they with the rest of us dressed up as soldiers and partici- 
pated in the drills and the duties of camp to this date, October 9th. On this 9th day 
of October word came from home to the Hubbard brothers that death or dangerous 
illness had suddenly occurred in the Hubbard family, and to come home, if possible, 
at once. This communication was taken to the adjutant and inspector generals office, 
Peter T. Washburn, and leave of absence from the company was granted for two weeks, 
the order being signed by Peter T. Washburn. They returned home to Swanton in haste 
uniformed, on the same night. Oscar returned and joined his company at Camp Casey 
October 23rd, 1.S62. and was then mustered into the United States service. Orrin did 
not return, but Oliver L. Keezer came with Oscar in place of his brother, dressed 
in the same uniform that Orrin had worn away when he went home on leave of ab- 
sence. Why Orrin did not return I never knew, but I think on account of death in 
the family, and it was decided best to get some one to take Orrin's place, and old 
Oliver L. Keezer was dug up somewhere down in Georgia as a proxy for Orrin. 
Whether ever examined and passed by a medical examination is very doubtful but 
Oliver came and some kind of a military necromancy, presto change, took place, and 
Keezer was accepted and mustered in, good, bad or indifferent, and nothing said. 
Keezer was a total stranger and the boys thought it was a bad trade, for he was 
twice as old as Orrin Hubbard and was nowhere his equal in education, general 
appearance or physical ability to endure army life. 

Orrin volunteered and was with the company, doing duty like the rest for five 
or six weeks, and then secured Keezer to take his place in Company K. He took off 
his uniform that he wore home and put it on Keezer and started him with his 
brother. Oscar to Washington, D. C, to join Company K in his place. They arrived 
before their ftirlough expired and he was duly enlisted and mustered in, and all went 



Biographical and Historical of Company K. 731 

well. Orrin remained at home, and lived in Georgia as a prosperous farmer all his 
life until about January, 1906, when he died. 

Keezer did duty for a while, but the climate and lite was too much for him and 
in April. 1863, was sent to the general hospital and never returned to our company for 
duty. He came with others and joined us at Brattleboro, Vt., coming with Surgeon 
Nichols, who found him with others of our regiment in the hospitals about Washing- 
ton. He was mustered out with the regiment July 21st, 1863. He was not to blame 
for sickness, for some of our very best were taken sick and were never after able to do 
duty, some were discharged before the expiration of their service, and others who had 
spent considerable time in the hospital, were mustered out with the regiment. One 
thing is certain that Keezer did not serve over time for he enlisted October 23rd, and 
was mustered out July 21st, less than nine months from the time he was mustered 
into the United States service. Most of us enlisted in August and were mustered 
out in July, eleven months in the service and a good many of the boys claimed before 
we started on the march to Gettysburg, that our time was out, and when we left 
camp on the Occoquan we should march direct to Washington and be sent home, 
and that accounts tor a few fellows of Company K starting off on that last march 
so heavily loaded down. They thought they were on the way home by the way of 
Alexandria and Washington, but such were doomed to disappointment. The most 
of us knew full well we should be needed. We knew General Lee was in the Shenan- 
doah Valley with his whole army moving north as fast as possible and we had sat on 
the banks of the Occoquan for days and watched General Hooker's army cross the Oc- 
coquan in all haste on his way north to intercept General Lee before he should be able to 
reach Washington, and every hour of the day and night for ten days we expected to hear 
the beat of the long roll preparatory to follow, and thus it was, but that I may not 
do injustice to Comrade Keezer or my friend, Orrin Hubbard, in whose place he went, 
am glad to say that Keezer re-enlisted into Company A, 17th Vermont Regiment, and 
there distinguished himself as a valiant soldier. He was taken prisoner September 
30th, 1864, and died in that horrid prison pen at Salisbury. N. C, January 27th, 1865, 
and was there buried. Oscar Hubbard as you know died in June, 1863, at Camp 
Widow Violet and that his remains were sent home to Vermont. 

JAMES KINGSLEY 

was a Swanton recruit and volunteered about August 25th, 1862, and was present and 
took part in the election of Company officers on September 11th. His age was 21 and 
a tanner by occupation, and was a married man. He was short and slight, too puny 
for soldier business, and yet he was tough and endured army life better than many 
who seemed better fitted for it. He was much attached to his wife and she undoubtedly 
was lonesome when left behind in Vermont, and I presume he wrote her to come to 
Washington, informing her that we were to remain near Washington on guard duty. 
She arrived sometime in November and joined her husband while we were in Camp 
Vermont. That made it a little inconvenient for her husband, tor three others occupied 
a small A tent by themselves and no sleeping room for more. Kingsley hustled around, 
went and saw Colonel Randall who was always kind and thoughtful, and very cour- 
teous to the ladies, and taking into consideration the circumstances, at once ordered 
a special tent for Kingsley and his wife, and in the course of a day or so Kingsley 
had up a tent all stockaded and fixed up as comfortable as a cotton tent could be 
in the winter time, and thereafter Kingsley and his wife had a tent by themselves. 
It was about number four down the company street on the left at Camp Wolf Run 
Shoals. Kingsley now lived happy and contented and so was his wife. There was 
plenty of regulation rations for all, such as beans, rice, pork, hardtack, coffee, tea, 
sugar, molasses, salt, pepper and occasionally soft bread and fresh meat. 

Mrs. Kingsley seemed to enjoy the outdoor life and for a time had the proud 
distinction of being the only woman in camp. Quite a number came later while 
we were in Camp Widow Violet, and a more appropriate camp for ladies to visit than 
Wolf Run Shoals. Some of you must remember how Kingsley was annoyed because of the 
boyish capers invented to make fun and bother him, all innocent fun, nothing more. 
Kingsley got permission from the Captain to do guard duty in the camp and not 
go out on the picket line, that his wife might not be left alone, but that was entirely 
unnecessary, for there was never the slightest danger of any of Company K boys 
planning for an elopement with her. Some said James was jealous. T could never be- 
lieve it, yet it might have been so. Mrs. Kingsley remained and moved with us to 
our next camp. Widow Violet. Mrs. Kingsley was the best looking lady in camp 
for a long time, but when others came society was re-organized, and the social relations 
of the regiment was run on a different plan. 

When there appeared some prospect of a spring campaign. Comrade Kingsley 
was alarmed and was advised to let his wife go to Washington, or home to Vermont, 
and about the first day of June she left for Washington, and from there home to 
Vermont. Comrade Kingsley was very lonesome for a while, but soon was all right 



73- ^ Z't" 1 Inrtccntit Rcyimcnt I crniuul I ulitiitccrs 

and did good duty the real of the liuie, but was anxious to see home, and was some 
afraid he might gel hurt if we got into a fight, lie never was shot or harmed in 
battle, and was mustered out with the regiment July 2lBt, ISU:'. He lived in Swauton 
for a number of years after returning home and then moved to Massachusetts, where 
he was living only a few years ago. 1 liave not been able to ascertain whether he 
is dead or alive. 

ISAAC LADUE 

volunteered from the town of Highgate about September ]6th, 1862, as a substitute 
for Dennis Wilcox. It appeared that at this time Calvin Drury was his guardian, for 
he gave permission for the enlistment. Dennis Wilcox was a drafted man from the 
town of Grand Isle, and procured Isaac to go as his substitute, and yet Ladue was 
accredited to Highgate and not to Grand Isle on the quota as appears by the Adjutant 
General's report of the state, and how it was arranged of course I cannot say. 

Isaac and his guardian, Drury, signed papers to act as a substitute for Wilcox. 
Isaac was a volunteer just the same, and served under his own name. He was at this 
date 19, short and quite small for one of his age. He was Rhode Island born and yet 
evidently had never had the benefit of a common school education, for we observed 
he signed his name by making a cross for his signature. Though in the same com- 
pany, we never became much acquainted with Comrade Ladue, as a rule he was seen 
in the ranks ready and willing to do duty. He was for a while detailed on guard 
duty away from the regiment. Isaac was with the regiment in all its marches and 
in the battle at Gettysburg, and was a good and brave soldier, faithfully performing 
his duties at all times, fulfilling the oath taken to serve his government. He was 
mustered out with the regiment at Hrattleboro, July 21st, 1863, and returned home 
to Highgate. I have not been able to find out w^here he is, or if dead, when or where 
he died. 

HARDY H. LADUE 

volunteered from the town of .\lburgh ubout the 10th day of September. 1S63, and 
joined Highgate Company, and was present, as I recall, when company officers were 
elected. September 11th. There were four others from Alburg, his associates. Hardy 
at this time was 20 years old, five feet nine inches tall, well built, muscular and 
active and his occupation was that of a blacksmith. He was in age, physical make-up 
and otherwise well adapted to the life he had volunteered to take part in. Was 
pleasant and jovial, had a kind and gentle disposition, but did not care to have his 
toes purposely stepped on, and if persisted in, that left hand would come out to remind 
you to be a little more careful. All knew that it would not do to push Hardy too 
much or too often, even Corporal Chadwick was careful not to give occasion for offense 
in his official relation or otherwise. 

Comrade Ladue was on hand when duty called him. He was stationed on special 
duty at Fairfax Station for about two months, returning to the company about March 
Htli, while we were still in camp at Wolf Run Shoals. He and Butler and Sergeant 
Manzer, who had been at the station claimed to have had pretty good winter- quarters, 
light duty and quite a pleasant and comfortable time. They were stationed where 
they could take the cars any day for Alexandria and Washington. I called on them 
on two occasions on my way from Camp Wolf Run Shoals to Washington. Their 
tent at the railroad station was a sort of a hotel for Company K boys on their way 
to and from Washington, often staying over night with them and surely we were 
always welcomed, and the best the house afforded was cheerfully divided. The latch 
string always hung out at their tent. This hotel was only an .V tent calculated for 
four, but six or eight could be accommodated in case of storm or other necessity. 
Hardy was a good entertainer and was bubbling over with fun and laughter nearly all 
the time when awake. It seems to me now as I recall individually the boys of Company K 
none seemed to enjoy the outdoor and army life better than young Ladue. He was 
sick for a day or so occasionally with disease incident to army life. I think he had 
the measles, camp itch and jaundice: most of us did. but he foimd no fault with 
such trifles. Was generally all serene when plenty of rations at hand and not too 
much marching and sleeping on the cold, wet ground without tents. 

He stood the seven days" march to Gettysburg as well as any of Company K, and 
reached there as fresh as any. He was a good forager and he and his associate. Henry 
Butler were able to buy or appropriate more than most of us. and therefore was In 
pretty good condition for the fight when we reached the battlefield of Gettysburg. 
Hardy was no coward for all the day long, July 2nd. he was under fire, and on the 
3rd during most of the cannonading of that day, which was fearful where our com- 
pany and regiment were, but his sympathy for his comrades in distress was ever 
quick to respond and ready to assist. About noon on the last day of the battle during 
a brief cessation of flying and exploding shell, one of our ntimber. Edward Gorman, 
was taken suddenly ill and was suffering cramps and awful pains in the bowels and 
■was rolling about on the ground. Hardy came up to Captain Blake and reported Gor- 



Biographical and Historical of Company K. y^^ 

man's case and asked what could be done. Captain Blake observed Gorman's condition 
to be as reported, and hesitated as to what could be done. Hardy pointed to an 
ambulance some twenty rods to the rear and Captain Blake said, "Take him to that 
ambulance as quick as possible and return, for we are liable to be called on to charge 
any minute." I saw Hardy deliver Comrade Gorman inside the ambulance and my 
attention was then called to a caisson that exploded just at our left and rear, and 
this made quite a commotion, for a number were killed and many wounded. The 
air was so filled with smoke that the ambulance and Ladue were hidden from view. 
We were immediately ordered to advance a few rods to a rail fence breast- 
work that had been built by orders during the forenoon under charge of Sergeant 
George H. Scott of Company G, and from that time on the air was pretty full of shot 
and shell and no one cared to run about very much unless in response to orders; then 
none seemed to hesitate. 

General Pickett's charge followed, and the fight was over with the going down of 
the sun. On the next day Hardy said after he placed Comrade Gorman into the 
ambulance, he attempted to return to his company, but owing to the blowing up of 
two or three caissons nearby him and the shell came so fast, could not find his way 
back to the regiment. It had moved and he could not tell where to go, but found a 
protected place and there remained until dark. The boys chided Hardy good naturedly 
when he returned and did not fully accept his reasons for not returning. Hardy did 
not show any resentment, for at that time it would not have been prudent to do so, 
but laughingly said in reply, "Well, I would rather be a live coward than a dead 
hero." The matter was there dropped, for no one could say it was different than 
explained by Comrade Ladue. Hardy fell in with the company on the march in pur- 
suit of General Lee's flying army and seemed anxious to overtake the foe and have 
another opportunity to test his courage in another battle, and I am confident if he 
had been given another chance would have remained with his company, no matter 
how hard and bloody the contest, but on the 10th while at iliddletown, Md., received 
orders to start for home, our time being out, hence none of us had any chance to 
show courage or redeem damaged reputation. Young Ladue was mustered out with 
the regiment July 21st. 1863, and returned home. He followed his occupation of 
blacksmith for a number of years and finally became an engineer on a railroad, and 
has for many years past been employed in the railroad service as a reliable and 
courageous engineer. The last I heard of Comrade Ladue he was in Chicago, 111. He 
is supposed to be alive. 

JAMES MALONEY 

volunteered from the town of Swanton about the 1st of September, 1862. He was at 
this time about 42 years old and a farmer by occupation, a married man, was born 
in Ireland, but had been in this country since childhood. He was present at the 
organization of the Highgate company September 11th, 1862. Although he had been 
brought up under our laws and civilizing influences, he was a genuine bog trotter, and 
as full of wit and repartee as those who live near the Lakes of Killarney, nearby 
which he said he was born. He had gray eyes and hair, was of stout build, sturdy, 
healthy and strong, was a good feeder and seemed to appreciate the abundance of 
pork and beans, etc., furnished for the soldiers. He was for a time on detail duty at 
the regimental hospital, but returned to the company after a few weeks and then 
remained with his company doing duty when called upon. I recall that he was one 
of the few in Company K who did not refuse whisky rations when issued, which 
occurred on a few occasions. Some of Company K boys who did not use whiskey 
were persuaded to go and draw their share and then turn them over to some deserving 
comrade who thought he needed it as a preventive against small-pox, measles, jaundice, 
itch, wood ticks and chills and fever, etc., etc., so occasionall.v some one took too 
much preventive for the best discipline and morale of the company. 

Maloney was a very good soldier, and like most of his nationality had plenty ot 
courage on all occasions. He was mustered out with the regiment at Brattleboro, Vt., 
July 21st, 1863, and returned to Swanton, and on the 29th day of August, 1863, re- 
enlisted imder his old friend. Lieutenant Brown of Company K, into Company A, of 
the Seventeenth Vermont Regiment, this time as a veteran, went to the front in 
the spring of 1864, taken sick while in front of Petersburg, Va., and died of disease 
October 6th, 1864. Here again was illustrated the loyalty of the Irish soldier to his 
adopted country. The Thirteenth Regiment had abundant proof of heroic conduct In 
battle of those of Irish birth, and those of our regiment of this nationality too much 
praise cannot be given. 

DANIEL MANAHAN 

volunteered from the town of Swanton about September 10th, 1862. His age was 18, 
dark hair and gray eyes, and a nice clean looking young man with a genial and happy 
disposition, very friendly and kind and courteous to every one. He was truly a 
genuine Yankee Irishman, born in Swanton. His father and mother were born In 



734 '"'t' I Itirtccitth Rcyiiiiciit I rniionl I 'oliiittccrs 

Iri-liUid. His father died a niiiuber of years ago in St. Albans, Vt., and his mother 
still lives, and is often seen on the streets of St. Albans and occasionally in her old 
home town, Swanton. and as I meet her she always refers to her soldier son, Dannie, 
and with eyes dimmed with tears and trembling voice speaks affectionately of her 
first born and dearest beloved child. 

Comrade Manahan was one of the best and bravest boys of Company K, was 
always on hand and ready for duty, pleasant and cheerful at all times. I never saw 
him otherwise. In fact he was quite a favorite in the company, and could be depended 
upon at all times and was reliable, faithful and true. Mis undaunted courage when 
exposed to great danger, was grandly illustrated on Cemetery Hill July 2nd, when he 
and others of Company K went to the assistance of a crippled battery as heretofore 
mentioned. The manifestation of such heroism in a mere boy of IS was sublime, and 
an inspiration to his comrades that witnessed it, and in unison spontaneously cheered 
this daring deed. If any earned a medal of honor for bravery on that field of carnage 
and glory, it was my esteemed comrade. Daniel Manahan. Young Manahan was mus- 
tered out with the company and regiment, and returned to his home where he was 
affectionately received by father and mother, sisters and brothers, and all who knew 
him heartily welcomed him homo and praised his gallant and manly courage at 
Gettysburg. The citizens of his native town, Swanton, were justly proud of bis 
conduct in battle. 

Daniel re-enlisted in Company M, frontier Cavalry, January 3rd, 1864, and was 
mustered o\it June 27th, 18G.5, by reason of special order, close of the war. Daniel 
returned and resumed work on the farm his father owned, and carried it on for quite 
a number of years. His father. Timothy Manahan was a tailor and carried on business 
in Swanton village for many years. He went West, remained a few years, returned 
home and there remained until his sudden deatli. He never married and the last 
few years of his life was spent in the city of St. Albans where he had three married 
sisters, Mrs. Cornelius Reagan. Mrs. Michael Barnes, and Mrs. Alfred Dufresnes. and 
he and his mother lived by themselves. Daniel had two younger brothers, Tim and 
John: Tim is a long time engineer in the far West, and John is a successful farmer 
now residing in Fairfield, Vt. Dan was always the same kind hearted, genial fellow, 
generous and sympathetic. His greatest pleasure in life was the meeting of his old 
comrades of Company K. These as he grew older seemed to be more dear and near 
to his great heart. 1 lived neighbor to him after we returned from the war and was 
quite intimate and knew his every day life, and am now glad to say of him that but 
few rendered better, more loyal and devoted service to his country than Comrade 
Manahan. He was respected by all who knew him through life. He is missed and 
by his comrades, his noble qualities of mind and heart are and ever will be cherished 
in memory. We shall see him soon and join the immortal army where he now waits 
the coming of the remainder of his dear old comrades of Company K. Comrade Mana- 
han died at St. Albans, and is buried in the Catholic Fairfax Street Cemetery. If 
you would see how he looks, look on page 413 of this book. 

ASHAEL A. MANNING 

volunteered from his native town. Alburg, Vt.. September 10th. 1862. at the age of 
17, and at once went to Highgate and there joined Highgate Company on the day of 
election of Company officers. He was only Jive feet, four inches tall, rather small, 
but an active, healthy looking boy, light complexion, gray eyes and light hair, and 
had been brought up on a farm. Was the son of Judge A. R. Manning, a native also 
of Alburg. There were four others who came to Highgate Company from Alburg 
and they all tented together most of the time, and were quite clannish, and seemed 
to think much of each other. Were all from good families and all born in Alburg, 
except Sergeant Merritt Manzer, who was a native of Swanton. Vt. Asahel was 
a good soldier and a very likely young boy and showed that he was well brought up. 
He was educated in the common district schools of his town. His endurance for one 
so young and so small was quite remarkable.. He remained with the regiment and 
participated in all its marches, raids and battles and demonstrated that age and size 
are not necessarily essential pre-requisites in a soldier. 

He was mustered out with his regiment and returned to his home, Alburg, and 
re-enlisted into Company A, seventeenth Vermont Volunteers, as a veteran on the 
22nd day of September, 1863, under his old Lieutenant of Company K, now Captain 
Stephen F. Brown, and arrived at the front in season to take part in the battles of 
the Wilderness. May. 1864. also Spotsylvania. North .Anna. Totopotomoy. Hethsada 
Church, Cold Harbor. Petersburg and Petersburg Mine. Welden Railroad, Papalone 
Spring, Church and Hatchet Run and all between the dates of May 5th and October 
29th, 1864. He was taken sick in December following and sent home to Vermont 
on a furlough on account of sickness the 1st of March. 1S65, but recovered and re- 
turned, arriving In Washington. D. C. in .\pril and finally joined his regiment at 
City Point. Was mustered out July 17th, 186.'.. 



Biographical and Historical of Company K. 735 

Since his return to civil life lie has been engaged in speculation, in farm produce, 
insurance, builder and contractor, but for the last few years has not been able to da 
but little labor of any kind. Comrade Manning writes me that he has a family of 
seven boys and five girls, all able-bodied, good looking, industrious and respectable, 
happy and contented and proud that their father served as a soldier in the War of 
the Rebellion. Comrade Asahel Manning has done better than any other of Company 
K toward preparation for abiding peace or war. Comrade Manning sent me a photo 
as he looked July 21st, 1905, just 42 years from the date of muster out with Company 
K. Many of you have never seen him since. It has been quite a number of years 
since I saw him last. He has suffered with disease for many years contracted in the 
service. He lived in Tilton, N. H., for quite a number of years past. He died January 
9th, 1906. Comrade Manning wrote me June 12th, 1905 that he was very much pleased 
to hear from one of the old boys of Company K, and in the postscript of his letter 
used these words, "The boys are going fast. I think fall will wind up my life on this 
earth, I have had a bleeding spell from my lungs and can't stand many more, Good- 
bye." He realized his end was near, and I doubt not he was fully prepared for the 
life beyond. He has a brother now residing in Alburg by the name of Man- 

ning. A picture of Comrade Manning will be seen on page 417, and a brief biographi- 
cal sketch written just before his death on page .... The name under his picture 
on page 417 Is error; Asahel A. Manning, not Charles A., which is a mistake of the 
printer. 

CHARLES A. MARVIN 

volunteered from the town of Franklin and joined Highgate Company on the day 
of its organization, September 11th, 1863. His age at this time was 29 years, and a 
married man. He was born in Fairfield, Vt., and had lived there nearly all his life. 
Had resided in Franklin only a short time when he enlisted. His occupation or trade 
was a wheelwright, carpenter and joiner. His education was in the district schools 
of Fairfield. His father was a prosperous farmer and a leading citizen of Fairfield 
for many years and resided on a large farm located on the north west side of Fairfield 
Pond. Charles A. was a straightforward man, vigorous looking and appearing soldier. 
He was detailed as soon as we arrived at Brattleboro for work in building barracks, 
then in process of construction. He served the most of his time on detailed duty. 
He was one of Company K's famous cooks. This detailed duty required him to go 
with the wagon train that carried baggage and food. In camp he was one of the 
company cooks and attended to drawing of company rations from quartermaster, 
and on the march was one of the guards of the train and carried a gun. 

Comrade Marvin was a firm believer in dreams and had been from early boyhood. 
An incident in his life perhaps accounts for this conviction. His mother was one of 
a class that in these days would be called a mind reader, a medium, a spiritualistic 
Interpreter of past, present and future. Her dreams under circumstances were recog- 
nized as reliable in the community where she lived, while his mother, though a 
Christian woman, laid no claims to being inspired like Daniel of Sacred History, yet 
she could see and understand how to interpret what she called dreams, which often 
proved correct. One instance which is well authenticated by some still living, Comrade 
Marvin relates as an inciaent in his early lite, and It appears in his biography on 
page .... and if you take pains to read it, you will not wonder why Company M 
listened to the dreams of their cook and placed more or less reliance on them, nor 
why the cook was a firm believer in dreams. 

Comrade Marvin was mustered out with the regiment and returned to Franklin 
County and took up the occupation of his father and moved on to the old farm and 
carried it on for many years, until about twelve years ago. Being broken in health 
and suffering from rheumatism and infirmity incident to army life, gave up the farm 
and moved to Swanton and there served as Janitor for church and schools for a 
number of years. His family of girls and boys grew up, married and went by them- 
selves. His wife died and he married again, quite a young woman, and she died 
within a year, and subsequently he married a war widow, Mrs. Allen Potter. Comrade 
Marvin is now at this date, January, 1909, living with a son in St. Albans City, Vt. 
His picture as he now looks appears on page 420 of this book. 

GEORGE A. MEAD 

volunteered from the town of Swanton about September 1st, 1862, at the age of 19, 
was born in Swanton and the son of a farmer, and his occupation, as far as he had 
any, was on the farm. He was a well-behaved young man and attended to duty well 
and faithfully at all times. I do not recall enough concerning his army life to say 
much of him, nor do I know of him since his discharge, July 21st, 1863. Have not 
seen him since that day, nor have I been able to ascertain anything concerning him. 



jy' Till- Ihirtectiih h'l-ijiinciil l\-nituiit i'olnntccis 

HENRY B. MEIGS 

volunteered from his nalive town, HigliKiUe, and joiut-d Higligate Company September 
lllh, 1SG2. His age was IS, six feet high, had a large frame, but little unnecessary 
llesh, and was indeed raw material and enough of it for a soldier. Light complexion, 
gray eyes and light hair. Had always lived at home on the farm, and never strayed 
away very far. He was exceedingly modest and bashful for one so large, at first he 
was shy and reserved. He was quite apt and soon learned all the ways of camp life 
whether essential or not. Was on hand day or night for duty or fun, and was easily 
persuaded by his chums to go outside of camp limits on a tour of investigation. 
These trips were made in the day time generally, and if anything was located that 
tempted their palate, the next trip was made by moonlight, and 1 know from what 
1 saw and heard mentioned, Meigs and Company never returned empty handed. 

There was nothing mean or malicious in Comrade Meigs's disposition or conduct 
while in the service. It was not in him to do a low cowardly act even to an enemy- 
His pranks while undergoing a metamorphic process of being converted into a soldier, 
brought out more latent material than naturally developed in the preparatory course, 
and lasted only a little while, and the change was quite apparent. He soon began 
to realize what was exi)ected from him as a soldier, and the responsible part that he 
had voluntarily promised his government that he would assume and fulfill. He became 
more thoughtful, and more anxious as to what the final result might be. Patriotic 
desire was so strong that he waited impatiently for opportunity to take a more active 
part. He seemed anxious to test his courage and strength in battle (though not a 
word was ever uttered by him as to what he would do if he should meet the enemy). 
Comrade Meigs, like all of Company K, had never faced the belching cannon, nor the 
desperate charge, and dare not say what his conduct would be in such a crisis. His 
manly conduct and undaunted courage on the seven days' march to Gettysburg, was 
proof of his unyielding determination to stand by the Stars and Stripes whenever 
and wherever the supreme effort of mortal combat should occur, which gave much 
promise of heroic conduct in battle. 1 have heretofore spoken of distinguished service 
performed by Comrade Meigs on the battlefield of Gettysburg, and need not here say 
more. The ancestral blood that flowed in his veins stimulated his soul to its greatest 
effort, that he might in his humble position do his part in subduing and overthrowing 
the rebellious armies now assailing the flag of his country. His conduct in battle 
demonstrated that his whole being was imbued with the single purpose of doing his 
very best. After the battle of Gettysburg none appeared more elated and satisfied, 
because of the privilege of taking part in the sanguinary struggle that brought glorious 
victory tor the Union and praise to the Second Vermont Brigade to which he belonged. 

He returned to Brattleboro and was mustered out by reason of expiration of term 
of service, and then to his old home in Highgate and resumed work on the farm, but 
this occupation was too slow for his active and ambitious mind. His soldier life 
had changed him, and the avenues of thought were now so different, that he became 
restless and anxious to go forth and engage in the struggle of civil life, that he might 
do for himself more than the opportunities of life on the old home farm could possibly 
furnish. In the winter of 1S65-1S66 after peace had been declared he went to the 
distant West. His pictures will be seen on page 418, and an article by himself on 
page .... See Roster. 

JOHN MOLLO 

volunteered from the town of Swanton September 11th. ISC:;, and joined Highgate 
Company on the day of the organization and election of officers of that company. 
He was 47 years old and a married man. occupation that of a day laborer. He was 
five feet, four inches tall, thick set, short, and a strong man of his age, dark hair, 
eyes and complexion, and he claimed to be part Injun (as he called it), and that his 
grandmother was of the St. Francis tribe of Indians that once lived on the banks of 
the Missisquoi River on land now within the limits of the town of Swanton. His dark 
complexion, long coarse straight black hair and rugged build, justified his claim of 
descending from some Indian tribe. I have no doubt he may have descended from the 
red man of this country. He was a good natured, willing and jolly fellow, and had 
quite a tame and civilized disposition. He was on hand for duty when called, never 
sick and in fact was a good soldier. He was one of the few of Company K who when 
on the march carried his knapsack stuffed so full that when placed in position on his 
shoulders it towered above his head and thus carried it on every march. 

Mollo was quite suddenly shook up in the charge on the second day of Gettysburg 
battle, when charging from Cemetery Hill over to our left front where our line of 
battle had been just broken through by some of General Longstreet's corps. A shell 
struck the ground just in front of us. came bounding along, passed through our ranks 
and struck a small boulder on which John had just put his foot upon, and exploded. 
This was a close call and John thought he was mortally wounded and called for help. 
It did bring him down and he had reason to be frightened, as no doubt he was. We 



Biographical and Historical of Company K. J27 

left him still crying for assistance, but we of course, could not then stop, and in tact 
Captain Blake saw enough to satisfy himself that MoUo would be all right as soon as 
he recovered from his fright, and called out to him to come on, that he was all right, 
but Mollo came no further, but sought a place of safety to see where he had been hit. 
We saw him next, the day after the battle, and Mollo reported that he was so lame 
that he could not follow on, and in fact was still limping, but no marks on his person 
could be found. The concussion of exploding shell so near him discouraged and possibly 
may have caused his lameness. He was all right in a day or two and started on the 
march in pursuit of Lee"s army as good as new. All the time he was anxious to know 
if we were now on the way home. He returned and was mustered out as sound as when 
mustered in, and a happier man when he took the cars at Brattleboro for home was 
not to be found in Company K. He lived about Swanton for a few years and then 
moved away, but where we do not know. He is supposed to be dead, but when or 
where he died, I have not been able to obtain any reliable information. 

SILAS MOZIER 

was enrolled by the selectmen of Sheldon, and counted on the quota of that town 
and joined the Highgate company on the day of the election of company officers. His 
age was 19, nationality French, though born in Sheldon, Vt. Was good size, five feet 
nine inches tall, light hair, eyes ana complexion. He looked and appeared well enough, 
and was not quarrelsome nor of an ugly disposition, submitted cheerfully to military 
discipline, and seemed to enjoy being a soldier. I never saw him before the day of 
the organization of our company. I observed on that day that one arm was a little 
short and said to myself that he would not pass medical examination, and likely will 
be rejected, but to my surprise he did pass, both company examination by Doctor 
Stevens of St. Albans and regimental at Brattleboro by a United States surgeon. He 
must have managed to have kept that left arm so it did not show. I had ample 
reason after to be glad that he did not enlist from Swanton, and was sorry that he 
was in Company K. Even his own nationality did not care to tent or associate with 
him. He was sly, and it was rumored he was inclined to take things that did not 
belong to him, and now and then a fellow soldier would lose money and some thought 
it was Mozier who helped himself. He was outside of camp visiting the farm houses 
in search of something, and his tent was often a storehouse of trash that no one 
could eat or drink. There was always a code of honor among soldiers that prevented 
them taking anything but eatables and drinkables to satisfy hunger and thirst, to make 
a little change from the regulation diet of boiled pork and hard tack. 

In the forenoon of the last day of the battle of Gettysburg while the shot and 
shell filled the air, Mozier watched his opportunity and started on the run for the rear, 
throwing down his gun and other accoutrements as he ran. We saw him disappear 
over the ridge out of sight. Some of Company K and others nearby who saw him rtm 
sang out, "Shoot the damn coward; see him run; shoot him," but no one did, but he 
deserved it, for that was the time for each to stand up and not flinch or run away. 
He returned the next day after the battle dressed with an almost new uniform on, and 
sergeant's stripes on the sleeves. When Captain Blake saw this official desecration he 
was mad and ordered him to take off the stripes at once, and he obeyed. Though 
we did not know for certain, yet we were satisfied that he had been over the battle- 
field after the fight was over robbing the dead, not only of money, but the uniform he 
wore. He admitted to the writer that he had been out on the battlefield, and that he 
exchanged coats with a dead Sergeant. Very fortunate it was for Mozier that our 
time was then almost at an end, within a day or two, and we were hastily following 
up Lee's retreating army, or charges would have been made against Mozier, and 
likely would have been found guilty, not for being a coward, but for robbing the dead. 

I am thankful that there were none others like him in Company K. He was 
mustered out at Brattleboro, Vt., July 21st, 1863, and returned to his home in Sheldon, 
Vt. His company comrades would have nothing further to do or say to 
him and never so far as I know, would recognize him as a comrade. I have seen 
him occasionally since the war. I saw him about four years ago in the streets of St. 
Albans, and I knew him at once for that short arm and the way he carried it gave 
him away. Such fellows often live the longest and likely he Is drawing a large pension 
by reason of Injury to his left at Gettysburg. 

GEORGE M. MOTT 

volunteered from Alburg, Vt., and joined Highgate company September 11th, 1862. at 
which time he was 23 years old, a single man, and by occupation a farmer, five feet 
seven inches high, dark complexion, brown eyes, black hair, a good proportioned, 
trim looking young man. George was not very chummy, and mingled but little with 
only those who came from the same town. He was generally on duty when his turn 
came. He found some fault about using a pick and spade at Fort Lyon when we were 



-^H The Tliiiti-ciillt Ri-yiiiii-ii! I'crmont I'oluiitceis 

detailed for work on llial fori near Camp N'cruiont, aud claimed that he did not eulist 
for that, aud objected to that kind of lighting. Virginia clay was miserable stuff to 
handle, and he was not used to it. The soil was different on the shores of Lake 
Chaniplain where he was born, but none of us had mucli of this kind of work to do. 
Comrade Wott was a good, faithful soldier, and manfully and courageously performed 
his duty to the end. He was mustered out with the regiment July 2l8t, 18C2, and 
returned to his home in Alburg, Vt., where he has resided since. He married and 
raised up a family, taking life as it came without worry or particular desire 
to become rich. 1 see Comrade JVlott occasionally aud he looks quite young yet, and 
he is hall and happy. His present address is Alburg, Vt. 

SUMNER A. NILES 

volunteered from the town of Alburg and joined Highgate company September 11th, 
1862. His age at this time was 35, and a married man, and by occupation a farmer. 
Was to all appearances well fitted for soldier life. He went to Brattleboro with us 
September 29th, and was mustered into the United States service on October 10th, 
18G2, and left us that night and we saw him no more. He returned in due season to 
Alburg, Vt. 1 have seen him since the war, but have never asked him why he deserted. 

ROSWELL OLMSTEAD 

volunteered from the town of Franklin and was one of the clan from the east side 
of the pond, now called Silver Lake. His age was 19, a single man, and the son of 
a farmer, five feet nine inches tall, and good material out of which to make a good 
soldier. My first acquaintance with him was on the day of the organization of the 
company. He never said but little to any one and seldom a word to comparative 
strangers, he was odd and very peculiar, hard to get acquainted with. He brought 
with him a good reputation, and his general appearance was indicative of proper 
bringing up. His habits were all right, his conduct upright and straightforward. Was 
on hand when duty called, and was ready and willing to do his whole duty, and never 
found fault. He seemed to enjoy soldier life, but he was far away from home, and 
occasionally longed to be there. A little homesick now and then, but that was 
epidemic and intermittent, and never dangerous. He was a good soldier, and brave, 
and acquitted himself with credit and honor to his town and state. 

He was mustered out with his regiment and returned home to Franklin where 
he has since resided most of the time, following the occupation and in the footsteps 
of his father until quite recently. I have seen him but few times since the war, 
though we live in the same county, and not more than fifteen miles apart. He re- 
mains at home, never attends our reunions or meets with his old comrades as they 
gather from time to time in different parts of the state. I wrote him and did my best 
to interest him in our proposed regimental history, but true to his peculiarity made 
no reply. He bears a good reputation, and is a respectable citizen. I know but little 
of his success in life, but have been told that he has ever been happy and contented. 
I have been recently informed that he moved to some town in Massachusetts, not long 
since, and is there residing with a son. I am however told that he has returned to 
his old home in East Franklin, Vt. 

RODNEY ORCUTT 

volunteered from the town of Swan ton at the age of 18, was bom in Swanton, brought 
up on a farm in the east part of the town. Was large and tall for one so young. His 
education was obtained in the district schools of the town, and had never seen much 
of the world, and likely had never been away from home overnight. Was an over- 
grown, green looking boy, but honest and willing. My first acquaintance was on the 
day of the election of company officers, September 11th, at Highgate, Vt. His older 
brother and father too, were present. Rodney was rather slow, but sure, and could be 
relied upon to do whatever was assigned to him. He was of a good disposition and 
kind hearted, and not inclined to boisterous and aggressive conduct, seldom wandered 
from camp on personal scouting forays, and likely never took anything that did not 
belong to him. He was present at roll call and was on hand when detailed for duty, 
and never found any fault. He had the measles at Camp Wolf Run Shoals and was 
hard sick in his tent tor a number of days. Many of the regiment had measles in 
this camp, but all recovered. 

Rodney took part in every march and regimental raid or tramp beyond our picket 
lines and generally came in as fresh as any. The march to Gettysburg of seven days 
In rain and sunshine on the macadam roads or across fields, it mattered not to him, 
he never faltered or fell behind. In the battle of Gettysburg was as brave as any, and 
flred his gun as often, and with equal execution as the best. He took deliberate aim 
before he pulled the trigger. The fearful carnage about him seemed not to dismay or 



Bioyral'hual and Historical of Coinl^aiiv K. 739 

frighten him. This was his first experience, and he did not suppose it unusual. It 
was fortunate for Company K that he was one ot the brave boys that stood firm and 
helped to win the victory on that now historic battlefield. Rodney returned and was 
mustered out with his regiment at lirattleboro, and returned home and resumed work 
on the farm. After a few years moved to Wheelock, Vt., where he still resides. He 
married and the union was blessed with five children, three boys and two girls. If 
you would see Rodney as a young man just after the war and now, his face will be 
found on page 414, also a brief sketch written by himself. See Roster. 

SIDNEY ORCUTT 

volunteered from the town of Swanton August 25th, 1862, at the age of 20, and joined 
Company K on the day of the election of company officers. He was five feet ten inches 
tall, well formed, a vigorous looking young man, his occupation was farming. Had 
been educated in the district schools of his native county, was born in Sheldon, Vt., 
and his father moved to Swanton when Sidney was about one year old. He was an 
older brother of Rodney, and they were very much alike in looks, ways and general 
appearance. They were always together and agreed on all questions, occupied the 
same tent, and stood side by side on the march, dress parade and in the line of battle. 
Sidney was entirely reliable and never shrank from any duty he was asked to do, 
acted well his part at all times and in all places, never hilarious or loud and boisterous, 
but a quiet, steady going, peaceable fellow, attending strictly to his own business, 
never meddling with the affairs ot others, and hence made no trouble tor the officers 
of his company. The camp was his home, and the tent was liis castle, and could 
always be found when wanted. He was courteous and respectful, and anxious to 
please his officers and be exact and faithful in the performance of duty. He was a good 
soldiei', brave and true, and seemed to realize why and for what purpose he had 
volunteered. He was mustered out with the regiment and returned home to Swanton, 
and there lived for a few years and then went to the state of Maine, and is now living 
in Conway, N. H. A brief sketch will be found on jiage .... See Roster. 

OLIVER PARAZO 

volunteered from the town of Swanton about September 10th, 1862, and joined the 
Highgate company on the 11th day of September, the time of the organization of the 
company. His age was 31, was a married man, and by occupation a farmer. He 
was born in Canada, but came with his parents to Swanton when a child, and had 
always lived in Swanton and there married for his first wife a Miss Greeno, belonging 
to an old time, highly respected family, Oliver from youth up to manhood had so lived 
as to command the good opinion of all classes. He was an honest, reliable and upright 
citizen, and conscientious in all his doings. He tried to be just to all and likely. 
succeeded as well as any. At the date of enlistment he was considered honorable and 
courageous, and of the kind best adapted to the exacting life of a soldier. Inasmuch 
as a sketch of Oliver Parazo, written by his true and lifelong friend, Stephen F. 
Brown, appears on page .... See Roster, and his face on page 413, what I would 
otherwise say of him will be at this time mostly omitted. My acquaintance with 
Oliver, living in the same village and meeting him nearly every day and being a 
comrade in the same company, gave me more intimate knowledge of his true character 
than others could possibly have. A pension was granted him soon after the war on 
account of a rupture and other injuries received in the battle of Gettysburg. The 
generous act of his government came at a time when needed, and no man ever appre- 
ciated it more. He was as loyal in civil life as he was brave in battle. He was mus- 
tered out with his regiment at Brattleboro, Vt., July 21st, 1863, and took the first train 
home where he well knew an affectionate welcome of loving wife and children anxiously 
waited his coming. 

The rest of his life was In Swanton, except a brief stay in Massachusetts. His 
days, though a life long sufferer by reason of injuries received at Gettysburg, were 
comparatively happy and cheerful. Was content and thankful his injuries, pain and 
suffering was because of service to his country. His life was honorable and he 
enjoyed the respect of all. and is now missed. His comrades who knew him best 
deplore his loss most. I saw him on his death bed during the last hours of his 
consciousness; he realized that death was near at hand, and felt that he was prepared, 
and he met the last days of his life, and welcomed It with the same undaunted courage 
and heroic bravery that he evinced in battle. He lived not in vain, for in a single hour 
in meeting Pickett's desperate and gallant charge, did more for his government and 
country than many a distinguished citizen in a life time, in the higher walks of life. 
Oliver Parazo died April 3rd, 1903, and was buried beside his first wife in the Catholic 
cemetery of Swanton. 

The survivors of his company and many other old soldiers stood about his grave, 
their eyes dimmed with tears as the last solemn rites were performed. A comrade 



74<J -llic ritirtccitth Rcyiiiicnt I'crmont Volunteers 

raised the flag he loved so well above his grave, and we sorrowfully lelt him, Ibinking 
It would be but a Utile while when we would surely meet him again. 

LORENZO L. POMEROY, JR. 

volunteered from the town of Highgate about September 1st, 1862, and joined High- 
gate company September 11th, the day of its organization. His age was 20, occupation 
a farmer and a single man. Was of average height, size and weight, and fairly good 
looking, a hale and strong young man. His education had been acquired in the district 
schools of his native town, and his general appearance indicated good birth and 
careful training. My first acquaintance was on the date of the election of company 
officers. He was a little reserved with strangers and slow to become acquainted with. 
Mark Best, of our company, said after introducing me, that Lorenzo was shy of 
strangers, was a good natured fellow and that I would find him all right. I recall 
that he entered into the few days' drill on the village green in front of Johnson's hotel 
with the zeal and determination to become proficient and useful as soon as any. He 
was not as active as some, but made good progress in the military drill there taught 
After we arrived and were located in our first real camp, which we called Camp 
Vermont, all of us soon began to realize that army life was no child's play, and that 
only vigorous constitutions and faithful care would enable us to endure the service, 
and return to our homes. Snow fell unusually early for the beginning of a Virginia 
winter as we were told by those who lived in that locality, commenced falling as 
early as November 7th, and continued all day just like Vermont weather, seven or 
eight inches deep, and it was cold. We were not prepared yet for winter, cotton cloth 
tents, rather poor to protect us, for boys that had been brought up to live in a well- 
built, warm house, with plenty of fire to keep them warm. We, of course, knew that 
our houses were to consist of cloth tents, and no fire inside, but snow came so suddenly 
we were not ready, and many suffered with cold and some contracted bad coughs 
that lasted a long while. When on the picket line, a mile or so south, we did not 
even have tents and made fires of rails, houses of cornstalk and straw. We were soon 
on the march to Union Mills, in the night so dark that it was impossible to see where 
we were going, raining fast and mud deep, roads almost impassable. We marched 
during the night near to Hull Run battlefield, remained about a week, and on December 
5th marched back to our Camp Vermont in another snow storm, and camped down 
In the snow without tents. In a few days we again marched off to Fairfax Court House 
December 12th. waited there some days for tents to arrive, camping on the cold, wet 
ground until they came, and it was arduous duty all the time, picket duty out on RuU 
Run and Centreville, brigade drill or regimental drill most every day, Sundays not 
excepted, and on the 20th day of January, 1S63. we marched to Wolf Run Shoals, some 
twelve miles south. These marches and exposure and mode of living was too much 
for young Poraeroy, and he was taken sick and was discharged for disabilty in Feb- 
ruary, and sent home. Pomeroy was not calculated for army life. On his arrival 
home soon began to improve, but never fully recovered from the results of soldier 
life. He lived a few- years and died at Highgate, and is buried in that town. 

MARTIN POPE 

volunteered from the town of Highgate about August 27th, 1SG2, being recruited by 
James Halloway. Martin joined Highgate company about September 11th, and was 
at this time, as he claimed. 20 years old, and was born in Milton, Vt., May 29th. 1S42. 
His occupation was a farmer and was a single man. He was quite forward and full 
of fun, quite a loud, profuse talker, and of an excitable dispositon. Was in for most 
any kind of amusement in camp, and was a little inclined to go outside among the 
so-called Unionists on individual inspecton. and visit the household and sympathize 
with them because someone had stolen chickens and other things from them, but if 
Martin saw any such commodity about on any of these places, some of it was sure 
to disappear before many nights passed, and this was about the depth of his sympathy. 
His large, bulging eyes took everything about in at a glance. I do not recall that 
anyone suspected him of stealing, he only helped himself to a change of diet now 
and then just for his health. 

Martin was generally on hand and ready and willing to do duty, never heard of 
his finding fault or kicking but once, and that was when detailed to go and help build 
Fort Lyon, said that it made him tired and was not used to that kind of work, and 
that there were plenty of niggers around that knew how to build forts and let them 
do it. Most of the boys felt much the same way. I recall Pope by the name given 
him by the boys very soon after hearing his name called out morning and evening 
at the roll call by Sergeant Morey. He was dubbed General Pope and thereafter so 
called by Company K boys. To this title Martin took no offense and accepted it as 
a compliment, as in fact It was. I remember that among those of Company K that 
were afflicted with measles at Camp Wolf Run Shoals, Martin was one and came near 



Bioyrapliital and Historical of Company K. 741 

dying, and would not go into tlie hospital. I think it was full at the time. He remained 
in his tent and caught cold, which came near ending the career of this faithful, patriotic 
and valiant soldier. He recovered, marched with us to Gettysburg and acquitted him- 
self with honor on that field of renown. He returned home to Vermont, was mustered 
out with his regiment at Brattleboro and resumed again the life of. a farmer, later 
engaged in the photographic picture business. 

Martin showed his patriotic devotion in civil life, for on December 22, .1869, 
he married a war widow, Julia A. Lilley, widow of Carlos Lilley, of Company E, 
Seventh Vermont Volunteers who died in the service November 7th, 1862. The mar- 
liage was not only patriotic, but a happy one. Martin's health has not been good for 
many years past. I have seen him occasionally, and find him the same kind hearted, 
generous whole souled comrade as when we marched and fought side by side as privates 
in the ranks of Company K. Martin Pope and wife now live (January, 1906), in Morris- 
ville, Vt., happy and contented. A bounteous government generously giving him a pen- 
sion of $30.00 per month, which will care for him while he lives. If you would see Martin 
Pope look on page 416. 

GEORGE L. PROPER 

was a volunteer from the town of Franklin, and enlisted about September 1st, 1862, 
and joined Highgate Company September 11th, the day of the election of company 
officers. Proper at this time was 27 yeai's and a married man, his occupation was 
that of a farmer. He was born and brought up iu Franklin, and his education was 
obtained in the district schools of his native town. His age, build, vigor and good 
health made him an ideal recruit for the military service then demanded at the front. 
His temperament was phlegmatic, and his ways rather indifferent and careless, took 
no trouble to become acquainted with the members of his own company, and his 
association was mostly confined to the Franklin boys. This was his make-up, and 
nothing more, for he always seemed pleasant and cordial when spoken to. I recall 
him as the only man of Company K who had red hair and a freckled face. I remem- 
ber, too, when we were having a regimental roll call, Colonel Randall pronounced 
his name as spelled with two p's, Propper, instead of Proper; this so amused Company 
K boys that atterw-ards we followed Colonel Randall's way of pronouncing his name. 
He was an honorable man and made a good soldier; he remained with the regi- 
ment enjoying its pleasures and manfully shared its hardships and dangers. He was 
mustered out with his regiment at Brattleboro July 21st, 1S63, and returned to his 
home in Franklin where he remained tor a season. I have not been able thus far 
to ascertain where he moved to or w-hether he is still living. 

ORVILLE H. PROUTY 

volunteered from the town of Franklin about September 2.5th, 1862, and joined High- 
gate company on the day of the election of its officers. His name is not on the 
original roll of the town of Franklin that enlisted to prevent the draft ordered for 
September 10th, 1862. He enlisted after the organization of the Highgate company, 
and about the date of our going to Brattleboro September 29th. His name appears 
on the muster roll dated at Brattleboro September 10th, 1862. He was at the date 
of enlistment 21 years of age and in good form for a soldier. He appeared very well,, 
and seemed anxious to go into the army, and remained with the company, doing 
well and bravely his part to the end of our term of enlistment. 'Was mustered out 
with the regiment at Brattleboro, July 21st, 1863, and returned to his home in Franklin, 
Vt., He re-enlisted in Company H, Seventeenth Vermont Regiment, and what became 
of him after am not able now to say. I have not seen him since July 21, 1863, have 
not been able to ascertain if alive. He re-enlisted from Pittsford, Vt., March 
31st, 1864, and deserted April ISth, 1864, as appears by Adjutant General Peck's 
Revised Roster. Supposing the enlistment into the Seventeenth Vermont Regiment 
to be the same Orville H. Prouty. have not deemed it advisable to look him up. I 
would hope some mistake exists about this last record. 

DAVID QUEBEC 

was one of Highgate's brave young volunteers, enrolling at the age of 15. and joined High- 
gate company at the time of its organization, September 11th. He was slim and short, 
only five feet four, but still growing, but an active, hardy, healthy appearing boy. He 
was delighted to think he was going to the war. His fear was that he would be 
rejected at the medical examination but he passed all right and was happy. He was 
born in Canada and of French parents in 1847. but had lived in the States most of 
his life, and could speak very good English. He was a well behaved, nice young 
fellow, and did his duty better than some older ones, and found no fault with the duties, 
weather, or army life, took things as they came, and thought he was having a first 
class time. It was his first experience a'way from home, and knew but little about 



74- Jli>-' Ihirlccnth Rcyiiiicnt I cnnont I'oliintccrs 

llie ways ol the world aud uotbing conceiuing uiilitary life. His educaliou was very 
limited, but he was quite apt and ac(iiiired the necessary knowledge for soldiering as 
quicltly as any. His dispostion was pleasant and made no trouble in the company. 
He remained with the company doing duty until March tZnii, 18G3, when he was de- 
tailed at his own request, and joined Company II, First 11. 1. Light Artillery, with 
which he remained until the expiration of his term of enlistment. He returned to 
Vermont and was mustered out with his regiment, July lilst, 18G3, aud then returned 
to his home in Highgate. His war experience was an important event in his life, 
and he had improved much, and was reckoned as one of the brave, reliable boys of 
Company K. 

David returned to Washington after a short stay at home, and worked for the 
government as a teamster, driving mules until the close of the war, aud then returned 
back home again and moved to Swanton, where he lived for quite a number of years, 
married, and has raised up a nice family of cliildren, all grown up aud some married 
and away. The others are living with their parents in St. Albans, Vt.. Comrade 
Quebec has lived in St. Albans for the past fifteen years, and has been employed as a 
railroad hand most of the time. He is a respectable citizen and well spoken of by 
his associates. His present address is St. Albans City, \'t. A personal sketch will 
be found on page .... See Roster, also pictures on page 420. 

JOSEPH QUEBEC 

enlisted from the town of Highgate in the last days of August, 1862, at the age of 
19, as he claimed, and joined Highgate company on the day of election of officers, 
September 11th. He was an older brother of David and like him, short and small, 
but quick and strong, was born in Canada, but had lived in Vermont and mingled 
with Vermont boys, so that he was a very good Yankee. He had been to our district 
schools some, and could speak very good Knglish, but the hesitating and broken man- 
ner in which he used it made fun for the boys. He was on hand when detailed for 
duty, no matter what, and was glad when the regiment as a whole or in companies or 
squads made raids across our lines into tlie so-called neutral country among the 
L'niouists as they called themselves to us, but no doubt were genuine Rebs, furnishing 
information to Mosby all the time, and no doubt the owners of these plantations 
were a part of Mosby's bushwhackers and guerrillas that infected so often our picket 
line. We had reason to think so, especially after the capture of General Stoughton, 
and after our loaded wagons between Camp Occoquan and Fairfax Station had been 
taken in the day time. We thought this bold capture of mules, wagons and teamsters 
was instigated by these local residents, and we treated them accordingly. The more 
active the regiment in these forays the better, so far as Comrade Quebec was cou- 
cerned, for he enjoyed them much. 

The colonel, or whoever might be in command, allowed the boys to exercise more 
or less discretion in the inspection made on any plantation we chanced to come upon. 
The boys generally returned with something good, and never took all they could find. 
Joseph followed and remained with the regiment to the end. was a faithful and brave 
soldier. Was mustered out with his regiment at Brattleboro, and returned to his 
home in Highgate, Vt.. where he lived for some time. I have not seen or heard from him 
for a number of years. Whether dead or alive I am not able to say. 

ELI H. RICHARDSON 

volunteered from the town of Swanton about August 2r)th, 1S62, and joined Highgate 
company on the day of its organization, took an active part in the orgaization of 
the company, and was much interested in the selection of company officers. Was at 
this time 3.5 years of age, a married man, and occupation carpenter and millwright. 
He was born and brought up in Fairfax, Vt., and married Miss Lucia A. Lowell of 
Fairfax, in 1855, and moved to Swanton in 1856. He was a rugged and powerfully 
built man. vigorous and active at the time of his enlistment, five feet seven inches 
tall, gray eyes and brown hair, a man of very correct habits, a devoted Christian and 
an honorable and active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Likely no man 
in Company K more tenaciously held to and openly maintained his religous convic- 
tions and the tenets "of his church than Comrade Richardson. He was strictly honest 
and conscientious, and practiced the Golden Rule in the army as at home, and could 
not see any reason for loosening moral obligations while a soldier. He was inclined 
to be taciturn and only rebuked his careless comrades by his upright and straight- 
forward conduct. He taught by example rather tlian precept. 

In his tent the morning and evening prayer was observed, and due attention was 
given to the customary prayer meeting of his church in different tents, by regular 
appointments. There were quite a number of the same church in Company K, and 
in the regiment who co-operated with him in maintaining religious service in the 
camp. He was a faithful soldier, and a most zealous patriot, and would not favor 



Bluyra[>hical and Historical of Company K. 743 

war only as the last resort to overthrow a great wrong and maintain government, 
when assailed by foes within or without. He believed that slavery of the colored man 
was a most wicked institution, and a disgraceful stain on our otherwise humane and 
magnificent government, and had in early manhood devoutly dedicated his life in the 
service of his master in the work of human freedom and equality. He, like many others, 
freely volunteered responding to the behest of strong convictions. He would not be 
swerved a hair's breadth from the dictates of his well educated and trained conscience, 
such was Comrade Richardson. 

His health was generally good and seldom absent from roll call, or asked to be 
excused from duty. He contracted a severe cold at Wolf Run Shoals, and was laid up 
with jaundice at Camp Occoquan or Carusi. He was quite sick for a number of weeks, 
but remained in his tent, and there was attended by the surgeon and cared for by 
his tentmates. He recovered and marched with his regiment to Gettysburg and 
courageously did his duty during that severe battle. He was wounded by a piece of 
shell on the counter charge against General Pickett's serried columns, though not 
seriously, and did not leave the field until the fighting was over. He carried his arm 
in a cling for a few days, and followed with his regiment in the pursuit of General 
Lee's retreating army, until July 9th, when by reason of expiration of term of service, 
the regiment was detached and sent home by way of Baltimore, New York, New 
Haven and to Brattleboro, Vt., where Comrade Richardson was mustered out with his 
regiment, July 21st, 1863. None were more thankful than he, because a soldier in the 
army during the time of two of the most important events of modern history, namely. 
President Lincoln's proclamation of emancipation, and the great battle of Gettysburg. 

Comrade Richardson returned home to Swanton, resumed his occupation and 
place in society. For a number of years he manufactured and dealt in furniture. 
Disease contracted in the service and injuries received at Gettysburg developed into 
catarrhal consumption, which caused his death, March 20th, 1882, A modest head- 
stone marks the place where we laid him in Church Street cemetery, Swanton, Vt., 
and on each recurring Memorial Day his surviving comrades raise the Stars and Stripes 
above his grave as a token of love and affection and respect, for a brave and devoted 
soldier of the Republic. His widow with an adopted married daughter occupies the 
old home and still mourn the loss that so deeply saddened their hearts. From the date 
of Comrade Richardson's enlistment to the day of his death I saw him almost daily, 
and knew him well, and I know that I have but feebly spoken of his exemplary life 
and conduct. On page 415 will be seen his face as a soldier in 1862. 

HENRY ROBY 

volunteered from the town of Swanton about August 25th, 1862, and joined Highgate 
company on the day of the election of company officers, September 11th. At this 
time his age was 35, and was a married man. He was born in Highgate, Vt., December 
22nd,, 1828, educated in the district schools of his native town, married a sister of 
Calvin R. Hogle, of Swanton, and moved to Swanton village and at the time of his 
enlistment was a grocer merchant in a small way, in the building at the foot of the 
hill next to the old tannery. 

Roby was an able-bodied, and to all appearances a vigorous, strong man, and 
capable of much endurance. His trade was that of a carpenter and joiner, and was 
called a good mechanic. Complexion dark, hair and eyes dark. He was quite an 
Intelligent man, though his education was limited. He had a very genial and pleasant 
disposition, was full of fun and funny stories, and enjoyed the reputation of being a 
likely man and good citizen. He entered heartily and enthusiastically into the new 
life of soldiering and tried hard to learn the new duties that must be acquired in order 
to be a serviceable soldier. Military movements and drill, the handling of guns did 
not come natural to Comrade Roby, and it took him some time before he was fairly 
proficient, but he submitted cheerfully to instructions and found no fault when cau- 
tioned and told how to stand, step, march, shoulder and present arms, etc. He was 
generally liked by the boys, and never inclined to be disagreeable or say or do any- 
thing out of the way. I found him to be an honorable and straightforward man, fully 
determined to do his duty at all times. 

Comrade Roby after a while was detailed as cook of Company K, which was no 
easy job, for three meals a day for 100, and have all satisfied, not only required labor 
and skill as well as tact, for some were all the time finding fault about the cooking, 
because it was not like mother's at home. Comrade Roby filled the place of cook 
as well as any we had and continued as head cook until taken sick at Camp Widow 
Violet some time in May. His wife came from Vermont to care for him, and moved 
him out a mile or so to a house where he had more comfortable quarters, and of 
course, good care. Was hard sick for some three weeks, but recovered and was soon 
all right again, but not as rugged as before, but resumed his place and duty and was 
faithful to the end. He was mustered out with the regiment July 21st, 1863, and re- 
turned to his home and family at Swanton, and continued for a season in the grocery 
business. He moved to Highgate Springs and then to Highgate village, and for a 



744 ■^ /''■ Tliirti-i-nlii Kcyiiiwiit I cniionl I oluntccis 

lime run a shop munufacturiiig sash, doors and blinds, and then to St. Albans City, 
and finally to St. Albans Day. and there died April ]4th, IS'Jj. He was buried in the 
Hay Cemetery between St. Albans City and the Hay. A headstone marks his grave. 
He was buried with Grand Army honors and many were present to pay their last 
respects and grateful appreciation to the memory of a brave man and respectable 
citizen. His widow survived him only a few years, and now their mortal remains 
lay side by side where husband and wife are re-united and pain and sorrow never enter 
to mar their immortal bliss. Two sons survive and reside in St. Albans, City, Vt., 
Oscar and Herbert. 

On page 41.") will be seen the face of Henry Roby in a war time picture on the 
right as you look at the picture the shorter and smaller man. The other liailey B. 
Hronson, associate cook of Company K, and also Comrade Roby, taken a short time 
before his death. 

PATRICK SHAHEY 

enlisted from the town of Highgate about September 11th, 1862, and joined Highgate 
company on the same day. which was the day of the election of company officers. His 
age was 19. birth jilace, England, and occupation a farmer. His father and mother 
were Irish and Pat was 'Irish too. " though born in England. He was the only wild 
Irishman of our company, and he was a good one. hilarious and bubbling over with 
Irish wit and funny rhymes and odd sayings all the time. He wrote what he called 
poetry, a long jingle on the officers of the regiment of Company K, which had some 
merit, because of the inborn wit and peculiar combination of words and outlandish 
references, but one was compelled to laugh to hear him repeat his numerous 
verses, all intended on his part as complimentary, for Pat was the last man that would 
be discourteous to his superiors. He was the life of our company when weary on the 
march or homesick in camp. He seemed to enjoy every hour no matter what the 
surroundings, was happy himself and did his best to make others so. He was the soul 
of honor in all his relations, and keenly appreciated the purposes expected of him 
as a soldier. In battle, true to the Irish trait, was a bold, aggressive and fearless 
fighter. During the battle of Gettysburg was cool, alert and valiant as any. I recall 
with pleasant recollections his courageous conduct, for I had wondered how he would 
act under fire, and so took notice of him many times during the battle. While it Is 
true Company K had many brave boys in its ranks, none displayed more manly courage 
in the desperate charge against Pickett's charging columns than Comrade Sheahy. 
In that historic charge he fairly won a medal, though likely never asked for, or was 
one awarded him. He was mustered out with the regiment July 21st, 1863, and re- 
turned to his home in Highgate. His comrades parted with him with kind regards and 
good wishes for happiness and success. What became of him I have not been able 
to ascertain. He is supposed to be dead. 

PHILIP R. SMITH 

enlisted from Highgate about August 25th, 1862, and joined Highgate Company on the 
day of the election of company officers September 11th. His age was 23, born in 
Highgate and was by occupation a farmer. He was tall, lank and lean, but able bodied, 
vigorous and strong, well fitted and adapted for the life required ot one as a soldier 
at this time. He was good natured, and enjoyed a joke, and was full of fun, always 
ready for desultory tramping outside of camp in pursuit of knowledge that might later 
be useful when anxious for a change of diet. Nothing malicious or ugly in his manner, 
but with others had no confidence in the pretended loyalty of the so-called Unionists 
that lived near our several camps, and excused small appropriations of sweet potatoes, 
chickens, bacon, eggs, etc.. on the theory that all such were contraband, and ought to 
be seized, because the owners ■nere the enemies of our government, whose rights 
we were not bound to respect. 

Phil was a good soldier, good fighter and a good fellow, •was slow to anger, 
moderate in speech, slow in his movements and considered carefully before acting. 
He was good on the march, never fell out, and would reach the end as fresh as any. 
The seven days' march to Gettysburg in sunshine and storm through mud and water, 
across fields of growing grain, over fences and on the gravelly macadam pike was 
accomplished with comparative ease and without a murmur. I admired and almost 
envied his endurance. Inasmuch as a well written tribute to his memory prepared by 
his life long friend and comrade. Henry B. Meigs, appears on another page of this 
book. I will omit further comment. This article written by Comrade Meigs will be 
found on page .... See Roster. His picture is on page 415. 

rr.w^ 

SAMUEL A. SMITH 

was a recruit from Franklin, Vt., and volunteered about September 1st, 1862. My 
first introduction was on the day that -we met at Highgate for the organization and 



Biographical and Historical of Company K. 745 

election o£ company officers. His age was 30, but short, small and thin. He claimed 
his birthplace was Chateaugay, N. Y., and was a married man calling himself an 
artist, five feet four inches tall, complexion and hair light, and eyes blue. His general 
appearance did not augur well for army life, and did not look like a man able ta 
endure what was then required, and it did not seem to me that he would pass the 
medical examination, but he did and Dr. Stevens only saying that he was a little 
short. He was quite active and took considerable interest in the drills we had for 
the eighteen or twenty days we remained at Highgate. He was older than the most 
of us, and was wiser too, and did make himself quite agreeable. He went with us 
to Brattleboro September 29th, and was there again examined and was mustered 
into the United States service. 1 remember very well when Company K stood up in 
line in that long wooden building prepared for the purpose, all stark naked for 
medical examination by United States surgeons. Samuel A. was with us and had it 
not been for his good running and vaulting leaps over the high box prepared for the 
purpose, I believe he would have been rejected. They looked him over pretty carefully 
and had there not been several of the same measure, etc., no doubt would have been 
finally rejected. Comrade Samuel A continued with the company doing duty like 
others all right until about the time we marched to Fairfax Court House in December. 

On the march in the night from Camp Vermont to Union Mills about November 
25th or the return, am not certain. Samuel claimed he stepped into a hole amd 
sprained his ankle; no one knew anything about it only what he claimed. From that 
time he began to limp, but no outer signs of break or sprain, and yet he insisted that 
his ankle was hurt, and he complained of continuous pain. He hopped around on one 
foot for a while, then with a crutch and cane, moved carefully, using his injured 
foot and ankle but little. He remained in camp a long time because he was not able 
to convince the surgeons that there had been any such injury as represented. He 
soon began to walk on one side of his foot in such a way that he must have suffered 
each step taken. All of Company K must remember how he hobbled to and from the 
cook's tent, but he could eat his share and grew fat, notwithstanding his injury. 
Some of the boys were incredulous and thought he was playing off, in order that he 
might be sent to some general hospital in Alexandria or Washington. Some claimed 
when he was where he could not be seen, he had no trouble about walking. I only 
know he limped about camp for a long time and was finally sent to either Alexandria 
City or Washington and iilaced in a hospital. The most of us believed he was fishing 
for a discharge and expected he would succeed. We saw no more of Samuel A. until 
about two days after we arrived at Brattleboro on our way home. To our great surprise 
and disgust into the barracks occupied by Company K walked Samuel limping still. 
The boys were mad at the sight of him and began firing questions as to how many 
battles he had been in. and if he had been shot in the foot and so on, made it so 
warm for him that he sought protection of Captain Blake. The boys had served their 
time and faced the deadly cannon at Gettysburg and endured the seven days' march, 
and suffered hunger and thirst and were now home again and had no use for one 
who they thought had played off. Captain Blake knew about Smith and felt about 
him as did the boys, and did not try to stop the gibes so freely made. The captain 
heard the disturbance, came and peeped in through the door and watched the pro- 
ceedings. Smith was earnestly requested to stand up on both feet and walk a crack. 
He pleaded, begged, saying he could not, but none were in a mood to be longer fooled 
by him. He walked the crack as upright and well as any could and then how the 
boys cheered and clapped hands and stamped feet and urged him to enlist and apply 
for a pension, until we were all tired. We did him no personal injury, but had some 
fun at his expense. We warned him that he must not be seen limping any more. He 
walked all right after that and was mustered out with the rest of the regiment and 
returned to Franklin where he remained for a short time and then moved out West. 
The last heard from him was some fifteen years ago he was in the state of Missouri. 

He wrote to Captain Blaice for assistance about procuring a pension for injuries 
Incurred in line of duty. Captain Blake answered in substance that he had while 
in the service succeeded in deceiving him, the regimental surgeon and those at the 
general hospital so completely that he did not believe he needed any of his help ■ 
to procure a pension. None of us, to my know-ledge, have heard from him since. We 
presume he is still alive, for such as he seldom die young and quite likely he is in 
receipt of a good liberal pension. 

RALPH ORSON STURTEVANT 

volunteered and counted on the quota of the town of Swanton, August 20th, 1862. 
Was present and took part in the election of company officers of Highgate company, 
September 11th, 1862. Was born in Wey bridge. Vt.. September 3rd. 1838. My parents 
moved to Fairfield, Vt.. in March, 1S60. I entered Bakersfield Academy September 1st, 
1860, attending school from term to term and teaching until volunteering .\ugust 20th, 
1862. Was educated in the common schools (district and select) of my native town 
and Bakersfield .\cademy. At the time of enlistment I called myself a teacher, though 



74^ 11'^ Tliirlcenth Regivient I'ermont I'uluntcers 

brought up to the occupation of a farmer, and by trade a iiainter. My height was live 
feet ten inches, fairly well proportioned, straiglit and active, healthy and vigorous, 
light complexion, brown eyes and blacli hair, fairly well fitted for any reasonable 
amount of endurance. From the day of enlistment took an active interest in all 
ni:itl<-rs connected with Highgate company, subsequently called Company K, and was 
with the company and regiment from date of enrollment until mustered out July 2lBt, 
1803. In camp studious and somewhat reserved. 1 was easily engaged in argument 
and was quite earnest and tenacious, and was called by the boys of Company K as its 
lawyer, though at that lime had no thought of following that profession. 

Military drill, squad, company and regimental, brigade inspection, dress parade, 
picket duty and marching I enjoyed, but guard duty in and about camp I abhorred, 
and generally escaped it; was quite willing to do most anything else. I was often 
given a furlough to visit Washington, Alexandria. Mount Vernon, nearby battlefields, 
camps of other Vermont regiments, and other places of interest. Was with the com- 
pany and regiment on the seven days' march to Pennsylvania, and participated in 
the great battle of Gettysburg. I came out all right, though considerably frightened 
many times during the battle. 1 was in it and happy when the battle was over. 
Have wondered many times since why I was able to remain in the ranks until the 
battle was over. 1 had enlisted understanding fully the consequences, and realized 
that in a fight the rank and file were expected to stand up, face the danger and do 
their best. I have never claimed only ordinary courage, and I am thankful it was 
sufficient for the crisis of battle. 

My parents, Jeremiah Sturtevant and Sarah Sturtevant, were born in Vermont; 
father in Wey bridge and mother in Fairfield. They were married in ISS."?, April 12th. 
Father was born in 1812 and died October 29. 1888. Mother born in 1813, June 7, and 
died November 10, 1893, and both are buried in the South Main St. Cemetery, old ground, 
St. Albans. Vt. Grandparents born in Vermont. Great-grandparents born in Fairfield, 
Conn., and were among the first settlers of Vermont, about 1773, on the banks of Otter 
Creek, within the limits of what is now Weybridge. My father's family consisted of 
four girls and four boys, Orissa, Abbie, Ralph O., Mary Ann, John H., Rosaltha, 
Ryland and Jed A.; all dead except Orissa, Ralph O., and Jed A. John H. died 
from a mortal wound at Spotsylvania Court House, May 12, 1864, and is buried in the 
South Main Street cemetery in the family lot. 

I was mustered out with the regiment July 21st, 1863, and returned home to 
Fairfield, Vt., and in the fall resumed study at Bakersfield Academy. The Gettys- 
burg campaign disqualified me for further service. I commenced the study of law in 
the fall of 1865, and was in the office with Judge Wilson and M. R. Tyler of Bakers- 
field, and Edward A. Sowles of St. Albans, and was admitted to the Franklin County 
Bar in July, 1867. Opened an office in Swanton, November 11th, 1S69, at this 
date, January, 1909, am still engaged in the practice of law. My sketch of personal 
experiences will be found on pages ... and .... See Roster. My pictures taken in 
1861 and 1864 are on page 420 and one of 1908, see Roster for page. 

I was a private in Company K, carried a gun and used it at Gettysburg as well as 
I could. I have never fired a gun since the battle, and have had no desire to do so. 
I was a soldier, not for money or office, glory or renown, nor because I expected to 
enjoy the fighting or the horrid sights and scenes of battle. I was young, single, 
physically able, and my country was assailed, and 1 felt it a personal duty to respond 
and therefore volunteered. Hundreds of thousands did the same; I commend them 
for it. It was a duty. I joined the Masonic Order after enlistment and before being 
mustered into the United States service, and have since the war attained many degrees 
including the 32nd degree of Scottish Rights. I also joined early in life, 1865, the 
Independent Order of Good Templars, held some of its offices, and was for two years 
Grand Worthy Chief Templar of the Grand Lodge of Vermont. I represented Vermont 
Good Templars at the Right Worthy Grand Lodge of the world at its session held at 
London, England, July. 1873. I am also a member of the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows. Am still an active member in all of these organizations, to which I have 
given much time and hearty support thus far. I am also a member of the Thirteenth 
Vermont Regimental Association, and for one year was its duly elected President, 
which position I considered honorable and complimentary. At the annual reunion of 
the Thirteenth Vermont Regimental Association, held at Burlington, Vt., was elected 
historian of the regiment and authorized to write the history of the regiment and 
cause the same to be published for distribution. .\ brief genealogical sketch will be 
found on page .... See Roster. 

FREEMAN H. SUNDERLAND 

volunteered from the town of Highgate about August 25th, 1862, and joined Highgate 
company on the date of its organization, September 11th. His age at this time was 
40, married, and occupation a farmer, carpenter and joiner. Five feet seven inches 
tall, a well built, strong and active man. complexion light, blue eyes and brown hair. 
He was born in Highgate and his education was acquired in the district schools of 



B'wgrapliical and Historical of Coiiipany K. 747 

his native town. Was a man well spoken o£ by his neighbors, of good habits, honest, 
faithful and industrious, courteous, a generous disposition and always aimed to do 
right. While still active, the march, drill and the manual of arms seemed difficult to 
acquire, and was excused from regular duties in part, and permitted to act as company 
washerwoman (in this he was a success). He did the washing for Company K and 
for many others of the regiment, officers as well privates, but Company K boys came 
first, charging only a small fee for his labor. He had some pretty difficult jobs, 
especially when woolen shirts and seams of trousers were alive with body lice and 
nits, as occasionally was the case with the careless. These body lice were called 
graybacks. and were a kind that few, if any, had had any experience with or heard 
about before enlistment, but our washerwoman soon learned the only way of exter- 
mination and save the clothes. He would wash thoroughly, then dash them into 
boiling water, and then out into cold water as quick as possible, backward and 
forward a few times, w'as sure death as he said. His knowledge was the result 
acquired by repeated experiments. This sudden change was as good as 
fire and completely cleansed the garments and killed the parasites.. Comrade Sun- 
derland had a tent nearby a brook or spring where he successfully and satisfactorily 
washed and dried for all that applied, and he was kept busy most all the time. He 
took pains not to mix up the clothing, for only a few of Company K were lousy, 
and they not long. 

Perhaps it would be a little invidious to call names here as to who enjoyed that 
distinction; most of you know, especially those who experienced the night exploring 
by candle light in searching their garments for the cause of so much itching. Some 
went to Surgeon Nichols and he said, "You have got parasites," and John Mollo, of 
Company K wanted to know what kind of disease you call him. The doctor smiled 
and replied, "Lice, body lice." Mollo said, "O: nie know now, much no harm, them 
little fellows, just make scratch all night, some." It was risky to camp even for a single 
night on an old camp ground, and it was always avoided by our Colonel when he knew. 
After Gettysburg battle quite a number of us for the first time discovered a ravenous 
grayback or two roaming around in search for a company or a tender spot to camp 
and feast. Surgeon Nichols after the battle of Gettysburg and when the regiment had 
reached Baltimore by order of Colonel Randall, returned to Washington, visited the 
several hospitals, gathered up all of our regiment and started with them for Vermont, 
arriving a day or so after the regiment had reached Brattleboro, among which was 
Comrade Sunderland, glad and happy to grasp the hands of his comrades and patrons. 
He was mustered out with the regiment July 21st. 1863, returned home to his family, 
and resumed his occupation and was for many years a busy man. His son, George, 
who was with him in Company K, and a few years after the war, was taken sick and 
finally went to Florida seeking health, but soon died. This was a great sorrow and 
continuous grief for the father. George was his dearly beloved son, and his death 
almost broke the parents' heart. 

Comrade Sunderland has ever lived an honorable and respected life. He is still 
quite hale, and active for one so old. I see him often. He lives in Georgia, Vt., about 
two miles south of St. Albans City. A generous government has paid Comrade Sun- 
derland a pension for many years, and is now receiving $24.00 per month, sufficient 
to furnish him the necessities and some of the comforts of life. A war time picture 
and one of later date will be seen on page 4iri-417, also an autobiographical on page 
.... See Roster. 

GEORGE H. SUNDERLAND 

volunteered from his native town, Highgate, on tlie 29th of August. 1862, and joined 
Highgate company on the day of the election of company officers at the age of 16, 
but erroneously reported on the rolls as 17. He was tall, lean and appeared and looked 
older than 16, was an active, fine looking young man, and appeared very anxious to 
be a soldier and join the army. He was a quiet and peacable boy and at all times 
did his best to comply with the exacting duties of soldier life, talked but little, and 
was inclined to bashfulness and shyness. He tented with his father, and mingled 
but little with the company, except when on duty, but always friendly and pleasant. 
He took pride in keeping his person clean, and his clothing neat, tidy and in 
order. His gun. straps, buckles and buttons were always bright and glistening. He 
was a good shot, and for hitting the bullseye at target practice at Wolf Run Shoals 
camp, with one other of the regiment, was excused from duty by order of Colonel 
Randall for two weeks. Comrade Sunderland was taken sick with measles in camp at 
Wolf Run Shoals, but remained in his tent and was cared for by his father and soon 
recovered. He stood the march to Gettysburg very well, though like nearly all was 
nigh tired out and used up before reaching that field. I was near him during the 
battle and am now pleased to say that he was brave and fought as valiantly as any, 
and won for himself an enviable name and unstinted praise from his officers and 
comrades. It is difficult, as I now recall the scenes of that fearful struggle and all that 
we passed through to comprehend how one so young could have so manfully and 
courageously endured such a test of impending danger. 



74^^ /lit' I'hirU-cnth Rcyimcnt I'crmoiit Volunteers 

Comrade Sunderland was mustered out with his regiment at Brattleboro, Vt., July 
21st, 1863, and returned home, went to school for a while, and in due season married, 
and was happy. Ills health failing he went to Florida in 1S75, hoping to re- 
cover, and died there December 13, 1875, and was there buried, and re- 
liable information comes from friends there that on each Memorial Day beau- 
tiful flowers are scattered over his grave and the flag he so valiantly defended is raised 
above his remains as a token of respect for one who volunteered that his country 
might survive. A war time i)icturc of George H. will be seen on page 417, taken with 
his father while they were l)()t!i in the service 

JOHN THIBODEAU 

volunteered from Highgate, but counted on the quota of the town of Grand Isle, as a 
substitute for James H. Donaldson, of Grand Isle, on the ]6th of September, 1862, 
and on the same day joined Highgate company. His age was 23 and married, occupa- 
tion a farmer, born in Canada, fair complexion, light hair and blue eyes, short but 
stout in build, very active and vigorous, nationality French, but could speak very 
good English. Comrade Thibodeau was the happiest recruit and most vociferous 
Frenchman in Company K, and likely in the regiment. He was full of the "Old 
Nick" awake or asleep, not quarrelsome or ugly, but seemed bound to keep something 
stirred up all the time. It was a wonder when he took time to sleep for others in 
the same tent or near him surely could not sleep. He was on hand for any duty and 
was willing to go on any call anywhere, night or day. He had no fear about being 
shot or captured, certainly was no coward. He was inclined to be hilarious, and was 
pushing and hauling some of the boys around all the time, which was not agreeable 
at all times. John, on one occasion, returning from Washington and Alexandria, was 
more happy than when he left camp, the cause 1 need not mention. 

Comrade Thibodeau was never happier than when outside of camp visiting farm 
houses to see if anything about could be apjiropriated. He claimed, especially if any 
girls about, that he was a single man. He was quite cute and cunning and tried to 
appear honest and innocent, but could not always succeed in this role, for chickens, 
etc., were too often his ration, and were found now and then in his tent. I presume 
that he bought them, if he had money, otherwise he made some trade or dicker by 
which he obtained possession of them. He was a genial, generous, good natured 
fellow, ever willing to divide his last hard tack, chicken or bone with any of his com- 
rades. Often went on duty to accommodate some one else that had been detailed for 
picket or guard duty, that did not feel well enough to go. He was never absent from 
roll call, dress i>arade. or on the march. Likely no one of Company K had a better 
time than Comrade Thibodeau while he was in the service. When cautioned or 
chided would say. "I am one of Vncle Sam's boys, and have a right to confiscate 
just a little hen and bacon when tired and hungry." On the seven days' march to 
Gettysburg he was often seen carrying some over tired comrade's gun to encourage 
and help him along. He was at his best in action, and as brave and courageous in 
battle as hilarious and boisterous in camp. His real purpose for which he volunteered 
was as well and faithfully performed as by any of his comrades. 

He was mustered out with his regiment at Brattleboro, Vt., July 21st, 1863, and 
returned to his home in Highgate, where he now lives. He has through life been a hard 
working, indiistrious man, having followed the occupation of a mason. I see him quite 
often and he always refers to the good old days when we were in the army, and what 
a nice time we had in camp, on the banks of Occoquan River. He is much the same 
now, so far as happy disposition, and is bound to have a good time when out for a 
day's recreation. His reputation for honesty and industry is on an average with men 
generally. Pictures of him will be found on page .... 

BYRON TULLER 

volunteered from the town of Swanton about August 28th, 1862. and joined Highgate 
company on the day of election of company officers. His age was 22. and a married 
man. five feet nine inches tall, solid in build, active and strong, blue eyes, rather 
dark complexion and brown hair. He was born in Swanton and his education was 
acquired in the common schools of his native town. His father was a thrifty man 
and farmer and Byron was his only son. He had been quite carefully and tenderly 
brought up. and had lived at home, enjoyed many privileges that other boys did not. 
The hardship and vicissitudes of life he knew but little of. At the time of his enlist- 
ment he was living on the Isaac Comstock farm, and near neighbor to Comrade Corn- 
stock of hospital fame 

About 1878 he sold the farm on which he had lived many years, and moved 
to Highgate, Vt., bought out and run a saw mill until 1890. and then moved to Brook- 
lyn, N. Y.. and there engaged in business for a number of years. He died quite sud- 
denly in 1S93. and was buried in He left a widow. Fannie Jackson 

Tuller and two sons, Edward and Howard. His two sisters, Bertha Stilphen, of 



Biographical and Historical of Company K. 749 

Swanton and Abbie Marvin, of New York, are still living. Comrade Tuller was very 
much inclined to be reserved and did not mingle very freely with his comrades, except 
those of his tentmates and particular friends. He was at times homesick and very 
melancholy. On the whole his disposition was uneven, yet was always pleasant and 
kind and enjoyed the good will and respect of all of Company K. He was promoted 
to Corporal just before we started on the long march to Gettysburg. His shoes wore 
out on the march and for a while went barefoot until we arrived at Adamstown or 
Emmitsburg, where he bought or procured a new pair. Hi Smith found them as I 
recall in some store, but Byron reached the battlefield in average condition for fight- 
ing. His pride and courage enabled him to face cannon and bristling bayonets. Pat- 
riotism indeed, induced him to volunteer. High regard for discipline made him faithful 
in the discharge of duty in camp, on the march, and the picket line and secured pro- 
motion. He was conscientious to the cause of the Union which made him brave in 
battle. 

JEREMIAH VANCELLETT 

volunteered from the town of Swanton August 29th, 1S62, and joined Highgate com- 
pany on the day of its organization, September 11th. His age was 37, and a married 
man. Was born in Canada, but came when a boy w'ith his father to Swanton and 
lived there until his enlistment. Nationality French, and occupation Jack of all trades. 
He was six feet tall, straight, strong, lean and lank and at this time still active and sup- 
ple. He had a kind and generous disposition and was always ready to lend a helping 
hand when opportunity occurred. Was desirous of doing his full duty, and ready for work 
■or drill at any time. Was patronizing in his way, and thought there never was a 
man like Captain Blake. 

He was the best man in the company with ax, hatchet or spade, and could build 
a log house, stockade a tent, split trees for flooring, and make corduroy roads and fix 
up fire places and build stick and mud chimneys, clear up camp ground, etc., better 
than any other man of Company K. All of this he seemed to enjoy, and was generally 
busy in doing some of this kind of work. If the cooks wanted any trees cut down tor 
fire wood, Jerry was the man first called. He was a very useful soldier in camp, 
■was always peaceable and submissive, attended strictly to his own business, never' 
said much unless unduly harassed and bothered by some one who wanted to stir up 
a little commotion. Jerry never wandered alone tar from camp. He heard of Mosby 
and his gang, and did not propose to be gobbled up if he could avoid it. He thought 
a good deal of home and was anxious to return, and looked forward to the time with 
anxiety and hope. He seemed to have the usual amount of courage and gave promise 
of facing the cannon's mouth when that day should come. I never thought him 
anxious to go into battle. He remained with the regiment and performed his duties 
faithfully and well and endured the long hard march to Gettysburg as cheerfully as 
any. He knew with the rest that we were on the way to intercept the army of General 
I.,ee and in all probability would see plenty of fighting. Jerry stood up well in the 
fight, until his tentmate, John MoUo, was shook up and knocked down by an exploding 
shell, when on a charge from Cemetery Hill to the broken front battle line on the 
left center, about sundown on the second day of the battle. Here Jerry stopped to 
■console his tentmate, Mollo, on his escape from sudden 'death, and while doing so. 
Company K moved rapidly ahead leaving Jerry and Mollo behind. Soon after dark 
Jerry came and reported he had assisted Mollo to the rear, and that he was more 
scared than hurt. The next day when the order was given to move up to the low 
rail fence breastwork that had been placed there during the forenoon, Jerry remained 
behind the stonewall for a little more opportune time, for shrapnel filled the air with 
deadly missies, and it was dangerous to move, or even stay anywhere about that part 
of the field. When the order was given to advance on General Pickett's approaching 
columns, Jerry did not hear it (so he said), and when he lifted up his head to take 
a look his company and regiment could not be seen and Jerry lost the honor and glory 
of standing side by side with his comrades in the famous charge, but Jerry reported 
next day to Captain Blake that he started to follow and fell in with the Sixteenth 
Regiment, and fought with them till the battle was over. Captain Blake inquired, 
"Did you get hit?" "No," said he, but came gol darn close to it." I thought from 
Captain Blake's looks that he did not take much stock in poor Jerry's gallant fighting 
in the Sixteenth Regiment. The Sixteenth Regiment was near by and in sight of us 
only a little to our left all the while, and pretty well mixed up with us when we met 
and crossed bayonets with the most advanced of Pickett's dashing and valorous heroes 
of many battles. None could dispute Jerry's story, nor could any one as we could find 
confirm it. He appeared a little ashamed and mortified because most were decidedly 
incredulous concerning his story, but Jerry had stood up and fought well most to the 
end at least, and w-e allowed his version to pass. He was in the line of march' in pur- 
suit of General Lee's army retreating to Middletown, Md. He was happy when the 
order came to start for "Vermont. Jerry took good care not to be lost again. He 
arrived with his company at Brattleboro, and was mustered out July 21st, 1863, and 
returned home thankful that he was alive. 



750 I hi' Jliirti-ciilli RcyimcHt I cniioiil I itlnntccrs 

Jerry was not fully satisfied with the past. His patriotic zeal and undaunted 
courage and the gory Held of Gettysburg did not prevent him from enlisting again 
December 30th, 1863. He was now assigned to duty and it does not appear that he 
was over mustered into the United States service again. He stands in the Adjutant 
General's reports as an unassigned recruit. He was discharged from the hospital at 
Burlington, Vt., April 20th, 18G5. What Jerry was doing or where he was, not able 
to ascertain with certainty, after his second enlistment. He returned to Swanton and 
resumed his place in society, claimed he went as far as Baltimore, was taken sick, 
went into a hospital where he received medical care, and was put to work and re- 
mained there for a considerable time, drew pay for some time, and was sent from 
there to Burlington, Vt., and placed in a hospital there. Here he remained for a 
while, and was finally discharged as above stated. That he was not assigned to any 
company or regiment, and did not go as far as Washington, was not able to explain 
why. He supposed he was in the service as a regular soldier. He was not ever able to 
say whether he w-as ever mustered into the United States service or not. He remained 
in Swanton a few years until about 1880, then moved with his son, Joseph, to Massa- 
chusetts, where he died some twelve years ago. 

JAMES WALKER 

volunteered from the town of Highgate about August 30th, 1862, and joined the High- 
gate company on the day of the election of officers, and was mustered Into the United 
States service at Brattleboro, Vt., October 10th, 1S62. His age was 38, five feet nine 
inches tall, rather dark complexion, blue eyes and brown hair, and by trade a black- 
smith and a married man. He was born in Scotland, and said his mother was Irish, 
and therefore James was a Scotch Irishman or an Irish Scotchman. The peculiar 
traits of both nationalities appeared in his character. 1 never saw a more perfectly 
built and well proportioned man. The muscles of his arms stood out and appeared 
as strong as bands of steel; his whole makeup indicated one of the best possible 
specimens of physical development and strength capable of the severest tests of 
endurance and hardship, a model recruit for the active life of a soldier. He was in 
the prime of life, and his trade or occupation had inured him to continuous feats of 
strength and exhaustive tests of endurance. Such was James Walker physically. 

His education was limited and yet an intelligent person, quite w-ell informed and 
conversant with the causes leading up to armed rebellion. He had the wit of an 
Irishman, acumen of a Scotchmen, and yet he was gentle and kind, frank, outspoken, 
generous and courteous always. He never shrank from, or tried to escape duty, w-as 
never overbearing or aggressive with his comrades, nor tried in any manner to use 
his great strength to the disadvantage of his associates. He took pride and pleasure 
in reciting jioems of Bobby Burns, as he called him. He was ardent and faithful and 
in his place at all times, was somewhat reserved, but never morose. He was cheerful, 
and tried to make others the same, was sympathetic and companionable. The march, 
raid, picket duty and battle had no terrors for him. The seven days' march to Gettys- 
burg was made with comparative ease and without a w'ord of complaint. I saw him 
often on the march and envied his physical endurance. He was generally seen assist- 
ing some tire.d comrade of our company in carrying his gun or knapsack. In battle 
was cool and fearless, giving no attention to the dreadful carnage about him. An 
army composed of such would be well nigh invincible on any field of battle. His 
prowess and example insi)ired courage and stimulated the faltering in the crisis of the 
dashing bayonet charge against the foe. I here crown him with the well earned title 
of noble and valiant. He was mustered out with the regiment at Brattleboro, Vt., 
1863, and returned to his home and occupation in East Highgate, where he resided 
for quite a number of years. 

He died in in IS... 

EDWIN C. WILSON 

was one of Franklin's enthusiastic volunteers and enlisted about the last day of 
August, 1862, and joined Highgate company the day of the election of officers, Sep- 
tember nth, 1862. His age was 31. and a single man. horn in Franklin, and educated 
in the common schools of his native town. He was brotight up on a farm, and that 
was his occupation at the time of enlistment. Five feet ten inches, stoutly built, 
and was active and vigorous, and to all appearances well fitted for life in the army. 
I remember him first as very much interested in the election of his friend, CarmI 
Marsh to office in our company. He was quite persistent and a determined fellow, 
and had a mind of his own, and on all questions he freely offered his opinions. He 
was older than the most of us, and therefore wiser in all matters, except the business 
we were then engaged in, of war. He was green as the rest of us. He was mustered 
into the TTnlted States service at Brattleboro, October 10th, 1S62. Comrade Wilson 
never ran away from duty, and yet he never refused a pass or furlough or a day or 
two off to visit Washington and other places in interest. He and Adjutant Whitney 



Biographical and Historical of Company K. 751 

were warm friends, and for a long time Comrade Wilson was detailed at Adjutant 
Whitney's tent for duty, but soon after Whitney's promotion to the captaincy of 
Company H, the last of January, 1863, Wilson returned to the company for duty, and 
thereafter remained with them until mustered out. 

He was promoted corporal just before we started on the march northward to inter- 
cept General Lee's army, then marching down the Shenandoah valley on their way to 
capture Washington. Though this promotion was of no particular honor, it was 
evidence of the appreciation that the captain entertained for his faithful service and 
qualifications for such a position. He would have made, no doubt, a good commis- 
sioned officer, but there were not enough commissions to go around, and some of 
Company K must therefore be disappointed. If Comrade Wilson had continued in the 
service to the close of the war, he would have been advanced step by step until 
shoulder straps adorned his person. He was active on the march and could scent a 
battle far away. Not a comrade of Company K who saw Corporal Wilson in the fight 
at Gettysburg will question his intrepid conduct during the mighty struggle for 
victory. Because of him and those like him, we were able to stem the tide and 
win the turning battle for the cause of right and the Union. 

Comrade Wilson was mustered out with the regiment at Brattleboro, "Vt., July 
21st, 1863, and returned home to Franklin where he still resides. I see him occasionally. 
He is still hale and happy and with an ever increasing pride, is more than thankful 
that he volunteered and served his country in the darkest days of the Rebellion. Since 
the above was written Comrade Wilson has responded to the final call. He died in 
Berkshire, Vt., in 1908. 

JOHN M. WINTERBURN 

volunteered from the town of Highgate August 29th, 1862, and joined Highgate company 
on the day of the election of company officers, September 11th, 1862. His age was 17, 
born in St. Armand, Canada, blue eyes, brown hair, five feet six inches high, but very 
slim, and weighed less than a hundred pounds. He was an active boy and ready and 
willing. At the time of his enlistment was an orphan and a sister was his only 
relative living. His father was born in England and his mother in Ireland. Comrade 
Winterburn's father moved to Kranklin county when John was one year old, so he 
was about the same as having always lived in Vermont, and in fact was in a border 
town in sight of Vermont, and where he breathed Vermont air as it came from the 
south. His education was in the common schools of Vermont, and his impressions 
as to right and wrong and teachings as to honesty, sobriety, morality and reverence 
were those that characterize the natives of the Green Mountain State. Young Winter- 
bum was a very zealous volunteer. He had heard his father tell of being a British 
soldier for many years, and this left impressions that no doubt made John a more 
patriotic boy, and filled his heart with ambition to serve in the war of his father's 
adopted country. He had the appearance of being well brought up, and at once took 
active part in all matters pertaining to the new life before him. 

He was mustered into the United States service at Brattleboro, Vt., October 10th, 
1862. Colonel Randall detailed him while at Brattleboro as one of the regimental 
markers, and he of course drew a flag to carry Instead of a gun. We all remember 
him on the run from place to place, the little flag fluttering in the breeze as he has- 
tened to plant his guidon on the spot indicated by Colonel Randall. He was faithful 
and trusty and held the position until the regiment was mustered out at Brattleboro, 
July 21st, 1863. His position in the regiment was often arduous and sometimes dan- 
gerous, but Johnnie, as we called him, never flinched or faltered. An autobiographical 
sketch of some length appears on page .... See Roster which will account for my 
not commenting further here. As he looked when a soldier and now will be seen 
by turning to page 414. 

WILLIAM A. WRIGHT 

volunteered from the town of Swanton about August 25th, 1862, and became a member 
of Highgate company at its organization, September 11th. He was at this time 26 
years old and a married man, born in Massachusetts, five feet eight inches high, 
straight, well built, sturdy and strong, physically calculated for hardship and great 
endurance. He was a comparative stranger to all the boys in the company, not having 
resided long in Swanton prior to his enlistment. He appeared and acted like a man 
of good character and intentions, and was at all times a faithful soldier. Was not 
as social and full of life and fun as Company K boys generally, but was good 
natured, pleasant, and made no trouble. He was, when in the ranks on inspection 
or dress parade, a fine looking soldier, neat and clean, attended strictly to business, 
never lopping and stumbling about or talking when military decorum demanded 
attention. He was promoted corporal from meritorious considerations. He stood the 
great march from Camp Carusi, Widow Violet or Occoquan to Gettysburg, Penn., as 
well as any, and showed fortitude and tenacity and determination to a sublime degree. 
No one of his company looked to see how exploding shell, the roar and din of battle, 
the furious charge, the rebel yell, the hand to hand struggle affected him, for none 



-^2 The Tliirtcriilli h'tyiiiiriit I 'criiumt I 'ulinili-rrs 

of lis expecti'd that he would bo overcome with fear or in auy manner hesitate to 
perform the full measure of duty reciuired in battle. Nobly and bravely did he fulfil 
the expfctalioiis of the officers and comrades of his company. Any man who passed 
through a battle like GettysburK is entitled ever after to be called valiant and heroic. 
He was mustered out with the regiment July lilst, ]8()3, and returned to civil 
life and was employed by the railroad and lived in St. Albans a few years and then 
went West, and the last heard from him he was in SpriuKfield, Mo. My letter to him 
dated March 8th, 1905, was not called for and returned, hence, I have not been able 
to ascertain if alive. 

JEREMIAH H. SEARL 

volunteered from the town of Swantoii. coniint; from his home in Fairfax, that he 
might go with some one he knew and liked. lie had lived in St. Albans for a year 
or more before enlistment, and worked in the railroad shops there, building and 
repairing freight cars., etc. My first acquaintance with him was in the summer of 
1861. We attended for a short time the same church and Sabbath school, and were 
soon quite friendly. After 1 had volunteered I assisted Comrade Stephen F. Brown in 
looking up suitable persons to go with us. When I saw Hub, as we called him, he 
decided to go. Hub at the time of enlistment was 21, and a single man, six feet high, 
solid built and a strong, healthy young fellow, gray eyes and brown hair, fair com- 
plexion. He had a genial disposition, was kind hearted and generous, had been well 
brought up and was a devoted Christian. He was educated in the district schools of 
Fairfax, Vt. He had brothers and sisters and all have been dead for many years. 

Comrade Searl entered heartily into the duties of the new life and was anxious 
and zealous to become acquainted with all the duties required of him. He was quite 
large and logy, and a little awKward in drill, and in handling a gun agi-eeable to 
the rules laid down. He was upright and conscientious as a soldier, the same at home, 
and could not be induced to depart from home teachings on any account, nor wovild 
he take part or share of the amusements, he considered wrong, or join any pilfering 
excursion out among the so-called Unionists, who lived in the vicinity of our several 
camps. Soldier life did not influence him to change his creed, or code of morals. He 
used no vulgar or profane language, and no one ever heard him tell a story unfit to be 
heard. He had plenty of occasion during his army life to use cuss words, for he was 
one of our mule drivers. If any man could drive any of those three span mule teams, 
hitched to a great big wagon, heavily loaded, through Virginia mud and over corduroy 
roads from ten to twenty miles a day, with a yerk or single line, astride the off pole 
mule and not swear, his disposition would certainly approach the angelic. 

I saw^ him between Union Mills, the railroad station and our camp at 
Wolf Run Shoals with his team loaded down with food for the regiment who were 
anxiously waiting for it. but the wagon was stuck in the mud to the hubs, and the 
mules kicking and floundering in the freezing mud and water, and with all his efforts 
at coaxing, scolding and jerk of lines, lash of whip, and not able to move an inch, 
nor induce the mules to pull a pound and four miles from camp and almost sundown, 
and yet he used under such circumstances, no profane language. I suggested to him 
that the pole mules did not respond or understand his language, and likely the fellow 
that broke and drove them before they were turned over to him swore loud and long, 
when he wanted them .o do their best, and if it was my job I should try it. "Very- 
well," said he, "here is the line and whip, go in, I will get a pole and pry up this fore 
wheel and you may try the driving." We got out of that mud hole and reached camp 
a little after dark. No use trying to drive mules unless they understand what is 
wanted. It often happened when mud was thin and deep and mules were small and 
short, that Hub's feet when astride the off wheel mule would drag in the mud, but he 
then held up his feet in order to stay on. 

Comrade Searl was taken prisoner on the road from Camp Carusi to Union Mills 
or Fairfax Station, mules and all. but after giving him a few miles of mule back ride, 
the mule tired out and fell and Hub escaped and made his way back through trees 
and bushes to camp some time the next day. more frightened than harmed. He said 
the mule that he was compelled to ride was poor, raw boned, and balky, and had to ride 
bareback through the woods and on the jump and run. 1 observed that he stood up 
the most of the time for a day or two when about camp, and he was careful when 
he sat down, it was unnecessary for him to explain to me his trouble. We called 
Hub Doctor Searl, because he was an M. D. (Mule Driver) . 

It was claimed that Comrade Searl excelled in this most disagreeable and exacting 
branch of the service. He had been detailed for it and would not refuse or beg to be re- 
turned to his company. He continued in this branch of the service to the end. to the full 
satisfaction of those in charge of the wagon trains. He was mustered out with the regi- 
ment at rsrattleboro, Vt.. .Tuly 21st, 1863, and returned home, and in a little while com- 
menced work again for the railroad, company at St. Albans. In IS., he married, and 
lived very happy for a number, of years. One child, a son, was born to them, now 

living in The wife dipd and in a few years 

afterwards Comrade Searl married Cornelia Morey, sister of Lietitenant S. S. Morey, 
and in the year of .... Comrade Searl died and was buried in Richford, Vt. His 
picture will be found on page .... See Roster. 



i 



^^ ■<< 




> ''■ --Si ; 






•i X 



-I. 4^' ^ 












G»»a!U>-;j>«ilr,ir ISO*. : .« 




' » .jj, y».7v:A ;^x.- 



13TH VERMONT PARTY AT HANCOCK STATUE, GETTYSBURG, PA., OCT. IG, 1908. 



1. 


Hancock Statue. 


17. 








v.. 


13th Vermont Monu- 


18. 










ment on Hancock Av3 


. 19. 


T. 


l<\ 


Lonergan. 


3. 


George D. Wright. 


20. 








4 


J. N. Harmon. 


21. 








5. 


Z. H. McAllister. 


22. 


Li. 


H 


Drake. 


(i. 


W. W. Holdeu. 


23. 








7. 


A. C. Brown. 


24. 








S. 


H. O. Clark. 


25. 








0. 


S. W. Beni'amin 


20. 








1(», 


H. B. Meigs. 


27. 








11 


K. J. Ormsbee. 


2S. 








1'>, 


C. S. Palmer. 


29. 








18 


H. W. Allen. 


30. 








14 


Albert Clarke. 


31. 


J. 


U. 


Parwell. 


1.T 


C. L. Marsh. 


32. 








16. 


Frank Kenfield. 


33. 


in 


Merrill. 



34. 
35. 
36. 
37. 
38. 
39. 
40. 
41. 
42. 
43. 
44. 
45. 
46. 
47. 
48. 
49. 
50. 



I. Johnson. 
W. Towne. 



Mrs. A. H. Ryan. 



51. 
52. 
53. 
54. 
55. 
56. 
57. 
58. 
59. 
60. 
61. 
62. 
63. 
64. 







6&. 








85. 


Charles 


Stone. 


69 

70. 
71. 
72. 
7.S. 

74. 

70. 








86. 
87. 
88. 
89. 
90. 
91. 
92. 
93. 
94. 


Mrs. E. 


K. Sibley. 


78. 
79. 








95. 
96. 


Mrs. H. 


O. Clark. 


80. 
81. 








97. 

9.S. 






82. 


W 


\v 


. Thompson. 


!)!). 






83. 


!•; 


s 


Towne. 


100. 






84. 











'flu- Tliirtccntli Rcqinicnt J'cniiniit I 'oliiiitccrs 753 



THIRTEENTH VERMONT ASSOCIATION. 



IX the early summer of l.SSS. a consultation among a few members of the Thirteenth 
led to the following notice: "A reunion of the Thirteenth Vermont Regiment will 
be held at Underbill. There will be a meeting of the surviving officers and mem- 
bers of the 13th Vt. Vols., at the Custer House, Underbill, Vt., June 15th, 1888, at one 
o'clock p. m.. for the purpose of forming a regimental association." The call was 
signed by Wm. D. Munson, L. F. Terrill, John H. Lyon, T. S. Whipple, H. W. Allen, 
J. B. Ellis, A. D. White and James B. Scully. 

The meeting was held as called and an association formed that has since met 
yearly. The results of the re-uniting, in a formal organization of this grand old 
regiment have been large. In the first place it was done in time to save the members 
from becoming strangers and from entire forgetfulness of each other. Indeed twenty- 
five years had so changed the personal appearance of the men that recognition in. 
many cases was impossible. But a renewed acquaintance and the most harmonious 
and cordial comradeship has been re-established by most of those living. Even those 
of our number residing in distant states have been located and communicated with 
from time to time. The object of this chapter is to record a history, in brief, of the 
work accomplished by this association, the places where reunions have been held 
and a recital of the principal acts performed at each. The first meeting, as mentioned 
above, was held at Underbill and was called to order by Lt.-Col. Wm. D. Munson. 
Lieut. Albert Clarke, Co. G, was elected chairman and James B. Scully, Secretary. 
Later Surgeon Geo. P. Nichols was made president: Col. Munson. vice-president; 
H. W. Allen, of Company A. treasurer. An executive committee of five members 
and a committee on constitution and by-laws was elected, Lieut. Clarke being a mem' 
her of the last named committee. The writer remembers a remark made by him at 
the time to the effect that it might be well enough to have some rules for our 
government, but he rather thought that "the small silken cord of affection would 
hold us together and govern our acts." True prophecy! No rules or by-laws were 
ever presented and none ever needed. Much business has been done with the utmost 
harmony prevailing. No bonds have been asked or given; none needed for our men 
are men of highest honor. 

The next meeting of the Association was held at Cambridge June 12th, 1889. 
Captain O. C. Wilder was elected president. Although this was a very pleasant and 
enjoyable meeting no business of especial importance was done. 

At Essex, June 18th, 1890, the third annual reunion was held. Lt.-Col. Munson was 
elected president. An important move was made at this time. A committee was 
elected, composed of one man from every company. Each was to supply the secre- 
tary with the names and post office addresses of the members of his company. Rev. 
Geo. H. Scott. Company G, gave an address on a theme most interesting to us, Gettys- 
burg." 

At Waterbury we next met June 17, 1891. E.x-Governor Dillingham welcomed 
us in a pleasant address and Comrade Albert Clarke gave an address on the service 
of the regiment. Captain John Lonergan was elected president for one year. 

At Montpelier June 1.5, 1892 the association next met and by this time had got 
into good working condition. Lt.-Col. Brown was made president. The present secre- 
tary was elected on the voluntary retirement of J. B. Scully from that office. 
Comrade Wm. O. White of Company H proposed that the 13th Regiment erect a 
monument to mark the grave of Colonel Randall and to commemorate the valor of 
a brave and loyal man. The matter was fully discussed after which Sergeant Gard- 
ner of Company H moved the election of a committee of ten to solicit funds for the 
purpose. The follow-ing were elected: James B. Scully of Company A; Z. H. Mc- 
Allister, of Company B; S. W. Benjamin, of Company C; John H. Lyon, of Company 
D; Captain Frank Kenfield, of Company E; L. F. Terrill, of Company F; Geo. W. 
Ladd. of Company G; J. .\. Stone, of Company H; Wm. W. Holden. of Company I: 
and R. O. Sturtevant, of Company K. There was also appointed a committee of 
three consisting of Surgeon Geo. Nichols, Wm. O. White and Captain Stephen P. 
Brown to select a design for the proposed monument . The committee of ten .-eported 
their organization as follows: S. W. Benjamin, treasurer; L. F. Terrill, chairman and 
John H. Lyon, secretary. 

The sixth reunion at Northfield June 22 and 23, 1893. was an important meeting. 
Dr. Nichols offered, at the opening the following resolution — the first and only one 
ever passed for the government of the association. Resolved — That the officers of 
this association are hereby empowered to exercise the functions of their respective 



754 ^ '''' 1 liirtcciith Kcijitiiciit I 'cniioiit I 'uliiiilccrs 

officios until the dose of this iiMinioii. and that lieicallei- the tenure of office of all 
elective officers shall be from the final adjournment of the reunion at which they were 
elected until the close of the next succeeding reunion of this association. 

James H. Scully was elected president, and after other routine business was 
dispensed with, it was announced by President Brown that money sufficient to defray 
the cost of building and erecting a monument to the memory of Colonel Ilandall had 
been raised and tliat the monument was in place. The association proceeded with 
the exercises of dedication. The presentation to the regiment was made by Colonel 
lirown, and accepted by Wni. W. Holden in behalf of the regiment; remarks ai)pre- 
ciative of the generous action of the association were made by Rev. E. H. Randall; 
an oration on the life and work of Colonel Randall was then delivered by Lieut. 
Albert Clarke. The exercises were interesting and impressive. 

A iileasant incident of this meeting was the appearance before the association 
of Mrs. 11a Marsh .Johnson, who in 18U2, as a young girl attended by her father, sang 
to the officers of the regiment at Brattleboro and by them voted the "Daughter of 
the Regiemnt." At this second appearance, as a mature women, now also attended 
by her venerable father, she sang again to all the boys to their great delight and by 
whom she was greeted most cordially. A few months later when her untimely death 
was announced, an appreciative resolution of sorrow was passed thereon. 

At Rnosburg Falls, June 7, 1894, the next meeting was held and while no especially 
important business was done, the meeting was characterized as one of the most 
delightful and pleasant in some particulars of any yet held. The attendance of our 
men was large, w-hich with the citizens filled the opera hall in the evening where the 
cami>fire was held. Rev. E. H. Randall delivered an able address followed by other 
short addresses. A fine program of musical selections interspersed. The success of 
this reunion was largely due to the efforts of Lieut. C. L. Marsh who was elected 
president for the next year. At this meeting a contribution of |25 was voted to the 
Gen. Abner Doubleday monument fund. 

The association next met at Barre June 18, 1895, with an attendance of eighty- 
five Thirteenth men; a good meeting. In the afternoon an excursion was taken to 
the celebrated granite quarries by train. Wm. W. Holden was elected president for 
the coming year. Voted to meet next year at Underbill on the invitation of Comrades 
Whipple and Terriil. Accordingly met July 2, 1896. On arrival we were welcomed 
by the booming of cannon planted in a nearby field and flags waving in the breeze. 
R. O. Sturtevant of Company K was elected president. A measure was introduced at 
this meeting that has proved to be of far reaching interest to the 1.3th Vermont. 
It was as follows: Moved by H. O. Clark, of Company D— That the 13th Vermont 
Regimental Association erect a monument on the Battlefield of Gettysburg; that the 
incoming president shall appoint a committee of ten. exclusive of the president, 
secretary and treasurer, who shall also be members of the committee, with per- 
mission to increase the number as he may see fit; that this committee shall 
have full power to solicit and collect subscriptions, to select a site, to adopt a design 
and to erect a monument at Gettysburg at as early a date as is prac- 
ticable. An amendment offered by Z. H. McAllister, that this committee should not 
incur any debt or liability for the association, and should not incur any expense 
until the money to pay the same is on hand or pledged. Amendment accepted and 
motion passed unanimously. Subsequently President Sturtevant appointed a committee 
pursuant to the above vote as follows: James B. Scully, of Company A; Ziba H. Mc- 
Allister, of Company B; Lucius D. Xute, of Company C; Henry O. Clark, of Company 
D; Thaddeus S. Whipple, of Company E; Eli N. Peck, of Company F; Wm. O. 
Brigham, of Company G; Chas. R. White, of Company H; John G. Farwell, of Company 
I; Carmi L. Marsh, of Company K. 

At a meeting of the committee held at Montpelier October 29, 1896. called by 
the president, a motion was made by Z. H. McAllister that a sub-committee be elected 
to select a site, inspect designs, estimate expense etc., for a monument to be erected 
on the field of Gettysburg, and report to the full committee at a future meeting. 
Motion was passed and a sub-committee elected as follows: R. O. Sturtevant. H. W. 
Allen, C. L. Marsh, H. O. Clark and S. F Brown. 

On July 1st, 1897, the meeting of the association was held at Swanton This 
was the tfrth meeting. R. O. Sturtevant presided. Seventy-seven veterans present, 
among whom were all of the commissioned officers of Company K: Captain G. G. 
Blake, First Lieutenant S. F. Brown, Second Lieutenants C. L. Marsh and Wm. A. 
Cooper. The only comi)any in the regiment whose officers all survive at the date 
of this meeting. This reunion is remembered for the general excellence of all its 
exercises. The learned address of welcome by Cai)tain Brown whom none could 
excel; the full report of the subcommittee on questions pertaining to the proposed 
monument; the excellent and varied selections of music rendered, and the address 
of Rev. E. J. Ranslow. By vote the monument committee was continued with instruc- 
tions to complete the work. Henry O. Clark was elected president. 

At Essex Jimction June 29, IS'.IH. was bpld the eleventh reunion. Present, eighty- 
two. Sumner A. Andrews was made president for one year. The interest in these 



The Thirteenth Kcgiuiciit I'cnnont I'oluntcers 755 

yearly gatherings of the old "boys" of the 13th does not lessen. Some fall each year, 
but others are brought in so the numbers are held so far about the same. Especial 
interest attached to this meeting which was due to the fact that the commitee reported 
the monument in the hands of the builders, money raised for its payment, site selected 
for its erection, plans being made for its dedication in early autumn at Gettysburg, 
and an excursion thereto, being arranged for the association and its friends. It 
may be said here that no mistake was made in the selection of a sub-committee to 
do this work. From first move in 1896 this committee was at work, circular letters 
were sent twice to all the members asking for contributions and giving full explana- 
tions. Three journeys were made to Gettysburg in settling questions of site, design 
and inscriptions. Many obstacles were met and finally overcome. September 12 word 
was received that the monument was ready for inscription. Accordingly on the 14th 
Col. A. C. Brown, C. L. Marsh, James B. Scully, Z. H. McAllister, John G. Farwell, 
S. W. Benjamin, Wm. W. Holden and John H. Lyon went to Ryegate, Vt., inspected 
and accepted the work and ordered it shipped forthwith to its destination for erection 
by the contractor, J. H. Walling, of New York. The committee at once began 
arrangements for the dedication on October 19 next on a large scale. Circular 
letters were issued to the members with information as to special trains, exercises of 
dedication etc. On October 17 one hundred and twenty-six veterans, guests and 
friends took train for Gettysburg, arriving there at night, the 18th, without accident. 
The next morning all were gathered at the historic spot on the field where the men 
of the 13th so conducted themselves at the critical period in the great battle as to 
merit the title of "Green Mountain Boys" in emulation of the men of an earlier genera- 
tion who bore the name. All honor to those earlier heroes from whom we are proud 
to take the name. As we approach this place — many for the first time since those 
July days in 03 — with what emotions we are filled in contrasting the present peaceful 
time with the tumult and carnage of the scenes enacted thirty-six years before. In 
the words of another, "How changed the scene, now all is peace, sweet peace." 

A stand had been erected for the speakers and seats provided tor all. It was a 
perfect October day, bright and balmy. The exercises were able and lofty in char- 
acter, and participated in with deepest interest by all. The order was as follows: 
Henry O. Clark, presiding; prayer by President W. H. Buckham of the University of Ver- 
mont ; historical address by H. O. Clark: singing — Star Spangled Banner: address 
by R. O. Sturtevant in presenting the monument to the Park commissioners; accep- 
tance by commission Major Robbins, of the 4th Alabama Regiment; address by Lieut. 
Albert Clarke; singing. 

In the evening a camp-fire was held in the historic village of Gettysburg, partici- 
pated in by members of the 12th, 13th, 14th, 1st Vermont Cavalry and 4th Alabama 
Regiments. Sumner A. Andrews, of Company E. 13th, presided. A most fitting close 
to a day happily spent in roaming at will over this great battlefield, undisturbed by 
shot or shell ai.d un;-estiicted by bounds or commands. 

The twelfth reunion was held at Northfield, June 25th, 1900 with S. A. Andrews 
in charge. H. W. Allen was elected president for the coming year and after the 
other routine business was through with H. O. Clark, chairman, submitted the final 
report of the monument committee and H. A. Allen made his report of the fund for 
monument as follows: 

Paid J. H. Wallirg in full for monument complete $3,718.9.5 

All other expenses 447.93 



Total $4,166.88 

Subscriptions and accrued interest $4,166.88 

At this time the association began to consider the question of publishing a history 
of the regiment and in pm'suance thereof the following resolution was presented by 
Comrade Sturtevant, and after discussion was adopted. Resolved — That the president 
appoint a committee of ways and means, of which John H. Lyon shall be chairman, 
to w'hom shall be referred the matter of publishing a new regimental roster, history 
of the regiment and regimental association, giving account of the dedication of the 
monument at Gettysburg with addresses, etc. The same to be published under the 
auspices of the association without expense to the association. Pursuant to above 
resolution John H. Lyon, Stephen F. Brown and R. O. Sturtevant were appointed a 
committee of ways and means. After adjournment of the business meeting the 
comrades and friends visited the cemetery and grave of Colonel Randall, where Sur- 
geon Nichols gave a short address on incidents in the life of the Colonel and of our 
service in the field. 

The association next met at Burlington June 19, 1901. with eighty-four members 
present. President Allen in a pleasant manner bade us welcome. A report by the 
ways and means committee was made giving plans and style of the proposed history 
of the regiment with estimate of cost. After discussion of the subject at some length, 
H. O. Sturtevant was elected historian and directed to write and publish a full and 



73'' / ^'i' I liirtcciitli Rt-i/iiiu-iit I rniiinit I (iliiiilii-rs 

oompU'ti' liislmy of the regiment during its term <il scivlcc In the war and all its 
acts piTfonned since as an association. ('a|)lain Stephen F. Ilrown was elected 
president. At the close of the business uieetinn the comrades were asked to come 
forward when each was presented with a pipe or a cane as they chose. The pipe to be 
used while they ponder over the ardent comradeship that prompts these Kifts, and the 
cane to lean upon as they journey over the last few miles down the lane. Inscribed 
on silver on the cane are the words, "Kroni executive committee, Kith Vermont, 1901." 
The members of the committee were James H. Scully, C'arnii I,. Marsh and Henry (J, 
Clark. Through the kind thoughtfulness of President Allen and the executive com- 
mittee an unusually i)leasant entertainment was provided for the evening: a boat ride 
on the lake, for which a steamer had been chartered and a band engaged, free of 
expense to the comrades and their families. A complimentary invitation was tendered 
to the Department encampment in session there at the same time, which was ac- 
cepted, we think the reader can imagine the enjoyment afforded by this evening 
sail on beautiful Champlain, with a congenial company of comrades and their families 
and other guests, (lood music and a campfire held jointly by the i:Uh and the De- 
I)artment, added much to the occasion. 

The next meeting of the association being the fourteenth, was held at Montpelier, 
June llth, 1902. Captain S. F. Brown presided, R. O. Sturtevant made a report of 
progress on history of regiment and urged co-operation ot comrades. An invitation 
from Brooks Post was extended to the association to parlici|)ate in an excursion to 
the Barre Granite quarries. .\n invitation was read by the secretary from a self appoint- 
ed committee of three to the comrades and their wives who attend the .Vational Kn- 
campment in tictober, next, to spend a day in Virginia, free of all expense, an account 
of which will appear in another chapter. 

On motion of L. F. Terrill it was voted that hereafter the meetings of this asso- 
ciation be held independently from those of other organizations as to time and place; 
S. W. Benjamin, of Company C, was elected president. 

July 9th. 1901!, we met at Swanton for the second time. President Benjamin being 
absent. Lieut.-Col. Brown was elected to preside. This, and some surrounding towns 
is the home of Company K, seventeen members of which were gathered into this 
meeting. A pleasant one, especially the attendant campfire in the evening held in 
the park. Comrade H. B. Meigs of this company was elected president. The following 
were unanimously elected honorary members of the association: Rev. E. J. Ranslow 
of the Navy; Lieut. F. E. Bell, 1st Vt. Regt.; Dr. H. S. Phelps, llth Regt., and Bennett 
Turk, Esq., of Burlington, Vt. 

The last regular meeting to mention was held at Morrisville July 1st of this year 
with President Henry B. Meigs in the chair. This reunion of the old boys of the 
13th was one of great interest. The numbers attending have grown somewhat less 
as the years have passed; sixty-three answered to the call this year. After an address 
of welcome by Captain Kenfield and a response by Colonel Brown, the officers' reports 
were read and letters from absent comrades were listened to. Voted on motion by 
H. \V. Allen, That the secretary be directed to w-rite a congratulatory letter to Comrade 
Rev. F. S. Gale. Jacksonville, Florida, on receiving the degree of Doctor of Divinity 
from Knox College, Galesburg, Illinois. After the names of ten comrades who had 
died the past year were read, memorial services were held, participated in by Comrades 
Whipple, Ranslow, Clark. Marsh. Kenfield and .\ndrews. .An apiiropriate and tender 
resolution of sympathy on the death of Mrs. Brown, wife of our esteemed Lieut.-Colonel 
was offered by Wni. \V. Holden, and passed by a rising vote. .A letter was read from 
R. O. Sturtevant to the association relating to the publication of the regimental history 
and suggesting the appointment of an assistant to him. C. I.,. Marsh was elected 
his assistant with the expressed wish that the work be hastened to completion. An 
invitation was read by the secretary from the "self appointed committee of three" 
to all of the men of the i:5th Regiment who attended the National Encampment at 
Boston in Septeiuber, to an excursion to Nantusket and remain three days, expense free 
from Boston, return to Boston. .An account of this pleasure abounding trip to this 
Atlantic island will appear elsewhere. Col. A. C. Brown wtih characteristic liberality 
invited the association to meet at Montpelier, as his guests next year. Invitation was 
accepted and time of meeting was left to the colonel. Officers elected were president. 
Captain Frank Kenfield, Company E; vice-president, \Vm. O. Brigham, Company O; 
secretary, John H. I.,yon, Company D; treasurer, Heman \V. Allen, Company A; 
S. W. Benjamin, Co. C, John G. Farwell, Co. I, Wm. W. Holden, Co. 1, executive com- 
mittee. At the close of the business meeting all were invited by Captain Kenfield to 
his house, "All come and come about five." All were glad to go to his pleasant home 
where we were met by the captain and Mrs. Kenfield and members of the W. R. C. 
Dainty refreshments were bountifully supplied, after which cigars were enjoveri by the 
boys seated on the captain's well-kept lawn as the band played to us tunes of the olden 
time when we were really boys. After the music we were groiiped for a photograph. 

In the evening we gathered in the commodious village hall for our accustomed 
camp-fire. Some were missed who were wont to meet with us. Some whose wit 
enlivened, some whose oratory held us in silent admiration, and whose pathos stirred 



Tlir Thirteenth Rryiiiicut I 'crinont I 'oliiiitccrs 757 

deeply our emotions. Some are missed each year, and tlie places left vacant can 
never be filled, tor ours is an association whose tenure of existence is fixed by the 
limit of our sojourn. Happily for us, while some fall by the way each year, other 
comrades who have long been residents of distant states, return and re-enlist In the 
old 13th Regiment, the scenes and association of which have never left their memories. 
Comrade H. B. Meigs, Company K, long a resident of Baltimore, Md., who presided 
at this camp-fire with grace and dignity, and whose opening remarks were so replete 
with pleasant reminiscence, was one of these. Comrade C. S. Palmer, Company F, 
was another who joined this year for the first time, whom we knew as a youthful 
soldier and who now comes back to his native state after an absence of many years, 
still strong in physical manhood and with intellectual power unabated. His was the 
principal address, followed by Comrade E. J. Ranslow, a poem by W. W. Holden, 
stories and talks by Capt. A. C. Fay and others, with music by the local orchestra. 
Altogether this has been one of the most enjoyable reunions the regiment has held. 
In fact, each succeeding year has seemed to increase the interest and pleasure of our 
reuniting for a day. 

With this chapter the story of the existence and work of the 13th Vt. Association 
to this date, closes. The story as written Is meagre, as enacted, it was not; many 
details have necessarily been omitted; much time and money have been expended, 
but the expenditure has paid large dividends in satisfaction felt in work accomplished 
and in the enjoyment of association with each other, the men who forty-two years ago 
enlisted and went forward to their country's call as a regiment. Not only to the 
comrades of the regiment but to the wives, sons and daughters these reunions have 
been the source of greatest pleasure. From first to last the association has been rich 
in expedients devised and carried out, in excursons, camp-fires and various entertain- 
ments, and its work as well; but more than in any other thing it has been rich in men. 
The following is a summary of the report of the treasurer, H. W. Allen, showing 
the receipts and disbursements of the association: 

Voluntary contributions f 601.55 

For regimental markers 150.00 

Special contributions for sundry purposes 97.55 

Colonel Randall monument fund (estimated amount) 500.00 

Gettysburg monument fund 4,191.42 

Total 15,540.52 

Amounts Disbursed. 

Three granite markers showing jwsitions of the regiment on the field 

of Gettysburg ? 150.00 

Colonel Randall monument at Northfield 500.00 

Contribution to General Doubleday monument fund 25.00 

Printing regimental roster 72.15 

Gettysburg monument and expenses 4,191.42 

Incidental expenses, printing, etc 567.95 



Total 15,506.52 



JOHN H. LYON, Secretary. 



Colchester, Vt., November, 1904. 




georgp: jerrIv'^ox stanxard, 



Born Oct. 20th. 1820. Died at Washinst'ni. 1). C. June ist, 1886. 

Volunteered for the war April 14th. 18O1. Lieut. Col. June 6th. 1861. 
Colonel ]\Iay 21st, 1862. Brigadier General March nth. 1863. Brevet Major 
General Oct. 2nd, 1864. Mustered out June 28th. 1866. Lost his right arm at 

Fort Harrison Sept. 30th, 1864. 



The Thirteenth Reyiiiient Vermont Volunteers 759 



HONORS TO GENERAL STANNARD. 



HONORS to General Stannard. Vermont's most distinguislied volunteer officer in 
the war of 1861-1865. Commissioned Brigadier General March 11th, 1863; as- 
signed to command the Second Vermont Brigade composed of the 12th, loth, 
14th, 15th and 16th Regiments Vermont Volunteer Infantry. This was the Third 
Brigade, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, and commanded by General Stannard in 
the Battle of Gettysburg, July 1st, 2nd and 3rd, 1863. History generously gives to 
General Stannard the credit of turning the tide of battle and securing victory at 
Gettysburg when the very flower of General Lee's army led by his most intrepid soldier, 
General George E. Pickett, made its last desperate charge into the Valley of Plum Run 
where vanquished by General Stannard and the Green Mountain Boys in his command. 



PROGRAM OF DEDICATION. 



E. J. Ormsbee, Ex-Governor of Vermont, Chairman Board of Trustees, Presiding. 



1st. Music — Georgia Band. 

2nd. Prayer— Rev. C. W. Clark, Georgia, Vt. 

3rd. Singing — A. J. Maxham, Burlington, Vt. 

4th. Unveiling monument — Three daughters of Gen. Stannard. 

5th. Presentation of monument and lot to the state — Hon. E. J. Ormsbee, Brandon, Vt. 

6th. Acceptance of monument and lot for the state of Vermont and turning over 
the same to the town of Georgia for care and safe keeping, subject to 
any future legislation — Geo. H. Prouty, Governor of Vermont. 

7th. Acceptance of the responsibility by the town of Georgia — Geo. W. Cleveland, 
1st Selectman. 

8th. Singing — A. J. Maxham. 

9th. Address — Col. Albert Clarke, Boston. 

10th. Original poem— W^. C. Clark, Lyndon, Vt. 

11th. Remarks — Rev. E. J. Ranslow, Swanton. 

12th. Music — Georgia Band. 

13th. Adjournment. 




EUIXTKD I!V 

THE STATE OF \ERMONT 

TO MARK TIIK lilRTlIPI.ACK nV liKKVKT M A jOR-GUNERAL 

GEORGE J. STAXXARU 
1908 



Till- Thivtccnth Kct/iiiu-iit rcniioiit I'dluiitccrs 761 



HISTORY OF THE ERECTION OF THE MONUMENT TO MARK THE 
BIRTHPLACE OF GENERAL GEORGE J. STANNARD. 



AT the session of the Legislature of Vermont of A. D. 1906, Act Xo. 235 of said ses- 
sion was passed by the Legislature which Act is as follows, viz; — 
Section 1. The sum of $L000 is hereby appropriated for the purpose of purchasing 
a piece of land in the town of Georgia not more than six rods square of the farm where 
the late George ,1. Stannard was born and a suital)le monument or marker to be placed 
thereon to commemorate and perpetuate the conspicuous gallantry and heroism of the 
late General Stannard during the War of the Rebellion, and more especially his gal- 
lantry and heroism upon the bloody field of Gettysburg. 

Section 2. The Governor shall, on or before the first day of January, 1907, appoint 
three trustees, two of whom, at least, shall be members of the Grand Army of the Re- 
public, to carry out the provisions of this Act, and tne Auditor of Accounts is hereby 
directed to draw his order for the sum of |1,000 in favor of the trustees whenever they 
shall malje application for the same. 

On the 31st day of December, A. D., 1906 the then Governor of Vermont, Fletcher D. 
Proctor, appointed and commissioned as trustees under said Act. Xo. 235 Ebenezer J. 
Ormsbee, of Brandon, Chairman, Seymour H. Wood of St. Albans and William A. Decker, 
of Georgia, who duly qualified and accepted the trust imposed upon them by said 
appointment. Later on, and in the spring and summer of 1907, the said trustees took 
up this matter and gave it such consideration as they deemed it should have, which 
consideration resulted in the conclusion by the trustees that the amount of money 
appropriated ($1,000) was insufficient to construct and complete a suitable marker, 
that is, such as the people of Vermont would be satisfied with, and this being the situa- 
tion, the trustees thought it would be wiser and more fitting to the memory of General 
Stannard, and more creditable to the state to defer taking any action towards trying 
to complete the undertaking within the appropriation; and thereupon the town of 
Georgia took the matter up as a town and appropriated and paid over to the trustees 
the sum of $400. it then being the judgment of the trustees that the marker could 
be completed for the sum of $1,400. 

Thereupon bids were solicited by the trustees for the construction of the marker 
which resulted in contracting with Walter S. Judd. of Swanton, for the erection and com 
pletion of the marker for $1,090. Later the trustees contracted with Mr. Judd for the con 
struction of a fence to protect the marker for the sum of $250. Previous to this, the trus 
tees having decided upon the spot or place where they should place the marker, pur 
chased a parcel of land next to and on the east side of the highway leading from St. Al 
bans to Georgia and by the home place of the family of General Stannard and where he 
was born, of Mr. Oscar F. Sunderland, 33 feet square at and for the price of $50. and 
took a deed of the same to the State of Vermont, and doing all this, there was an 
incidental item of expense for drafting contracts, etc., of $10, and thus the $1,400 has 
been expended by the trustees, and all debts and obligations by them incurred in 
and about this matter have been paid, leaving their personal expenses unpaid. The 
house where General Stannard was born is still standing near to and on the east 
side of the above named highway at a point about 20 rods to the south of the marker, 
and in or near the southwest corner of the Stannard farm, and the house is now used 
as a tenement house by the present owner of the farm. 

It is possible that a less pretentious marker might have been constructed within 
the original appropriation, but the trustees felt that the memory of General Stannard 
called for something belter, some thing more enduring, and protected as far as 
possible by a good and substantial fence, and they feel now that all of this has been ac- 
complished; and they submit the finished product of their work to the public with 
confidence of its approval. The trustees desire to put on record, and to perpetuate' 
the same so far as may be. in this way. their gratitude to the town of Georgia and 
its patriotic citizens for their aid and the interest they have manifested in this matter. 

EBEXEZER J. ORMSBEE, 
SEYMOUR H. WOOD. 
WILLIAM A. DECKER, 
Trustees. 

Among the prominent Vermonters present were Gov. George H. Prouty, of New- 
port: ex.-Gov. Ebenezer J. Ormsbee, of Brandon, ex-Gov. John L. Barstow, or Shelburne, 
ex.-Gov. Urban A. Woodbury, of Burlington, ex.-Gov. E. C. Smith, of St. Albans, ex-Lieut. 
Gov. Zophar M. Mansur. of Newport, Maj. Seymour H. M'ood, of St. Albans, and Wil- 



7b2 The 'rhirtccnlh Rcytiiicnt I'crmunl loluiitccrs 

Ham A. Decker, of Georgia, state trustees of the Stannard iiioiiunient. General Theo- 
dore S. Peck, of HurliiiKton, Gen. J. 11. Lucia, of Montiielier, Congressman David J. 
Foster, of liurlingloii, the Hon. Charles \V. Gates, of Franklin, the Hon. Mason S. 
Stone, of Montpelier, Col. Henry O. Clark, of Milton, Col. L. C. Leavens, of Richford, 
Col. Heman W. Allen, of Hurlington, .Judge C. S. Palmer, of Burlington, Gen. Carnii L. 
Marsh, of Enosburg Falls, Col. Henry S. Howard, of Hurlington, Ralph O. Sturtevant, of 
Swanton, historian of the Thirteenth Vermont Volunteers, Capt. J. N. Culver, of Rich- 
ford, T. JL Tobin, of Swanton, and editor M. .1. .Maloncy, of Richford, David liingham, 
of East Orange. N, .1. A guest of Coloni>l Claik. of .Milton, was also jireSi-nt. 

Two daughters of General Stannard, Mrs. William .1. Stone, of South Hero, and 
Miss Georgiana Stannard, of Burlington, and a niece of the general, Mrs. Samuel E. 
Everett, of Hurlington. were the guests of honor. 

Ex-Gov. Ebenezer J. Ormsbee, chairman of the monument trustees presided at the 
exercises and after music by LeClair's Orchestra the following program was carried out: 

Prayer, the Rev. C. W. Clark, of Georgia; singing, A. J. Maxhara, of Burlington; 
presentation of monument and lot to the state, ex-Gov. B. J. Ormsbee, of Brandon; 
acceptance of monument and lot for the state of Vermont and turning over the same 
to the town of Georgia for care and safe keeping, subject to any future legislation, 
Gov. G. H. Prouty; acceptance of the responsibility by the town of Georgia, George 
W. Cleveland, first selectman; singing. A. J. Maxham; address. Col. Albert Clarke, 
of Boston; original poem, W. C. Clark, of Lyndon. 

All the speakers were cordially received by the audience and the program was 
carried through in excellent taste and with a deep, patriotic spirit that manifested 
itself in generous applause. Colonel Clarke's address was a scholarly and just estimate 
of the essential characteristics of one of Vermont's natural, untutored military geniuses, 
and was given close attention. The poem by W. C. Clark, of Lyndon, was read by 
his father, the Rev. C. W. Clark. 

ADDRESS BY COLONEL ALBERT CLARKE. 

Colonel Clarke was then introduced and spoke as follows: 

"It is to the credit of the state of Vermont and the town of Georgia that they 
have united in erecting at his birthplace a memorial of the leading soldier of this 
state in the war for union and liberty. The passing stranger may at first wonder why 
such a monument stands alone in such a place, but when he sees upon it the name 
of Stannard. he will know. The name preceded the monument and will outlast it. 
Cato said. '1 would rather men should ask why my statue is not set up than why it is.' 
Xo one who is familiar with the history of this country, although it is a great country 
and has had many great men, will ever ask why this monument is. Twenty years ago 
Stannard's statue was set upon a classic pedestal at Gettysburg. Twenty-flve years 
before then he had won imperishable renown upon that spot. Another might well be 
reared on Chapin's farm, on the outskirts of Richmond, but the empty sleeve that 
he afterwards wore and the fort that he captured and held there against the repeated 
assaults of a superior force under the eye of General Lee himself, have emblazoned 
his figure in a nation's gratitude and glory. 

"It is an interesting fact that three major-generals of the Union army were born 
and raised in these three adjoining towns— George J. Stannard in Georgia, Israel Bush 
Richardson in Fairfax, and 'Wiliam Farrar Smith in St. Albans. Smith and Stannard 
survived the war. but Richardson died of wounds receved at Antietam. He and 
Smith were graduates of West Point, but Stannard had only an imperfect militia 
training. All rendered conspicuous service and won high places in the roll of .great 
commanders. 

"There was a somewhat similar instance further south in this state. Five brilliant 
soldiers, three of whom lost their lives in the service, were born and raised, not in 
adjoining towns, but within thirty miles of each other — Maj.-Gen. George C. Strong 
in Stockbridge. Col. Frank Aretas Haskell in Tunbridge, Maj.-Gen. Thomas E. G. 
Ransom in Norwich, Maj.-Gen. .Joseph A. Mower in Woodstock, and Maj.-Gen. William 
D. Hazen in Hartford. It would be foreign to this occasion to particularize concerning 
them, but they added greatly to the renown of Vermont valor, although they did not 
serve with Vermont troops. Like Smith and Richardson, some of them were in the 
regular army and the others had settled in other states where they volunteered. It 
was the good fortune of Stannard continuously to have lived here and to become a 
Vermont volunteer, in fact, the first volunteer in the state not only in point of time, 
but in brilliance of service. 

"And yet he was one of the least pretentious of men. It could be said of him 
as truly as it was said of Washington that his modesty was equaled by only his 
bravery. Shortly after the battle of Bull Run, when offered the colonelcy of the Third 
Vermont regiment, he declined it because he thought his service had been too short 
to qualify him for it. By no maneuvering in politics did he ever seek to gain promo- 



The Thirteenth Regiinent J'ennoiit I'oluiiteers 763 

tion. He rose upon merit alone and his praise was sounded by others, never by him- 
self. Unlike many ambitious men. he did not claim more than he achieved, did not 
detract in the least from those with whom he served, and never built history upon 
imagination or prevarication. When one or two of his subordinates and one of his 
superiors claimed credit which belonged to him, he only smiled and patiently awaited 
the verdict of history. His truthfulness, his fidelity, his courage at all times, and his 
quickness to act when occasion offered, were his distinguished traits, and they relate 
back to his birth and nurture, to the soil and surroundings where we now stand, 
and to generations of New England character building. 

"His ancestors came from England to New England, from Connecticut to Ver- 
mont and from Fair Haven to Georgia. His father settled here upon soil that orig- 
inally belonged to Ira Allen. Most of the first settlers here had known the Aliens in 
Connecticut and were imbued with their spirit. George Jerrison Stannard was the 
sixth son of Samuel and Rebecca (Petty) Stannard, and was born in Georgia on the 
20th of October, 1S20, six years after the battles of Plattsburg and Cumberland Bay, 
the smoke and sound of which were distinctly seen and heard here. Those events 
and the Revolutionary ancestry of some of the inhabitants left a martial spirit in this 
community which survived for many years. In this spirit young Stannai-d was raised. 

"Life to the average farm boy in that day meant toil and privation, scanty educa- 
tional advantages, vigorous rivalries in accomplishing tasks, self-denial without mur- 
muring, stories of valor at Plattsburg, Ticonderoga and Bennington, and many a 
mimic battle in which the British flag went down. Stannard made the most of the 
district school and of one term each in academies in Georgia and Bakersfield, working 
on the farm in summer and teaching in winter, and then he became a clerk for the 
St. Albans Foundry Co., in which he became an owner and manager in 1S60. From 
his first residence in St. Albans he took an active part in the life of the town, especially 
in the militia, and at the age of IT he was first sergeant of his company when it 
guarded the frontier against possible complications incident to the Papineau rebellion 
in Canada. The state had long neglected its militia and soon every semblance of 
an organized force was lost, but the military spirit survived here and there, and in 
1856 we find Stannard active in organizing an independent company in St. Albans, 
which was the original Ransom Guards and he became first lieutenant. Two years 
later he was chosen colonel of the 4th regiment of militia, and immediately after 
the firing on Fort Sumter in 1S61, he tendered the service of himself and regiment 
to Governor Fairbanks and obtained the consent of the companies later. In less 
than a month he was chosen colonel of the 2d Vermont Volunteers. After serving 
in this capacity one year, he accepted the colonelcy of the 9th Vermont, which he 
soon raised and drilled and took to the Shenandoah valley to resist Lee's advance 
into Maryland. 

"Unfortunately, at Harper's Ferry, on the 15th of September, 1862, his regiment, 
with others, was surrendered to the enemy without a fight, by Col. D. P. Miles of the 
regular army, who had command of the post, and Stannard became almost insub- 
ordinate by protesting against the surrender, by begging for permission to take 
and hold a height, or to cut his way out, and by refusing to sign the parole for his 
men. Before long, with many other paroled prisoners, they were sent to Chicago, 
where Stannard soon became commander of a brigade. It was a trying position, for 
officers and men were discontented, and It took great tact and firmness to prevent 
outbreaks, but he was equal to it. On the 1st of January they were exchanged, were 
kept at Chicago until March, guarding a large camp of Confederate prisoners, and 
then they were ordered to North Carolina, though Stannard himself was appointed a 
brigadier general and greatly to his delight was assigned to the command of the 
Second Vermorit Brigade, which he speedily joined in Virginia. 

"Up to this time there had been nothing very remarkable in his career. The same 
may be said of the next three months — a time which he improved in getting acquainted 
with his new command, in looking after its discipline, and in keeping an eagle eye out 
for Mosby. This period revealed certain of his characteristics which tended greatly 
to promote his popularity. When George W. Hooker, the wag of his staff hitched six 
army mules to an old family coach found in the neighborhood of Fairfax Station, and 
with a few companions drove through the camp and bugled up to headquarters, the 
general came out, and seizing the leading mules by the bit, commanded Hooker to 
descend from the box. Hooker obeyed and walking to the general in a stately 
manner offered him a coin, saying, 'When a brigadier general is willing to hold my 
horses, I am not so mean that I will not pay him.' Authority yielded to fun that time 
and the story goes that the boys received their discipline inside the general's tent. 

"It was Stannard's theory that volunteers were to be governed by flexible rules 
and common sense rather than the rigidity of the martinet. His predecessor, a West 
Pointer, had tied a man up by the thumbs for neglecting to salute an officer. When 
such a case was brought before Stannard he quietly talked to the man, as though 
both had come from the same neighborhood, arousing no bitterness, but receiving 
an assurance that the offense would not be repeated. There was a case of disputed 
authority in one of the regiments. The army regulations provide that in the absence 



764 The Thiilci-nlh h'rf/iiiii-iil I i-niiont I ' ,ilin\ti-crs 

or disability of a ooiiiinaiuliiit; ollici-r Uie oiii' in'Xt in raiilt sliall coiiiMiaiul. In the 
case referred to the colonel was koIiik away for the day. designated a captain, who 
had been promoted major, but whose commission had not arrived, to command in 
his stead, in the absence of the lieutenant-colonel. When the regiment was formed 
for dress parade, the captain thus deslKiiated took his place as comniandinK officer 
but found it disiuited by the raiikint; captain of the rcKiiiient. Kach ordered the other 
away and both gave orders to tlie regiment. The scene would have been highly amus- 
ing if it had not involved an element of danger, and it was ended by the promoted 
officer ordering the |)arade dismissed, in obedience to which most of the company 
commanders tooli their companies back to camp. Shortly the colonel returned and the 
next day the new major's commission arrived, but the ranking captain ajipealed to the 
general for a ruling that should vindicate his conduct and sootlie his wounded pride. 
The general visited the camp and spent most of the time in seeing the regiment put 
through an arduous drill which he had ordered. .lust before departing he called the 
colonel apd the contestants together, and, after giving them time to mop their brows, 
remarked that he was too i)ractical a man to decide (jtiestions that belonged to the 
past and would not be likely to come up again, and if they kept busy, very busy, they 
would soon have a chance to show their qualifications for command by fighting the 
enemy and not each other. 

"His stern sense of duty, thus sometimes relaxed by humor, was also tempered 
by mercy. When Lieut. Stephen F. Brown, who was under arrest for violating orders 
by getting water for his famishing men from a guarded well, went to the general at 
Gettysburg and asked for the privilege of participating in the battle, it was promptly 
granted and the confidence was so well justified that nothing more was ever heard of 
the impending court martial. Bravery and zeal and unselfishness always appealed to 
him and he never kept anybody from service for the sake of discipline. 

"Reaching Gettysburg just at the close of the first day's battle. Stannard's brigade 
was stationed back of Huford's cavalry, near the copse of trees, which has since been 
known as the high water mark of the rebellion, where it remained over night and the 
next morning was massed on the south of Cemetery hill, where it supported the 
batteries of the 11th corps, which occupied the center of tlie I'nion line. From this 
position they witnessed away off to their left the terrific conflicts on Little Round Top 
in the Valley of Death, around the Devil's Den. in the Wheat PTeld. the Peach Orchard 
and along the Kmmittsburg road, the tide of battle drawing ominously nearer their 
position, until about sunset, when Stannard received an order to deploy into line 
at his left and hasten to the support of General Hancock. \X a double 
quick they moved down the Taneytown road and then, facing to the right, 
advanced to meet Wright's Georgia Brigade, which had Captured Turnbull's and 
Wier's batteries and had broken the Union line. Stannard restored the Hue and five 
companies of his right regiment, the Thirteenth, under Colonel Randall, charged and 
recaptured the lost guns. Then the brigade moved a little further to the left and 
took position for the night where it distinguished itself the next day. 

"The story of Pickett's charge and disastrous repulse has been so often told that 
I do not need to repeat it here. Stannard's jiarl may be briefly recounted as befitting 
this memorial occasion. Two of his regiments had been sent away to guard supplies, 
but with the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Sixteenth, he occujned that portion of the 
front line where the ermont monument now stands. Xext on his right was Gibbon's 
division of Hancock's second army corps, consisting of Harrow's. Hall's, and 'Webb's 
brigades, and on his left were the 3rd. 5th and 6th corps, the last being out of sight, 
east of Round Top. Behind Stannard. on a low ridge, were the Union batteries, as 
thickly as they could be placed, from Ziegler's Grove to Little Round Top. The field 
in front had been fought over the day before, and Stannard always regardful of the 
health and comfort of his troops ordered the dead buried. He discovered that about 
fifteen rods in front of his right regiment the land descended a few feet into the 
shallow valley, and he ordered some rails stretched along that low crest, as a sort of 
half breastwork against a possible need. The Sixteenth Regiment was deployed as a 
skirmish line, covering more than the brigade front, from 40 to 60 rods in advance 
along the Emmitsburg road. 

"Stannard busied himself conversing with his officers, speaking cheerfully to 
his men, and studying through his glass the enemy's formations so far as they could 
be seen. Under the terrific artillery duel, whicli began early in the afternoon and 
lasted an hour and three-quarters, the infantry line lay prostrate and silent. Then 
Longstreets's corps of 17,000 men came into view, and when the front central line, 
consisting of i^ickett's division, reached the Emmitsburg road and began moving to the 
left so as to have its objective point more immediately in front. Stannard was quick 
to see that the brigades of Wilcox and Perry on Pickett's right, did not follow- his move- 
ment to the left and there was opened a gap in his line. Instantly Stannard advanced 
the Thirteenth Regiment into this gap as far as the line of rails and then the Sixteenth 
fell back from the skirmish line and formed on the left of the Fourteenth. The 
brigade opened upon Pickett, firing somewhat to the right, and shortly after Gibbon's 
division opened directly in their I'lices. The enemy returned the fire with both mus- 



'flic I'liiitccnth Kcyiincnt I'cniiunt I'oliinti'crs 765 

ketry and artillery, the air was filled with missies, the din was such that few orders 
were given or heard, and through the thickening pall of smoke the most that we 
could see was that men were falling like autumn leaves and yet our lines held firm. 

"Longstreet's supporting columns were coming up but were still beyond range of 
our infantry. General Hancock rode down and took position near Stannard, between 
the 13th and 14th regiments, but soon fell wounded. Stannard had already given an 
order to the Thirteenth to change front forward and strike Pickett squarely on his 
flank, and then he ordered the Sixteenth to hasten and form on their left. The zeal 
of Colonel Randall led him so near the enemy that Stannard feared that the Thirteenth 
might be captured, and so he sent Lieutenant Benedict of his staff to overtake and 
warn him, but before Benedict reached the line the Thirteenth was gathering in 
prisoners. 

"A breeze lifted the smoke and as soon as Stannard saw that the Sixteenth had 
nothing more to do on Randall's left, he ordered Colonel Veazey to face about his 
regiment and charge upon the left flank of Wilcox and Perry, which was rapidly and 
successfully done with the aid of four companies of the Fourteenth, and by that time 
the supporting columns of Longstreet had ceased to advance and were joining in the 
retreat. 

"While Stannard was recalling his regiments, he was wounded in one thigh by 
a piece of shrapnel, but he declined to leave the field until the battle in that part 
was over, his wounded were brought in, and his brigade was relieved by other troops. 
Thus had transpired a brilliant manouvre which was wholly of his own ordering, and 
which history recognizes as a contribution of great value to the repulse of the enemy. 
Stannard received the enthusiastic commendations of both superiors and subordinates 
and he bore his honors with modesty, giving most of the credit to his officers and men. 

"Being busy as a line officer in the Thirtenth, I had but momentary glimpses 
of General Stannard during these movements, but I remember how, with hat in one 
hand and glass in the other, he emphasized his orders by gestures and sturdily faced 
the destructive fire without showing the least concern. His nearness to the firing line, 
his alertness and firmness were inspiring. Although we knew that we were but atoms 
in a tremendous convulsion, somehow we all felt that he could make the most of us, 
and he did. Officers of both armies subsequently bore testimony to the originality 
of his concept in throwing his brigade into a gap in the enemy's line and to the effec- 
tiveness of his impetous onslaughts upon their flanks. Col. William Allan, a Southern 
historian, who witnessed the charges, said: 'Pickett was overwhelmed, not by the 
troops in front, but by those on his flanks, especially by those on his right flank,' and 
those were none other than Stannard's brigade. 

"Before his complete recovery. General Stannard reported for duty and was as- 
signed to the command of forts in New York Harbor. In May, 1864, he returned to 
the army of the Potomac and was soon in command of the first brigade of the second 
division of the 18th corps, which was then commanded by Maj.-Gen. W'. F. Smith, 
and thus were tw& former townsmen, both of whom had become distinguished, brought 
into a close relation. Benedict, in his history of Vermont in the Civil War, says: 

" 'In the bloody battle of Cold Harbor he again greatly distinguished himself, 
and was again wounded in the thigh by a minnie ball. Two of his staff were killed 
and three wounded, and with but one regimental commander in his brigade left 
unhurt, Stannard, wounded and alone, rallied and brought off, under fearful fire, the 
shattered regiments of his command.' 

"On the 14th of ,lune, without waiting for his wound to heal, he led the advance 
of the 18th corps to within three-quarters of a mile of Petersburgh and was soon 
placed in command of the first division. There he received a painful wound in one 
of his fingers by the accidental discharge of a pistol in the hands of one of hi^ 
officers, and from this he suffered so much, he was obliged to take a short leave, 
hut in a few days he was back at the front. 

"On the 29th of September the 10th and 18th corps moved north of the James 
river and Stannard was assigned to capture Fort Harrison, which was on Chapin's 
farm, four miles north of Richmond. Having heard tnat the order came from General 
Grant, Stannard went to him and asked to have his division relieved, as it had already 
led more than its share of forlorn hopes. General Grant replied: "It is very essential 
that we take that fort and I know you will do it.' This was the end of argument and 
the order was obeyed with alacrity. The tort was strong, was heavily armed and 
manned, was in a position of great importance to the Confederate army, and was 
fronted by an open field across which Stannard must charge. Here we see another 
exhibition of his generalship and his great regard for the safety of his men. En- 
gaging the guns by a small portion of his command, he moved with great celerity 
the larger portion against the "northeast angle, which he stormed and captured, but 
with the loss of General Burnham, Colonel Stevens, and nearly one half the men in 
the storming party. Once inside, they captured many of the Confederates and drove 
out the rest. General Grant soon rode into the fort and complimented General Stan- 
nard on his behavior and the success of his division. Stannard then fortified the 
rear of the fort, which had become his front, and before the opening was fully closed, 



766 Tilt- ilurtCi'Hth Rctiimcnt Vermont I'oluntccrs 

he had occaskui to repulse three Ueteiniinecl assaults by the reinforced enemy. In 
this he was greatly aided by the fact that one of his regiments was armed with 
breech loading rifles, which was almost their hrst use In infantry. The fort was 
never retaken, but Stannard's defense of it cost him his right arm. He was pacing 
a parapet near the firing line, sword in one hand and hat in the other, watching 
every movement of each .side and cheering his men to their deadly work. Gen. Kd- 
ward H. Ripley, who commanded a brigade jtist at the left, told me that every one in 
sight was watching Stannard with great admiration and concern, and that when he went 
down a groan went up from all that portion of the army. The same officer wrote: 

■■ '1 have often said that General Stannard held Fort Harrison against desperate 
odds, of men fighting under the inspiration of Lee's own presence, by the sheer force 
of personal character. And there was not another division or another general of the 
Army of the .lames that could have done it. He was an army in himself in such 
supreme moments.' 

"cm the 2Sth of October, 1864, for gallant and meritorious services at Fort Harri- 
son, Stannard was brevetted a major-general of volunteers. The following December, 
after the St. Albans rail, and because his arm had not yet healed, he was transferred to 
the command of the Northern frontier, with headquarters at St. Albans, where he 
lived. In February. 18G6, he was ordered to report to General Howard and was as- 
signed to Freedmen's bureau work at lialtimore. The war was over and his military 
career was closed. The following June he resigned to accept appointment as collec- 
tor of customs at lUirlington. 

"In 1850 he had married Emily, daughter of Jeremiah Clark, of St. Albans. She 
was a beautiful woman, as lovely in character as she was attractive in appearance. 
They had three daughters and a son, all of whom grew to maturity. The son, Jerrison 
Clark Stannard, died in Burlington in 1S83, aged 25. Mrs. Stannard passed away 
at her home in Burlington June 20, 1902. The three daughters survive, 
with the men he had led. A suitable monument stands at his grave in Burlington. 

"After passing through such great events as those of the Civil War, almost any 
man's subsequent career seems like an appendix to a book. We read it or not, as its 
importance demands or as time and inclination may serve. Stannard's last years 
were spent in Washington, where he renewed many army acquaintances and became 
friendly and even intimate with some of the most distinguished ex-Confoderates who 
were in Congress. The differences having been fought out, those men seemed to him 
almost like comrades. On all public occasions in Vermont, he felt the warmth of 
the people's gratitude and on Memorial Days nothing pleased him better than to march 
with the men he had led. A suitable monument stands at his grave in Htirlington, 
the cost of which was contributed by former comrades and by grateful citizens, and 
the state monument at Gettyburg. which stands where the Second Brigade fought, is 
surmounted by a bronze statue of General Stannard, modeled by Carl Gerhardt. of 
Hartford. Conn. This is one of the most classic and conspicuous memorials on that 
field of more than 400 monuments, and is generally spoken of as the Stannard monu- 
ment. Now comes this further recognition of his valor and great services, by his 
native state and town, erected at his birthplace, 89 years after his birth and 23 years 
after his death, and dedicated by these high officials of town and state, in the presence 
of distinguished surviving comrades and this company of grateful and admiring 
people. Worthy as these memorials are. I cannot help thinking that there is one 
more enduring "than either granite or bronze, and that is the historic record of his 
great service to the country in the most crucial period of its history. 

"Those deeds rose so far above the ordinary plane of life that, like the sunset 
rays between yonder lake and the overarching sky, they seem to connect him with 
the realm of eternal light. O, fortunate town of Georgia, to possess the distinction 
for which this monument is reared! O, proud Vermont, whose heroes have made 
thy fame surpass thy sizel O. country, redeemed and indissolubly cemented by the 
blood of such noble sons! As the generations shall come and go across this upland 
scene, may the modest marker here placed serve to. remind them of a modest man 
whose soul exi)anded with his country's need, until their souls shall likewise be 
exalted, and a glory shall irradiate these hills that may fitly arch with the resplendent 
cene that Nature paints above the watered vale, and God and country shall be 
their daily thoughts." 



Tlic Thirteenth Rcg'uncnt ]'cyuiont J'ohiiitccrs 

AT STANNARD'S BIRTHPLACE 

The following original poem was read by \V. C. Clark, o£ Lyndon. 



Near to the hill whereon we stand to-day, 

Full eighty years ago a child did play; 

His birthplace still, the farmhouse old, 
we see; 

Among these fields he roamed with foot- 
step free; 

With neighbor's children well he loved 
to meet, 

And mingled with the boys at Georgia 
Street; 

And when his eager mind to learning 
bent, 

Down to the old Academy he went. 

When manhood came, he sought for hon- 
est work; 
In near-by town he found a place as 

clerk; 
Upward he climbed from where he thus 

began, 
Till he became a full-fledged business 

man; 
One of the yoeman true in which our 

states abound, 
Who carry with them from their native 

ground 
To growing town and busy marts of 

trade 
Integrity and courage undismayed. 

With martial movements ever his delight, 

Deeming it wise that men be taught to 
fight. 

He joined the state militia, volunteers, 

Where soon his able leadership appears; 

He won his men with zeal and love un- 
feigned. 

And thus ere long to colonel's I'ank at- 
tained. 

So Providence prepared this man indeed. 

To serve the nation in a time of need. 

For soon the war clouds gathered grim 
and low, 

And ill forebodings fell of coming woe; 

Against Fort Sumter came a thunder 
crash. 

Throughout the North went forth a light- 
ning flash; 

And Stannard then, with loyal blood and 
warm. 

His duty seeing in that swift alarm. 

Gave forth his pledge for service at the 
front; 

The first of all the men in old Vermont. 

■We read it in the books, we hear it told. 
Passed on to younger men by voices old: 
The cannon's roar, ApoUyon's fiendish 

yell. 
The sulphur scented smoke, the fire of 

Hell; 



Upon the field an ever widening flood, 
A deep and gory stream of brother's 

blood; 
Four years of war to purge our land of 

dross. 
And teach our people how to bear the 

cross. 

Among the foremost in the dreadful strife. 
In dangers oft, and thoughtless of his life, 
Our valiant hero stood, our Stannard 

brave, 
Who spent his strength the Union cause 

to save. 
Upon the line of fire in battles ten, 
A soldier true he stood, and cheered his 

men; 
Though four times wounded, yet each 

time the same 
To his command again he quickly came. 

At Gettysburg his rank was brigadier. 
Though long delayed, the fateful hour 

drew near; 
Second Vermont Brigade, left center 

front ; 
Green Mountain Boys must bear the bat- 
tle's brunt: 
On came the foe, Virginia's choicest 

men ; 
Alert and keen was our brave general 

then; 
He struck a blow which none foresaw 

or planned; 
To wheel and charge, he boldly gave 

command. 

As through the wood a cyclone tears its 

way. 
So through the ranks of Pickett's men 

that day 
The swift and deadly Northern bullets 

flew, 
Until the foe, defeated, faint and levi. 
Threw up their hands or turned in hasty 

flight : 
And so was finished that terrific fight; 
For on the third long day ere set of sun 
The Northern soldiers knew the field was 

won. 

The charge of our brigade which saved 

the day 
For other victories prepared the wav. 
At Gettysburg the tide of war was 

turned; 
Vermonters there a nation's praises 

earned. 
By long campaigns the Union armies 

won ; 
And thus at length the costly strife was 

done; 



Tilt- Tliirti-ciitli Rcyiiiicnl W'nnont \'«liinlccrs 



The weary soldiers louiid a sweet re- 
lease; 

The worn and bleeding nation hailed 
the peace. 

Into its sheath the bloody sword was 

hurled; 
The war-beKriined and tattered flags 

were furled ; 
With chastened joy and low pathetic 

shout 
The army veterans were mustered out. 
Northward a remnant came, with visage 

marred. 
With haggard face, and l)ody deeply 

scarred. 
On whom the war its cruel marks did 

leave; 
Our hero brave brought home an empty 

sleeve. 

After the end of war and bitter strife, 
For twenty years he lived a peaceful life; 
In public service well discharged his 

trust. 
A citizen respected, wise and just; 
Until there came to him a higher call, 
As comes to nionarchs great and heroes 

all; 
And through the gates of death he 

marched at last. 
Just as the vanguard long before had 

jiassed. 

Upon his grave beside the blue Cham- 
plain 

There stands majestic now and will re- 
main, 

Within the graceful modest burial plot. 

A fitting monument to mark the spot. 

That they who in the future come and go. 

Those born in gentler, peaceful days 
may know ■ 

A patriot brave and noble sleepeth there, 

A soldier tried and true, a leader rare. 

To-day we meet upon this sightly hill, 
(Which Stannard in his .boyhood used 
to till, 



From which ere now his kindred all have 

gone I. 
To dedicate this monument of stone, 
Krecled by the people of the state, 
Wherewith they fittingly commemorate 
The gallant deeds and valiant service 

true 
Of him who bravely led our boys in blue. 

Standing beside the busy thoroughfare. 
Its site adorned with Nature's graces 

rare. 
Let this memento mark the native place 
or him whose steps in history we trace; 
.Attracting notice from tlie passerby, 
'I'liroughout the future let it signify 
Vermont does honor to a worthy son. 
And i)raise bestows for duty bravely 

done. 

No more is heard the call for volunteers. 
Nor on the sky the fiery cross appears; 
.\'o more secessionists our flag would 

rend. 
Nor jealous Hotspurs would the Union 

end. 
The North and South are reconciled at 

last. 
The erstwhile toes their friendly hands 

have clasped; 
In sweet and blessed peace our people 

dwell, 
And cheerful proijhets tell us all is well. 

But still our country calls for heroes 

brave 
From subtle, stealthy foes our land to 

save. 
For men of nerve in civic life who dare 
To stand for equal rights and dealing 

square. 
As we the valiant deeds commemorate 
Of veteran men whose prowess saved the 

state. 
Remember this; in war they found their 

test; 
And so, in time of peace, must all the 

rest. 

w. c. c. 



The Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers 771 



A TRIBUTE TO THE DEAD FROM THE GREEN MOUNTAIN STATE. 



IT stands upon the battle line ot the third day and marks the spot where General Stan- 
nard's Vermont Brigade moved into the gap between General Pickett's Division and 
his right support ^General Wilcox's division) executing a brilliant and difficult move- 
ment under fire which enabled them to discharge volleys right and left upon the flanks of 
the enemy. It is surmounted by a bronze statue of General Stannard, located on Han- 
cock Avenue, National Cemetery, Gettysburg. It is hereby the monument of the 13th Ver- 
mont Regiment, as appears. Just in front of this monument and between it and the 
rail fence breastwork built by the 13th Regiment is where General Hancock sat on 
his horse conversing with General Stannard when quite seriously wounded during 
General Pickett's impetous charge. Here, too. during this charge General Stannard 
was severely wounded, but he, like General Hancock, refused to quit the field until 
the battle was over. It was near the spot where stood General Stannard and dis- 
covered the gap in General Pickett's right flank and as quick as thought envolved 
and gave the imique order, "Charge front forward on first company." Its prompt 
execution secured victory then and there. The hundreds of thousands that have and 
do visit the battlefield of Gettysburg, one and all, are attracted to this location. It 
was in front of this monument and between it and the Emmitsburg road where the 
veteran heroes of General Lee's mighty army (the very flower selected for the pur- 
pose), led by General Pickett in hostile array made their last and desperate charge 
to capture Cemetery Hill, determined on victory. General Lee's golden opportunity 
on this field had passed. It was now a forlorn hope; General Longstreet realized it; 
General Pickett when he saw General Stannard's Vermont Brigade on his right flank 
and his officers and men falling thick and fast all about him manfully comprehended 
defeat. Generals Garnett, Armistead and Kemper of his command had fallen and 
only a few with General Pickett escaped slaughter and capture. "The high water 
mark of the Rebellion was reached in this charge. A few of General Pickett's com- 
mand scaled the stone wall in a vain attempt to capture cannon and the foremost 
of the slain that wore the gray, marks the spot now called 'the high water mark of 
the Rebellion.' " The great and sanguinary battle of Gettysburg was gloriously 
closed by the brave and noble boys of the Green Mountain State commanded by 
General George J. Stannard, of St. Albans, Vermont. 



The Th'utccnth Rciiiincnt l\-niiont J'oliinteers 773 



SIXTH ANNUAL RE-UNION 

OF THE 

THIRTEENTH VERMONT VOLUNTEER ASSOCIATION 

Held at Northfield, June 22d and 23d. 1893, 

WITH ADDRESSES AND POEMS ATTENDING THE EXERCISES OF THE DEDICATION OF THE MONU- 
MENT ERECTED TO THE MEMOBT OF 

The Late Colonel Francis V. Randall. 

The Inscriptions are as follows, on front of die: 

FRANCIS V. RANDALL. 

Feb. 13th, 1824, March 1st. 1885. 

Capt. Co. F. 2nd Vt. Vols. 

Colonel 13th Vt. Vols. 

Colonel 17th Vt. Vols. 

On the 3rd base: 

COL. F. V. RANDALL. 
On the north side is: 

Erected June, 1893, by the surviving comrades of the 13th Vt. Vols. 

On the south side is: 

CHARLES W. RANDALL. 

1st Lieut. Co. C, 17 Vt. Vols. 

Born May 14th, 1847. Died Oct. 20th, 1868. 

PRESENTATION. 

With deep emotion and appropriate words Lieutenant Colonel Andrew C. Brown 
of Montpelier, chairman of the committee of construction, in his presentation of the 
memorial to the regiment and town of Northfield, eloquently mentioned the military 
achievements of Colonel Francis Voltaire Randall. The editor regrets that the ex- 
temporaneous remarks of Colonel Brown were not taken and kept for publication. 

ACCEPTANCE OF THE MONUMENT ON BEHALF OF THE REGIMENT BY W. W. 
HOLDEN, OF NORTHFIELD. 

Mr. President, Comrades and Friends: — 

In behalf of the survivors of the Thirteenth Regiment and the citizens of North- 
field, I accept this fitting tribute to the memory of a brave man. And in their behalf 
I express to you (the Committee of Construction) their satisfaction and gratitude for 
the manner in which you have performed the arduous duties to which you were called 
one year ago, and tender to you and the firm of Cannon Brothers our sincere congratu- 
lations on the symmetry and beauty of design and the artistic taste and skill displayed 
in its construction. Yet, as I gaze upon and admire its magnificence and beauty, I am 
forcibly reminded that it is none too grand. It is but a fitting tribute from his late 
comrades in arms to mark the resting place of one whose heroic actions in defense of 
the nation's honor ivere grand. It is but a merited testimonial from the survivors of 
the Thirteenth Vermont Regiment that the name and fame of Colonel Francis V. 
Randall has not sunk into oblivion, but that after thirty years have passed away he 
still lives in our hearts. His tender sympathy for those in trouble, expressed in actions 
as well as words, still lives in the memory of many a comrade. His heroic acts and 
emphatic language in condemnation of treason and secession and all manner of evil, 
have rung in our ears for thirty years to incite us to lofty motives and noble actions. 



774 '//'t' 'I'hirtcciith Rc<jiiiiciit I'cniioiit I'oluntccrs 

That he was a good officer, you all well know. Tliat he was a brave man, his 
actions on many a bloody field have furnished ample proof. That he was perfect and 
had no faults, we do not claim: but that he was always true to his convictions there is 
abundant evidence. When he was convinced that the political party of his choice had 
abandoned those grand principles which he admired, and espoused the cause of oppres- 
sion and wrong, he burst assunder those |)arty affiliations and gave his whole support 
to that iiarty which had espoused the cause of liberty and equal rights. While he was 
not devoid of the ambitions and aspirations natural to his impetuous and vigorous man- 
hood, he never looked with envy upon those who by good fortune passed him in the 
race, but manfully and heroicly obeyed every order from his superior officers. 

When he laid aside the garb of civil life to take up that of a soldier, he laid aside 
all thoughts of the consequences and gave his all to his country. How well he per- 
formed his part you, his comrades, well know. 

Such work as he did does not perish with the doing of it. The conspicuous courage 
which he displayed will be cherished for all time, not only as a brilliant and noble 
achievement in itself, but it will adorn the annals of Vermont as an instance of valor 
which has ever characterized the deeds of her sons on the field of battle. Although he- 
survived the war several years, he practically gave his life for his country. 

Thirty years have passed away, and we, his surviving comrades, have come together 
from widely separated homes to honor ourselves by dedicating this beautiful monument, 
a free-will offering to his memory, and by scattering flowers plucked from his own native 
hills upon his honored grave. Other nations and other times have builded grand monu- 
ments to express their appreciation and establish the memory of some great warrior 
or mighty king. But it is left to us, the survivors of the Thirteenth Vermont Regiment, 
to erect this column to mark with equal distinction the resting place of our brave- 
colonel. It is left to us to thus testify our admiration of one who. in those dark and 
trying days, was one of us. Here it stands, and will ever stand, as a mark of remem- 
brance and affection from those who were his comrades in arms. Here it will stand 
as an object lesson of patriotism to the youth and little ones of generations to come. 

Here at its base our children will recount to their children and grandchildren the 
pregnant history of those mighty days, and nurse to high ideals their love of country, 
and plant within them eternal hatred of oppression and wrong and eternal love for 
freedom and right. 

And now, 1 call upon the citizens of Northfield and the surviving comrades of the 
Thirteenth Vermont Regiment to witness the pledge I here make in their behalf ta 
this committee, which is. that so long as heroism is admired and patriotism loved, 
garlands of affectionate remembrance shall annually be scattered upon this honored 
grave. That so long as heroism is admired and patriotism loved, our children and our 
children's children shall be taught to care for, guard and protect this monument as 
something sacred. 



ADDRESS OF COL. ALBERT CLARKE. SECRETARY HOME MARKET CLUB, 
BOSTON, MASS, 

Mr. Presidknt. Co.mr.xdks. Lames and Gentlemen: 

We are not here to celebrate; we are not here to mourn: we are here to com- 
memorate, although the past is secure. This monument is not for the dead but for 
the living. If it were an hundred feet high it could not add one cubit to the stature 
of the place that our gallant leader made for himself in fame. The few feet of earth 
where his body returns to nature remind us only of mortality: but we recall events in 
tis career which rise to immortality. No sound can awake him to glory again, but 
the glory that he achieved will never slumber. It crowns the very i)innacle of an 
event that the world can never forget. And, as Jlrs. Dorr has so nobly sung of the 
monuments at Gettysburg, where it was given to him and to us to do our best, so it 
may be said of his monument here. 

"As long as stars endure And valor hath a name, 

And God and truth are sure; Still shall these stony pages 

While love still claims Its own, Repeat to all the ages 

WTiile honor holds Its throne The story of your fame." 

Comrades, as I look into your changed but still familiar faces, and along the ranks 
where lack of numbers is partly compensated by increase in size, and stand by the 
grave of our commander between the hills that he loved and the scenes of which he 
was a part, the present seems to vanish and only the past is real. The gray upon 
your lockB is but the dust of a hurried march, and all this varied attire is but the 
festive evidence that the scouts have had a successful day across the lines. The same 



Tlic Thivtccnth Kcyiiiicnt J'cniiont roluntccrs 775 

bugles, fifes, and drums, or at least instruments that respond to the touch of the same 
lips and hands, have thrilled us once more with their calls to duty. And this is the 
same national emblem; not, indeed, the one which gleamed before us through the 
smoke of battle and now is garnered with the other treasures of the state, but one 
which shows the added grandeur of the same union, restored and enlarged. With 
these associations, how easy it is to fancy that we see the long line at dress parade, 
or the evolutions of battalion drill, or the sturdy column on the long and weary march, 
or the impetuous rush amid the terrors of battle, and do we not see that elegant chest- 
nut horse, with his ample flow of creamy mane and tail, moving in grace and beauty, 
and do we not hear his rider's clear and commanding voice, whose every tone rang 
with kindness, calm assurance and unfaltering strength? 

These recollections appeal to our tenderest emotions, for Colonel Randall was not 
only our fighting commander, but he was our sympathetic friend, our patient discip- 
linarian, our watchful and doting military father. He was not without faults, and 
we knew them, but his manly qualities so far outshone them all that few chieftains 
ever had a more devoted following. He never asked us to go where he did not lead, 
and he could not have led where we would not have followed. "Into the jaws of 
death, into the mouth of hell" he sprang at need and we were with him. He even 
went so far that his brigade commander took alarm and sent an officer to halt him, 
but before the officer arrived, victory had perched on our banners. Critics were 
silenced by his success, but if he had tailed, his friends would have been friendly still, 
for they saw in him the qualities which attract and hold the hearts of men. 

It is fitting that such friends, on an occasion like this, should be permitted to 
draw nearer to his life, recall its events and take renewed inspiration from the elements 
that gave it mark. 

Francis V. Randall was born in Braintree, Orange County, Vermont, February 13, 
1824. His father, Gurdon Randall, was born In Litchfield, Conn., in 1795. His mother, 
Laura Scott Warner, was born in Putney, Vt.. in 1803. On the father's side his ances- 
tors were of Welsh descent and on his mother's side they were connected with Ethan 
Allen and Seth Warner — a new proof of the old aphorism that "blood will tell." His 
father was a soldier in the war of 1S12 and served on the Canadian frontier. When 
Francis was nine years of age, his father removed to this town of Northfield, where 
the son was educated in the public schools. Subsequently he studied at Chester 
Academy, which was then in charge of Ambrose A. Ranney, who has since been a 
distinguished lawyer and member of Congress from Boston. Then he studied law in 
the office of the late Hon, Heman Carpenter of Northfield, in which town and in Rox- 
bury he practiced until 18.59, when he removed to Montpelier, where he continued in 
practice until the spring of 1S61. During this time he had attained high rank as a 
practitioner and was engaged in many important cases, some of which attracted more 
than local attention. For profound learning in the law he did not rank with such 
of his contemporaries as Lucius B. Peck, Timothy P. Redfield or Charles Reed, who 
were all his seniors, and he did not rank with Paul Dillingham, Stoddard B: Colby, 
and Charles H. Joyce for forensic eloquence, but for astuteness in planning and tact 
In conducting the trial of causes, he was, to say the least, the peer of any of them. 
His success was due to masterful preparation of evidence, to skill in the examination 
of witnesses and to an earnestness in argument which seemed born of conviction. In 
polities he was a democrat, until the war broke out, and as such he was elected from 
Roxbury to the legislature and appointed postmaster at Northfield by President Pierce. 
During the war he voted as he shot, and after it, so far as I know, he was a republican. 

Within one month after Fort Sunter was fired upon, he abandoned one of the 
largest dockets in Washington county and recruited and drilled a company, which 
became Company F in the Second Vermont Volunteer Infantry. He commanded this 
company in the battles of Bull Run, Lee's Mills, Williamsburg, Golding's Farm, Savage 
Station and White Oak Swamp, and in all of them he won commendation from his 
superiors for bravery and tactical skill. He became popular in his company, regiment 
and brigade, but this favor was not withoiit its trials. The army is not a democracy. 
Vacancies above him were slow to occur, and in July, 1862, he was sent to Vermont 
to raise new troops. Companies were formed in the counties of Washington, Chitten- 
den, Lamoille and Franklin, which organized as the Thirteenth Regiment of Vermont 
Volunteer Infantry, and he was chosen colonel. 

From the moment that this regiment went into rendezvous at Brattleboro until 
the expiration of its term, he gave it the discipline of service. He was eager tor achieve- 
ment, and holiday soldiers did not like him. But he looked out for the comfort and 
safety of his men and never forgot to secure for them the utmost of supplies, of preced- 
ence and of credit to which they" were entitled. He was not a strict adherent to regula- 
tions, especially in the matter of promotions, and for this he suffered somewhat in the 
estimation of those who were disappointed; but duty overcame disquiet, and in the 
first emergency he gave the best opportunities to those who had felt ill treated. To 
their lasting credit be it said, they were loyal to his command and equal to their oppor- 
tunities. 



7/6 The Tliiiti-oitli Rciiinu-iit I'cnnunt I'olttutct-rs 

No sooner was the Thirteenth mustered out than he began recruiting for the Seven- 
teenth. This was a long and tedious task, because most of those whom the government 
deemed lit for duty were either already at the front or had rendered, as they thought, 
their share of service. The need, however, was so great, that long before the regiment 
had reached the size that entitled it to a colonel, it was hurried to the front, thrown 
into action before it had even had a battalion drill, and under lis successive lieutenant- 
colonels — Cumniings. Katon and Knapi>, and Major Reynolds, all but one of whom were 
killed — it participated in more great jattles and lost more men than any other regiment 
of the Tnion army that had been no longer in service. Five of its ten captains. Its 
adjutant and several of its lieutenants, one of whom was the Colonel's son, had served 
in the Thirteenth. Finally, more recruits having been secured, the Colonel was per- 
mitted to be mustered in on the 27th of October. 1SC4, and was soon placed in com- 
mand of Fort Davis and a brigade, near Petersburg, in which position, subject to 
frequent annoyances from the enemy, he was compelled to remain in comparative 
inaction (or about four months. When the spring campaign opened, he and his 
regiment participated in the closing scenes of the war, took part in the great review 
at Washington, and returned to civil life only because there was no more fighting to 
be done. 

Colonel Randall resumed the practice of law in Montpelier. But many things, 
like himself, had changed. It was a tame and hum-drum life. He panted for the 
open air and removed to a farm in Brookfield. and finally returned to Northfield, 
where he engaged in various activities. During the closing winters of his life he 
travelled about the State somewhat, giving before Grand Army Posts. Uy their request, 
some very vivid descriptions of the battle of Gettysburg, and he was listened to with 
great interest and rapturously applauded, not so much for what he said as for what 
he had done. It was on his return from a visit of this kind that a severe cold aggra- 
vated an injury which he had received in the service, and as a result he died in North- 
field. March 1, ISS.'i, at the age of 61. 

He had been twice married, first to Caroline E. Andrus of Massachusetts, by whom 
he had two sons, Charles W. and Francis V., Jr. The former was a second lieutenant 
in both the Thirteenth and Seventeeth. and is believed to be the youngest commissioned 
officer in the Union Army. He was cool and brave in battle, although only 16 or 17 
years of age. He died shortly after the war from the effects of smallpox, which it 
was believed he had taken from infected clothing, supposed to have been sent to Wash- 
ington in part execution of an infamous Confederate plot. The younger son. who 
was a drummer boy in the Thirteenth, and was also a daring scout and familiarly 
known to the whole regiment as "Little Jimmy", now resides in Putnam, Conn. 

Early in 1864. while raising the Seventeenth regiment. Colonel Randall married 
Fannie E. Colby of New Hampshire, by whom, also, he had two sons. Phil Sheridan, 
the elder, graduated at Norwich University and is now a lawyer in Ellendale, North 
Dakota. Luther Volney. the younger, is living with his mother, in South Dakota. 

Of his brothers and sisters — all of whom enjoyed prominence in their respective 
localities — only two are now living, the Rev. Edward H. Randall of Poultney and Mrs. 
Charles H. Joyce of Rutland. 

In stature Colonel Randall was 5 feet 714 inches and his weight was about 160 
pounds. His eyes were blue and his hair and beard a dark brown. The latter was 
worn as a moustache and imperial. There were few better horsemen in the army. 
Mental and physical activity, love of enterprise and good fellowshii). were his prominent 
characteristics. He was fond of music, and in early life was a good amateur player 
upon the violin. He attached importance to good music and to all possible sociability 
in the army. He believed that the happier men were, the more they would endure 
and the better they would fight. 1 have alluded to the magnetic and inspiring quality 
of his voice. Every man who served under him will testify to its sustaining effect in 
moments of peril. Many now present will recall the night of Stuart's raid upon Fair- 
fax Court House, in December, 1S62. Colonel Randall was in Alexandria. The long 
roll called us from our bunks into line of battle, and we were led on the double quick 
by Lieutenant Colonel Brown to a rifle pit that crossed the Alexandria pike east of 
the town. The approach over the frozen ground of a large body of the enemy's cavalry 
was distinctly heard. A small detachment charged down the pike, but were repulsed 
by our skirmishers. Positions having thus been verified, we expected an immediate 
attack in force and our feelings can be better imagined than described. Hut instead 
of the attack, a single horseman came down at full gallop, halted a moment at the 
skirmish line and then dashed within our lines. We were electrified to hear the voice 
of Colonel Randall, and have never ceased to be astonished that he could run the 
gauntlet of the enemy and come safely to his friends from the enemy's direction. We 
had confidence in our other officers, but somehow the relief that came with his calm 
tones will never be forgotten. 

The tact and readiness which characterized him at the bar were even more notice- 
able in the army. An incident illustrative of this, and which, so far as I know, has 
never been recorded in history, occurred at Gettysburg on the morning of the second 
day of the battle, when his regiment with many others was supporting batteries on 



The Thirteenth Rei/iiiieiit I'eniiont J'ohinteers 



/// 



Cemetery Hill. A Pennsylvania regiment further to the right and front broke in a 
panic and came pouring back near our position. Colonel Randall put spurs to his 
horse and with outstretched arms intercepted squad after squad and helped their 
officers restore the line. Then he both rebuked and reassured them, saying among 
other things, loudly enough for us to hear — and I have always thought he said it more 
for our benefit than for theirs — "Aren't you ashamed of yourselves, old troojjs, run- 
ning away from a little shelling? L,ook at my boys, most of them never under fire 
before, and there they stand as firm as rocks." No one can ever know how much the 
country was indebted to him for thus aiding to check an incipient rout at a critical 
moment, in the very center of our army, ai»,d for the strength which he thus incidentally 
gave to his own and other adjacent troopg. 

Again, he always acted upon the principle that it is the duty of a leader to lead. 
When his horse was shot beneath him on the charge to recapture the battery, he ex- 
tricated himself as soon as possible and ran with all speed until he had overtakea 
the line and placed himself in front of the colors. The same was true the next day, 
during the famous movement upon Pickett's flank. After the enemy had unmasked 
our front, he gave the order to change front forward on the first company; but the 
din was so great that the order was not heard; so he sent word to the captains of 
the left wing and moved along the right wing himself, saying; "By the right flank, 
follow me." And thus he led to very close quarters with the enemy and wheeled his 
regiment by companies into line. It may be doubted it anything less than such actual 
leadership, adapting commands to conditions, would have crowned with success such 
a difficult and dangerous movement. 

He was not only an adroit leader and brave fighter, but he was also a merciful 
man. He saw before his men did that Pickett's men were throwing down their arms 
and he gave the order to cease firing. The order was not heard and thereupon he 
broke through his line and faced it, waving his hat and sword and shouting until he 
was understood. By thus seeking to save the lives of enemies, he exposed his own 
life, not only to their fire, but to that of his own men and of the Union troop at right 
angles with them just above. Fortunately he was spared and he went among the 
struggling Confederates and brought 243 of them within our line, most of whom and 
doubtless many more would have lost their lives but for his brave and timely act. 

Such comrades, were some of the characteristics and services of our distinguished 
friend, better than almost any others, we knew his worth. History, even the history 
that exalts others, accords to him just eminence; but I have long felt, and I believe 
that you feel so too. that the rivalries for rank and honor during and since the war, 
and the misfortune of his not having been able to lead in the battles of 1864 the? 
regiment that he had raised, deprived him of that complete success and higher rank 
to which he was entitled. But be this as it may, the book is closed. Few men equal 
their opportunities. He equaled his and would easily have equalled greater. All 
human responsibility ends there. 

O, grave, where is thy victory'? Thou art but a crucible, whose office is to change 
and not destroy. All life shall live. We see not the immortal part that follows thee, 
but the immortal part which goes before is noble service for the world. The memory 
that irradiates this spot enlarges as we go away. "For to famous men," said Pericles 
over the Athenians who died in the Peloponnesian war, "all the earth is a sepulchre — 
not wherein they lie buried, so much as wherein their glory is laid up, upon all occasions, 
both of speech and of action, to be remembere^i forever." 

But, is glory all? O, no, indeed. Glory may be common, and its just measure 
Is sometimes enlarged by favor. The memory that lives is the memory that leads. 
The service which connects with an undying cause, and which o'erleaps the bounds 
of mere duty and perils all for the utmost, transmits a voice, as by a phonograph, 
which will go ringing through the halls of time. When Randall, being asked by Han- 
cock if he could retake a battery, replied, "We will do it or die trying, " the keynote 
of his success was sounded, and we hear it still. And so in future emergencies, when 
something dangerous or great awaits the doing, long may our children and our child- 
ren's children, to the remotest generations, rise to the dignity of their inheritance 
and say, "We will do it or die trying." 

BY D. S. STODDARD. 

Dark clouds hung o'er the Southern A cyclone gathered all Its force 

sky And swept the nation clean; 

In eighteen sixty-one. Her forts and arsenals were lost 

A nation gazed in agony ~ As though they'd never been. 

And cried, "What shall be done?" 

Her ships were spirited away. 

The storm-swept wave was at its height. Her guns were missing too; 

Secession was the cry; And a great nation quivering lay. 

And not one single ray of light Scarce knowing what to do. 

Shone from that darkened sky. 



'I'lic 'rhirtccnth Regiment I'ermont I'olunteers 



The Southrons askrd one little whim 

To just be "let alone," 
And they'd dissolve the Union In 

A process of their own. 

The Southern States then merrily 

Sereded one by one. 
And raised their banner boastingly 

When e'er the deed was done. 

They wanted Sumter for their own 
They wanted Moultrie, too, 

And gave the gallant Anderson 
A taste of what they'd do. 

Weak kneed ones said the South must 
go, 
'Twill never do to fight; 
Those warlike southern bloods, you 
know 
Would whip us out of sight. 

The president and congressmen 

Were standing all aghast, 
Because the ship of state just then 

Was going to pieces fast, 

"Who shall calm the angry storm 

And bid the tumult cease? 
Who the mighty task perform" 

And give us lasting peace? 

Ah, look! A brilliant ray of light 
Shines o'er that darkened sky — 

A new-made president in sight: 
He'll know the reason why. 

His voice rang out in tones that gave 
Xo vague, uncertain sound; 

It thrilled alike the gay and grave 
Throughout the nation's bound. 

"We want five hundred thousand boys 

To this rebellion quell; 
For In this glorious land of ours 

Two nations cannot dwell. 

Glad Hope sprang up to hear the sound, 
The patriots bosom thrilled. 

But while so many hearts rebound 
Some aching hearts were chilled. 

Our fathers, mothers shuddering heard 
What banished all their joy; 

They gloried in that startling word, 
But, will it take my boy? 

The youthful mother sat and rocked 

The cradle of her child; 
Dread thoughts her inmost being 
shocked 

And drove her nearly wild. 

For men are wanted. Who can know? 

The partner of my life 
Perhaps himself will need to go 

And join that deadly strife. 

Then there was hurrying to and fro 
As legions gathered there. 



And In the numbers met to go 
Were old, and young, and fair. 

And as they gathered east and west, 

Xo better troops displayed 
On march, in fight, or camped at rest 

Than First Vermont Brigade, 

There he who sleeps beneath this shaft 

Led forth a hundred men, 
And quickly learned the warrior's 
craft. 

Though but a captain then. 

His voice rang out in cheering tones 
When fighting at their head; 

(He steeled the hearts of drooping ones 
Among the comrade led. 

And when the Thirteenth Regiment 

Was ready for the field. 
It was agreed with one consent, 

He should their scepter wield. 

Comrades, the Thirteenth here I view 

I need not further go. 
His record as our leader true 

Too well these comrades know. 

But halt! Please keep your rank and 
file 

And linger round his bier. 
Just for a single moment, while 

You this "acrostic" hear. 

'Twas in tlie summer si.xty two 
Hung stormy clouds our country 

through. 
In vain the baffled Union troops — 
Resting themselves in warlike grotips- 
Tried to destroy the rebel strength. 

Eager to meet them on the field. 
Each to his gun or saber wield. 
Xever despairing but hopeful still. 
Trusting in time, our country will 
Have victory and peace at length. 

Verily our time had come to go. 
Each felt his country calling, so 
Regardless of all danger near 
Men go to aid those brothers dear. 
Onward three hundred thousand more. 
Xine months they trod those fields of 

gore 
Till Pickett's legions felt their power. 

Crested wave of victory. 

On thee write immortality. 

Long may our country's banner wave 

Over the land we helped to save. 

Xever forget 'tis patriots due 

Ever to land and home be true. 

Loving them more each passing hour. 

Foremost among those heroes true 
Ranging along that line of blue 
Amid the fiercest battle strife 
Xever to halt for limb or life. 
Crashing through the cannon's smoke 
In clashing steel and saber stroke. 
Standing firm with lines unbroke. 



The Thirteenth Regiment ]'ermont J'ohmteers 



779 



Veering not to left or right. 
"Onward, Thirteenth? The foe's 

sight! 
Loiter not, but run, boys, run! 
Now charge! and take their every 

gun!" 
E'en lilje the cyclone's fatal breath 
Ye rushed to victory or death. 



Round this plain shaft to-day we turn 
In And patriot fires within us burn. 

And as this monument we see 
Live Colonel Randall, Francis V. 
Long in each loyal memory 
Never to cease while life shall last. 
Dedicated to grand memories past. 



MEMORIES. 



Written for the Fifth Re-union of the Thirteenth Vermont Regiment, at Montpelier, 
June 15th. 1S92, hy D. 8. Stoddard of Company B. 



'Twas In the summer sixty-two. 
The fights for Richmond all were 

through, 
And back had fell the Union lines 
From Savage Station, Seven Pines, 
Until at Malvern Hill at last 
The rebel columns stopped aghast. 
The nation gazed with bated breath 
Upon that scene of strife and death; 
And as the wave rolled back and forth 
From North to South, from South to 

North 
And spent its force at Malvern Hill 
The nation's heart almost stood still. 
Then leaped the northern patriot's 

vein 
As ringing out o'er land and main 
Our glorious Lincoln spake this word, 
Above the din of battle heard: 
"We want three hundred thousand 

men 
From prairie, wood and mountain 

glen. 
Three hundred thousand gallant boys 
Will now insure our noble cause. 
The grand success we've striven for 
These eighteen months of cruel war." 
Then comrades, we Thirteenth Ver- 
mont, 
Began enlisting for the front. 
Our brothers of the First Brigade 
On many fields their record made. 
And brothers of the gallant Seventh. 
The Eighth and Ninth, the Tenth and 

Eleventh. 
Had shown the world Green Mountain 

Boys 
Were heart and hand in Union's 

cause. 
And on each hard fought battlefield 
Had never learned to rebels yield. 
And with their proud example seen 
Could we expect to honors win? 
aU, ye who think tne older boys 
Were all the patriots in our cause 
Will wait awhile, your verdict hold 
Till Thirteenth's record has been told. 
These men enlisted, knowing well 
That storms of rebel shot and shell 
Would greet them on the battlefield; 



But to those facts their hearts were 

steeled, 
As tens and hundreds joined the strife 
To fight and die for nation's life. 
The Twelfth and Thirteenth, Four- 
teenth, too. 
Sprang up as if naught el.se to do. 
The Fifteenth, Sixteenth also came, 
All honor to Vermont's proud name. 
And of these five combined was made 
Our own Vermont's Second Brigade. 
At Brattleboro where we met 
To rendezvous and training get. 
We found a thousand stalwart men 
From every hill, and vale, and glen. 
Each ready at their country's call 
To do and dare, to fight or fall 
That this grand land of ours might be 
In truth and right forever free. 
'Twas Colonel Randall at our head 
Who through it all us proudly led. 
As in this sequel we shall show 
What all these comrades full well 

know. 
Next came Lieutenant Colonel Brown 
To take command when Randall's 

- gone. 
And on the left was Major Clark 
To stand by us through light or dark. 
The Thirteenth's right was Company 

A. 
All ready for the bloody fray; 
And at their right Cap Lonergan, 
Who'll lead them through if any can. 
The left was held by — all could see — 
Mad River Valley. Company B. 
Its right was Wilder, Cap O. C, 
Its left, short corporal — that was me. 
And here we have a right to brag 
Of C. in center with the flag. 
Its right was Coburn. Cap L. L. 
Its left, the colors, guarded well. 
Then Captain Munson, Company D 
Were there to fight for you and me; 
And Captain Boynton, Company E, 
Filled well their place twixt K. and G. 
And with us from Winooski's vale 
Were Company F and Captain Yale; 
And Captain White with Company G 
Held honored place by Company B; 



78o 



77/(- I'lurtccnlli Raj'tincnt I'cnittntl I'oluittccrs 



And Conipaiiy II with Ciiptain Peck 
Stood by thr colors neck to neck. 
And Captain Tliatcher. Company I 
Could witli the best their honors vie. 
And last, not li'ast. we truly say 
Were Captain Blake and Company K. 
A few short days in drill and camp 
And Thirteenth took its southward 

tramp. 
Vermont with all its scenes adieu. 
These boys will to her name be true. 
Brave Allen's State shall point with 

pride 
To these brave sons from her moun- 
tain side. 
With clasping hands and moistened 

eyes 
They bade adieu to native skies. 
And in Virginia's sun and shade 
They pitched their tents, a new 

brigade 
They're soldiers now. in quiet camp 
Or on the march's weary tramp. 
On picket in the storm and sleet 
The vidette walks his lonely beat. 
And thinks of the friends that he 

never may see. 
Or starts at the wind in the old hollow 

tree 
As it howls on its way so dreary and 

lone 
Through the boughs overhead with its 

moaning tone. 
He imagines each sound is a warning 

of dread; 
And the rustling leaves do but echo 

tne tread 
Of the midnight assassin, the venge- 
ful foe. 
Who is waiting to strike him the fatal 

blow. 
Thus he passes the night, but his 

spirits revive 
As he finds in the morning he still is 

alive. 
Camp Violet and Camp Vermont 
Remind us of our winter's haunt. 
The midnight march to Union Mill 
Lives vivid in our memories still. 
That night at Fairfax Court House 

too, 
■When Colonel Randall campward flew 
Because of danger from a raid 
By Stuart's cavalry brigade. 
How quick the long roll brought us 

out 
To fall in line, the country scout. 
Perhaps some tremble then to know 
We faced that night an ugly foe. 
They planned to on us silent creep 
And take our camp with us asleep; 
Their scheme miscarried, they were 

foiled. 
And from our front they soon recoiled. 
But later we can recollect 
A rebel raid of more effect. 
That on one early springtime night 
Removed our General from our sight, 
And all bcause his camp out there 
AVas just beyond the "Thirteenth's 
care. 



'Twas in his place our Stannard came, 
He placed our record high on fame. 
Comrades, perhaps we'll m-ver know 
How much to him we really owe. 
But winter passed and springtime 

came. 
The pent-up fires burst out in flame. 
We listened long one bright May day 
To rumblings forty miles away 
At Fredericksburg, where cannoDS 

loud 
Wreathed o'er its fields the battle 

shroud. 
And as the sound came heavier, clear- 
er. 
How we all wished it never nearer. 
Delusive wish. One bright June day 
We struck our tents and marched 

away. 
Long dreary days through mud and 

rain. 
O'er hill and dale, o'er field and plain. 
Till on the seventh our leading ones 
Commanded, "Haiti Inspect your 

guns!" 
And as we looked few miles ahead 
We saw the smoke of battle red. 
The Colonel said in cheering tones, 
■Remember, boys, your State and 

homes. 
The fight is on. there's danger near. 
But for your record I've no fear." 
The Thirteenth on that bloody field 
No disposition showed to yield. 
When on their left the line gave way 
To rebel charge the second day. 
Quick from their place in line they 

s|irung 
into that deadly breach they swung. 
And mid that storm of shot and shell 
His horse went down, tne Colonel fell. 
His hat was lost — he gained his feet. 
His voice rang out his men to greet. 
"Come on. my boys! I'm yet all right. 
And still will lead you in the fight." 
"Colonel, can you retrieve tne day. 
Retake those cannon dragged away?" 
Said Hancock, gazing o'er the field. 
Seeing the guns that had to yield. 
"We'll try", said Randall, "Here's the 

men 
Vermonters from her mountain glen. 
Forward, Thirteenlii ! and run like 

heur 
Ran through that din of shot and 

shell. 
His springing feet, his naked head'. 
His waving sword the column led; 
And as he reached the captured guns. 
As though he weighed an hundred 

ton<=. 
His waving sword came rushing down 
With thundering voice ind warlike 

frown 
He cried. "Surrender ! We're the ones, 
Vermonters, who will take these 

guns." 
"V'et not content. "Come on, my boys. 
Those rebel guns must stop their 
noise. 



The Tliiiii-riilli Kcyiiiicnl I cniuiiil I ohintccf: 



781 



They've bothered us quite long 

enough ; 
We'll show them now we're up to 

snuff." 
Thus Randall thought, "I know its 

rash. 
But we can take them with a dash." 
Forward again across the field. 
And those two guns were forced to 

yield. 
Then night came on, the war notes 

closed. 
The war worn troops in sleep reposed. 
Next day the war dogs spoke again 
As Longstreet tried with might and 

main 
To break our center, drive us back, 
And send destruction on our track. 
An hundred cannon roared and 

screamed 
Their vengeful noise, until it seemed 
The air was full, and e'en their breath 
Was freighted with the blight of 

death. 
For hours those howling missiles 

fiew. 
And louder, nearer seeming grew 
Till all at once 'twas quiet still. 
And e'en the stillness brought a chill. 
What now? See men all standing 

thick! 
They're coming on a double quick! 
They'll soon find out of what stuff 

made 
Is Stannard's new Vermont brigade. 
'Tis Pickett's legions, veterans all. 
Through many storms of shell and 

ball 
They've marched with an unbroken 

front. 
Now coming on as they were wont 
To come before. The.y walk! They 

run! 
Intrepid heroes, every one! 
The quickened movement of their 

pace 
Fast narrows up the little space 
Between our lines. Each grips his 

gun 
With nerve and muscle tighter 

strung! 
Now close behind our cannon broke 
That awful silence! And the smoke 
And din of war rolled on again 
Across that blood-stained battle plain. 
Those gaps where Pickett's heroes 

fell. 



From roaring cannon's grape and 

shell. 
Were quickly filled, and on they came 
Through storms of bullets, shot and 

flame. 
Now comes the clash of glittering steel 
As back and forth the columns reel 
Until that valley bright and vernal 
Resembled but the pit infernal. 
Hold. Comrades, look! Now on your 

right 
Is seen the fiercest of the fight. 
Stannard commands. "VermoiUcrs, 

wheel! 
And give that foe your strongest 

steel!" 
The brigade wheeled, and on their 

flank 
Sent swift-winged death from rank to 

rank. 
They broke, they hailed, quailed and 

fled 
Before that reeking storm of lead. 
That front and flank <onibined attack 
Sent Pickett's legions flying hack; 
And on that day at set of sun 
The three days' fight was fairly won. 
But when we called the roll next day 
Not every one could answer "aye". 
For in the list of names when filled 
Were many missing, wounded, killed. 
Brave comrades in that deadly strife 
They for their country gave their life. 
And now Vermont, and comrades, too. 
We think we've proved to all of you 
That the Thirteenth filled an honored 

place 
And served her time with soldier 

grace. 
Nor flinched before a foeman's face 
In those dark hours, those war-worn 

days. 
.\ot more, not less, than other men. 
From other States, from every glen. 
But in those days of war and strife 
We helped defend the nation's life. 
We simply did what others do 
Who love their country faithful, true. 
And as the deeds of those dark times 
Are sung in jjoet's measured rhymes 
Or spoken in the stirring speech 
Of those whose voice the heart strings 

reach. 
We're proud that only praise is heard 
Of Stannard's men at Gettysburg. 



782 



The riiirtci-)itli Rci/iment I'crinont I'uliiiilccis 



Thirteenth's Camp Grand Reunion Oct. 10, 1902, by D. S. Stoddard. 



Comrades: — 



Again we tread Virginia's soil; 

But few such sights we see 
As when we picketed these grounds 

In sixty two and three. 

Then war's alarms in wild accord 

Rang out on every hand, 
And these green fields, were trampled 
o'er 

By many a hostile band. 

To-day we gather round these camps 

Not as a warlike band. 
For earth and air and sky proclaim. 

There's peace on every hand. 

Our wives were then in old Vermont, 

In every eye a tear — 
The scene has changed and they to-day. 

While we are gathered here 

Are gathered round the nation's shrine, 
Mount Vernon's sacred urns; 

Toward which in grateful memory 
A mighty nation turns. 

Then, with a knapsack on each back 
We tramped this country o'er; 

To-day, instead of marching here 
We came with coach and four. 



We'll ne'er forget the night when we 

A sudden sortie made 
And left our tents for rifle pits 

To head off Stuart's raid. 

lie thought to ride into our camp, 
Surprise us while we slept; 

But when he found us in those pits 
A safer distance kept. 

We recollect at Fairfax too 

There was another raid 
That carried oft the General who 

Commanded our brigade. 

Although that seemed a heavy loss 

It was not hard to bear, 
And after gallant Stannard came 

We surely didn't care. 

'Twas here we learned the bayonet 
play 

And the batallion drill. 
And how to use those Springfield guns 

That every shot might kill. 

Yes, here in eighteen sixty two 
We learned the soldier's trade 

That showed itself at Gettysburg 
In Stannard's light brigade. 



We think while riding o'er these fields 
Of guard mount — dress parade, 

Then on salt pork and hard tack, oh 
What a wild charge we made. 

We boiled our coffee, smoked our pipes 
And oft times took our ease. 

And sauntered round these camping 
grounds 
Just as our fancy pleased. 

But often times the bitter came 

To mingle with the sweet. 
As when we walked these picket lines 

In rain and snow and sleet. 



A sorrow clings around each heart, 

A tear bedims each eye 
To think of comrades brave who fell 

In days so long gone by. 

They camped here with us in those 
days 

And held these picket lines. 
And served their country faithfully 

In those secession times. 

So with our sadness comes this thought 
They helped our country save; 

And we rich blessings now enjoy 
For every life they gave. 



How oft we stood with bated breath 
And peered into the gloom. 

And watched each road and path from 
whence 
An enemy might come. 

We struck our tents at camp Vermont 
And marched oft in the night 

Not knowing where to guard a pass 
Or to the rebels fight. 

We pitched our tents at Union Mills — 
Just why we can't explain — 

Nor why so soon we struck them down 
And traveled back again. 



Thus memories come, and memories go 
As round these camps we tread; 

With joy we greet the living ones 
While sorrowing for the dead. 

And in the coming centuries 

When history is told. 
Posterity will ne'er forget 

Veimonter's deeds of old. 

Comrades this day, this meeting here 

Will in our minds renev/ 
The friendships formed when first we 
met 
In eighteen sixty two. 



Tlic Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers 



783 



And as we glide along adown 
Time's onward moving stream, 

These scenes will in our memories live 
An ever pleasant dream. 

Now all we ask at parting is 

That each one's record be 
As proud as was our loved Thirteenth's 

In July sixty three. 



Another thing we'll ne'er forget 
While on this globe we stay 

Our thanks are due and tendered those 
Who foot the bills to-day. 

Now thirteen cheers for comrades 

three 

Who've brought this meeting round 
Thereby enabling us to see 

Once more, our old camp ground. 



VERMONT TO THE FRONT. 



We are indebted to Dr. L. Haynes Buxton, a native and former resident of this 
town, now a prominent physician of Guthrie, Oklahoma territory, for the following 
poem published by the Daily State Capital of that city: 



"Put those Vermonters in the lead. 

And keep the ranks well closed!" 
Said Sedgwick to his officers. 

Who not one word opposed. 
"For they have got a record grand 

Of doing what they try 
E'er since that once eventful day 

When Allen took Fort Tl." 

And in four years of rebel war 

It was Vermont's proud boast 
To fight on many battlefields. 

And not one flag was lost. 
And then, at Gettysburg, than her's 

No banner swung more high 
When Stannard struck the rebel right 

And made their columns fly. 

So, on through years of peace or war, 
Vermonters take the lead — 

Spring to their country's sure defense 
In time of sorest need. 

And, so 'tis at the present day 
Her record still Is high — • 



For Dewey took Manila 
As Allen took Fort Ti. 

Then three times three for dear Ver- 
mont, 

Our grand old mountain stated 
Her sons are taking foremost rank 

Among the good and great. 
Three cheers for her proud banner! 

You'll swing it none too high — 
Since Dewey took Manila 

And Allen took Fort Ti. 

Another deed of equal fame 

By a Vermonter won; 
He calls to mind the glorious name 

Of C?arfc— and Oregon. 
He sailed his ship half round the 
world. 

And kept his powder dry; 
To be in Santiago's fight 

With gallant Admiral Schley. 



D. S. Stodd.^rd, 



Mulhall, O. T., May 23, IS 



EXPANSION— THE G. A. R.'S TRIBUTE TO THE FLAG. 



Emporia, Kas., February 6th, 1899. 
Mb. Editor : 

Am very much pleased with your G. A. R. corner. I was in Company B, 13th Vt. 
Regt., and now belong to a Vt. Post. This tribute to the flag was the finale to my; 
letter of regret that I could not attend their annual re-union and banquet this winter. 
Perhaps it will fill a corner of your G. A. R. corner if not it will fit splendidly in your 
waste basket. Yours truly, 

D. S. SxoDn.iRD. 



Comrades, while we are growing weak; 

Our Country's growing strong; 
And for our starry banner boys 

Let's sing another song. 

It waves in triumph o'er the sea — 

In triumph o'er the land. 
That glorious flag of liberty. 

Was never quite so grand. 



'Tis waving in a sun-lit sky. 
Forever now, they say; 
Forever now its glorious folds 
Bathe in eternal day. 

Float on, brave banner, ever blest; 

Thou emblem of the free. 
Pill every nation. East or West, 

Respects humanity. 

D. S. Stoddard. 





Til 



'iiiiM'KKXTH i;K(;i.\ii;.\ r .mont.mext. 



I'aptiiin lli'iirv W. Meigs iirici- a liipso ol' forty years. 

contemplating the sanguinarj' struggle ou this field 

•Inly -inl. \SH'-i. when (Jeiienil Oecn-ge E. Piek- 

eli ami his gallant lii-nies were van- 

((uistied hy tlie (Jreen .Mi)iintaiii Hoys 

.,r .liilv :ir(l. ISfi.-l. 



The Thirtccntli Kcyiiiicnt I'oniwnt I 'olitittccrs 785 

TENTING AGAIN ON THE OLD CAMP GROUNDS. 

By Henry B. Meigs, Company K. 

THURSDAY, October 9th, 1902, following close ui)on the Sessions of the National 
Encampment of the G. A. R., at Washington, D. C, and forty years less one day, 
from the date of our being mustered into the service of our country at Brattleboro, 
Vt., forty-one members of our Regimental Association, by invitation of Comrades 
Marsh, Allen and Clark, boarded the train at the Pennsylvania R. R. Station, Wash- 
ington City, and wended our way southward, passing enroute many scenes and places 
that were familiar to us all thirty-nine years ago. 

We passed through a region of country whose every locality "bears the vivid 
impress of most interesting as well as important historical associations, reaching back 
through nearly three hundred years of the beginnings and progress of our country 
in the march of civilization and advancement." On every stream and thoroughfare, 
in every valley and on every hill top there is some memento or land mark, in what- 
ever direction the eye may range, to remind us of what we and our comrades did there 
and of the pioneers who transformed the wastes of the wilderness, marked the bounds 
of the homesteads, laid the hearth stones, established the neighborhoods and set up 
the altars of the Commonwealth. 

We first passed over the famous Long Bridge, built in 1S08, over which we had 
marched before, and over which most of the great armies marching for the defence 
of the Union, entered Virginia during the Civil War. As we passed over the bridge 
we saw to our front and right, beautiful Arlington Cemetery, where rest thousands of 
our comrades and the Nation's heroes, the former home of Robert E. Lee. Not far 
from the western end of the bridge may still be seen remains of Old Fort Runyon, 
built by our comrades of other regiments in 1861. It was the first military work 
raised for the protection of Washington against the advance of the secession forces; 
it was the first base of picketing and skirmishing operations of the great conflict. 
This fort, was commenced by daylight of May 24th, 1861. The old works are now in 
the midst of the extensive brick yards of Brick Haven and Waterloo. A portion of 
them yet remain, but the greater part of the historic clay thrown up here by the boys 
in blue in '61, now does service in the walls of Washington homes. The fort originally 
covered an area of about twelve acres, and was the largest of a chain of forts that 
surrounded Washington. Over the broad thoroughfare extending southward passed 
unceasingly night and day for four years, railway military trains, commissary supply 
wagons, cavalry and artillery, hurrying regiments of infantry, dashing couriers and 
clattering mounted orderlies. 

A new steel bridge with capacity to accommodate the great and increasing railway 
and other travel over the historic Potomac, and of architectural design in harmony with 
the proposed plans for the beautifying of the Nation's Capitol, is already in course 
of construction to take the ijlace of the old structure. 

The forts were built of earth, timber and masonry in the most careful and thorough 
manner. They contained wells for water sujjply, bombproofs and magazines for 
powder, shot and shell; were surrounded by ditches, fringed with abbatis, and were 
armed variously. Forty years of peace have passed since these defences were con- 
structed. To-day hardly one of them remains intact as when the notes of reveille and 
tattoo sounded in their midst. Nearly all of them have been demolished. The ram- 
parts have been leveled, the ditches and rifle pits filled, and the plowshare of the 
farmer is passing over them as before the war. 

When completed the works comprised sixty-two torts with forty-four supporting 
"batteries, the whole having an armament of over one thousand guns, and requiring 
sixteen thousand men to properly garrison them. As we pass along, beautiful Arling- 
ton to the right of us, is still in view. We see the classic home of George Washington 
Parke Custis, adopted son of George Washington and grandson of Martha Washington, 
erected in 1802. The estate consists of 1,160 acres. On the death of Mr. Custis in 
1857, this large estate became the property of Gen. Robert E. Lee, who had married 
Mary Ann, the only daughter of Mr. Custis. Mr. Custis had inherited the estate 
from his father, John Parke Custis. 

General Lee became the leader of the secession armies and the estate in those 
troublesome times being occupied by its owner, was sold in 1863, under the confisca- 
tion act for $92.00, and became the property of the United States Government, which 
took possession of the premises and set apart two hundred acres of it for the interment 
•of the dead soldiers of the Union Army. In this National Cemetery specially laid 
out and beautified with reference to the patriotic purposes in view, nearly twenty-five 
thousand soldiers have been buried from battle fields, hospitals and homes. The 



786 I'lic 'I'lurtccnth Rcyiincnt I'cntKint I'ohintccrs 

ceremonies at this beautiful place on every Decoration Day under the direction and 
loving care of the Grand Army of the Republic, are very impressive, and always 
attract and draw there many thousands of the surviving veterans and friends of the 
deceased heroes. 

A little farther along and we came to Four Mile Run, fo\ir miles from the Capitol, 
Here George Washington owned several hundred acres of laiul near its headwaters, 
where the old Cumberland Pike crosses them, he had mills, from which were shipped 
cargoes of flour to the West Indies in the earlier Colonial times. Then the stream 
ran unvexed and was deep and navigable for sea going craft. Our comrades will 
remember that it was upon this stream that the Convalescent Camj) was situated 
during the Civil War. .4 little farther and the road strikes the I^eesburg Turnpike, 
"the old Military Highway, over which Gen. Edward Hraddock and most of his army 
of British regulars and provincial troo])ers marched in the spring of IT.'i.'j, to expel the 
French and their Indian allies from the lands of the Ohio river. The regulars con- 
sisted of the 44th regiment, under Col. Peter llalket. and the 48th commanded by 
Col. Thomas Dunbar, mustering five hundred men, each with supplies and iirovisions, 
and about eight hundred provincial troopers." Their march took them a distance of 
more than three hundred miles through an unbroken wilderness with swollen streams 
innumerable to ford, and rugged hills and mountains to toil over. The disastrous 
battle was fought on the 9th of .Itily, IT.'i.'). out of eighty-six officers, twenty-six were 
killed, among them Braddock and Halket. 

Now we come to historical Alexandria. Here it was said by a contemporary 
English traveler of the time, "that George Washington, amid the plaudits of the 
inhabitants first stepped forth as the patron of sedition and revolt, and subscribed 
fifty pounds for the support of hostilities." It had a population at the outbreak of 
the Revolutionary War, of about five thousand. 

"Here In the spring of 17.5.5, met the Colonial Governors, Dinwiddle, of Virginia; 
Shirley, of Massachusetts; De Lancy, of New York; Morris, of Pennsylvania; Sharpe, 
of Maryland, and Dobbs, of North Carolina, to arrange plans for the prosecution of 
the French and Indian war on the Ohio river. This meeting of the Colonial Governors 
might be called the second congress in America. That of the council at Albany, in 
1757, the first." 

While passing through Alexandria, we saw in the distance on our left, Christ 
Church, built in 1767, on Washington Street, near King, with its unaltered pew of 
George Washington, brings back forcibly to memory the jilainer days when the great 
hero mingled so often in religious service with his neighbors and friends of old Fairfax. 

The Marshal House on King Street above Royal will make fresh the tragic killing 
of Col. Ellsworth of the New York Zouaves, May 24th, 1861. This old house about 
twenty years ago, was found to be on fire on a cold winter's night, and despite the 
exertions of the fire department, but little more than the bare walls were left standing. 
Upon being rebuilt it ceased to be a house of entertainment — the building now is 
used for other purposes. Near by stands the Braddock House, very much used, and as 
it was years ago. Here General Braddock had his headquarters, and held council of war 
at the Carlyle House on the opposite side of the market. Many of the officers of his 
command were glad to stay at the City Hotel, the nknown as Gadby's Tavern. I>ong 
afterwards Gen. Lafayette was entertained here by the Masonic Lodge, and lodged 
at this house during the festivities incident to his visit. 

Few of the old colonial buildings of Virginia left standing have more interesting 
historical associations than the old Carlyle Mansion, which forms a portion of the 
Old Braddock Hotel, on North Fairfax Street, built by .lohn Carlyle in 1745, and is 
still in a good state of preservation. Fairfax Court House is fourteen miles distant, 
Manassas twenty-seven. Winchester ninety, Fredericksburg fifty, Richmond one hun- 
dred and ten, and Norfolk two hundred and ten miles. 

Leaving Alexandria we soon cross Hunting Creek, a familiar name to the 13th 
Vermont. On the left in the distance is the site of Old Camp Vermont, and near by 
Fort Lyon, which we with pick and shovel constructed. We remember around it, 
in almost every direction, the plains and hill slopes were white with tents of the 
gathered regiments, brigades and divisions of Union soldiers. Everywhere over the 
suddenly populated region was heard the drum's wild beat, the fife's shrill notes, 
the bugle's echoing calls. The numerous remains of their intrenchments. including 
our own old Fort Lyon, earth works and other defences, are still prominent at every 
turn for miles around, attest the melancholy certainty that great preparations were 
made for the impending conflict. 

Near by is Bailey's Cross Roads where was manneuvred by the Union forces, one 
of the grandest military reviews under General McClellan. of any country or time. 
All of the estates hereabout in old colonial days were large. The Mason estate on 
Hunting Creek, the site of Camp Vermont, originally consisted of two thousand acres. 
Thomas Mason, a son of George, the patriot, hereinafter referred to. built the mansion 
here, and resided there after the Revolutionary War, the original mansion house was 
destroyed by fire about 1824. 



The Thirteenth Keijiiiient I'erniout I 'oiiiiiteers 787 

Arriving at Fairfax Station we were met by Mr. Edward Hamill with nine teams. 
(And right here it will be interesting to explain that Hamill, when we were encamped 
at Camp Widow Violet in the spring of 1863, was the tenyman in the Government 
employ at Occoquan, and well known at that time to many members of the regiment). 
Mr. Hamill as guide and trainmaster transported us, first, to Fairfax Court House. 
The very name of the place calls up many interesting associations, adventures and 
experiences. To describe scarcely any of these would occupy too much space for this 
article. 

At Fairfax Court House we visited the County Clerk's office and Court House. 
Court was in session, but many of us took a look within at the room we had visited 
nearly forty years preceding our present excursion. We drank at the old well, but 
not from "the same canteen." and lived over again the events so indelibly impressed 
upon our memories. We finally repaired to the front yard of the house wherein our 
doughty General Stoughton had his headquarters and from whence he started on his 
enforced excursion to Richmond, Va., with Mosby and his men as an escort. In this 
front yard our Regimental Association held a meeting, a report of which follows this 
article. Here an address was made by Lieutenant Carmi L. Marsh, late of Company 
K, who in well chosen words rehearsed the experiences of our Regiment at this point, 
as follows: 

"December 12th, 1862, the Second Vermont Brigade, to which the 13th Vermont 
belonged, marched to this place from near Alexandria and camped in a grove north- 
west of the village. They suffered much from cold before their tents arrived, which 
was several days later. They remained here five weeks, the regiments taking turns 
in going forward to Centreville, for a few days, holding the fortifications there and 
picketing along the Bull Run, in connection with other troops. Our time was taken 
up by Guard Mount, Company, Regimental and Brigade Drill. Early on the eve of 
December 27th, the long roll sounded, and the regiments hastily formed in line. 

"The outpost had reported that Stuart's Cavalry was moving rapidly upon the 
village from the south and east. Colonel Randall was in attendance upon a court- 
martial at Alexandria, but Lieutenant Colonel Brown led the regiment on a double 
quick through the village and into a rifle pit which crossed the Alexandria pike, a 
quarter of a mile to the east. 

"When the men became silent the approach of the enemy over the frozen ground 
could be distinctly heard in the clear frosty air. Apparently they had reached the 
pike and were forming, to charge from the east. A solitary horseman having passed 
the Union picket, came dashing down the pike from that direction, paused a moment 
by General Stoughton, and then passed in the rear of the 13th. This was Colonel 
Randall. When the voice of Colonel Randall was heard, the anxious men experienced 
relief and reassurance. He had heard of the raid and had ridden with all speed 
from Alexandria. It was only by strategy, that he made his way through the fore- 
most of the Confederates along the pike. 

"A charge by the enemy's advance was soon repulsed by General Stoughton's 
skirmishers, and when our artillery opened General Stuart moved away, and flanked 
the town to the north. The 13th regiment was moved rapidly to intercept him, but 
only to become very warm by running and then nearly to freeze before returning 
to camp in the morning. On the 20th of January, the regiment marched south, twelve 
miles to Wolf Run Shoals. 

"There are other interesting facts which occurred here later, which I will leave 
for Colonel Clark to relate at our next stopping place, not wishing to appropriate 
all of his thunder." 

Following the address by Comrade Marsh three old-time cheers were given him and 
given with a will, and here we elected as an honorary member of our Association, 
Mr. Philip Sheridan Randall, son of Colonel F. V. Randall, of glorious and blessed 
memory. Mr. Randall was touched to the heart by our action. In a few well chosen 
words, and evidently from the heart, he thanked the Association for the great honor 
•conferred upon him. With three more cheers tor the son of our old Colonel, we 
adjourned and re-embarked in the conveyances of Mr. Hamill for our next encampment. 

The scenes and condition of the country about Fairfax Court House and Fairfax 
Station were little changed from what they were when we were lords of that country 
thirty nine years ago. While passing en-route from Fairfax Court House to Wolf 
Run Shoals, we passed one especially fine farm, now occupied by a Dr. Brooks. The 
writer of this sketch for the space of a week or ten days was a private guards- 
man at this house to keep our comrades from conflscating chickens, lambs and pigs. 
It was then, as now, the finest farm in all that country. 

The road from Fairfax Station to our old camp at Wolf Run Shoals is little 
■changed in thirty-nine years. The first three miles of the road from Fairfax Station 
to Four Cross Roads (now called Wood's Store, a small store, a couple of houses 
and a blacksmith's shop) is a continuous forest, there being only one or two houses in 
small openings in all of this distance, looking tor all the world precisely as it did thirty- 
nine years ago. From Wood's Store to Farr P. O., another cross roads a couple of miles 
farther on, there are a few more houses of the most ordinary kind in small openings 



788 7/m' Tliiitrriilli h'tu/iiiu-iil I'criiuint I 'dlitiilcrrs 

in the forest. At tlif Four Corners, now Farr Post Office, is tiie |ioint wfiere the 12th 
Vermont Keginienl joined us when we were niakinK our nienioraljle niarch to Gettys- 
burg. Tlie Henderson Pilie crosses the road from Fairfax Station to Wolf Run Shoals 
at this |)Oint. From these four corners into our old camp Wolf Run Shoals, were 
many houses still standing that were familiar to us from old association. — houses 
where we sometimes foraged and sometimes bought of the natives then residing there, 
and at one of which our good Comrade Marsh was sick nigh unto death. 

Arriving at Camp Wolf Run Shoals, of course the hills were there as we knew them^ 
but it was very hard to locate definitely and exactly our old camping ground. A 
fairly well kei)t farm owned by a Mr. Fairfax now nccu])ies the site of our old camp. 
In the past, when we occupied this camp, the hills beyond the Hull Run stream were 
not wooded. To-day they are densely covered with a pine forest, while on the side 
of Hull Run where our camp was situated the hills and ravines are there as we knew 
them, but the woods and the cleared ijlaces have entirely changed, as have the maps 
of our own faces in the two score years that have intervened since we knew them. 
Here we had refreshments that had been provided by the committee in charge. 
Comrade H. O. Clark made an interesting address, as follows: 

"Comrades: Again we are on the spot where we camped and slept nearly forty 
years ago. Many changes have come to each and all of us but there has been little- 
change here. We found it woods, we laid our company streets in corduroy, we built 
our stockades from the white oak, which, as you remember, cut, split and burned 
readily, even the day it was cut, and when we were ready to move from here instead 
of dense woods we left a clearing, with only stumps to show where trees had been; 
now we come back and find the stumps gone, the corduroy streets and stockades 
gone, and again the woods as if inviting us to make our camp. Hut while nature has- 
renewed the surroundings here it has not renewed or invigorated us. In our hearts 
we are as young as forty years ago, but physically we are getting to be old men. The 
hardships we endured then and thought little of would be disastrous to us now. One 
week of camp life here would bring us all under the surgeon's order rather than the 
colonel's. The regiment came from Fairfax Court House to this spot .Tanuary 20th, 
'63. We formed camp on this hillside. The company streets running from the main 
track down toward the creek. The colonels', lieutenant colonels' and other field 
officers' tents were on the summit of the knoll. Company A was where they supported 
a battery of artillery, and was permanently located at the ford about a mile south. 
The regiment occupied the outer line of the defences of Washington, and its main 
duty here was keeping guard on the fords in this vicinity on the Occoquan river. 
We had winter weather, some snow, and plenty of rain and mud. We had few drills, 
but used to have a daily dress parade on the field south of the camp, also frequent 
practice in target firing. Notwithstanding the inclement weather I do not remember 
that we had any unusual amount of sickness, nor do I remember that any of us suf- 
fered from cold or other causes. Most of our tents were stockaded and in all there 
was some kind of a device for heating. Some had stoves, many had stone fireplaces, 
some holes in the ground with an underground flue connecting with the chimney 
outside. These chimneys were unique affairs, built of small sticks like the cob houses 
of our childhood days, and plastered with mud inside and out. usually about five- 
feet in height. You will remember a playful custom that prevailed when a man had 
company in his tent and was apparently having an especially good time, some envious 
chap would step up on the outside and drop a few cartridges down the chimney. 
This pleasure created confusion inside the tent, with loud and violent language, and 
threats of sudden death or disablement at least of the perpetrator if caught, which 
seldom resulted. 

"Perhaps you will remember our theatre,— at least the structure built over in that 
direction and pretending to be a theatre for the use of the boys. I did not know then, 
nor do I now know w^ho it was that originated this scheme. I know it was proposed 
that we build a theatre, and the idea meeting with favor, two or three hundred of 
us set to work, some digging a trench around a piece of ground about thirty by forty 
feet, others cutting down the white oaks and splitting them in half; others carrying them 
in and standing them close together in the trench which was then refilled, and the 
cracks were plastered with mud and made tight. A door was put in and the whole 
covered with flies from wall tents; benches were put in, a platform built and in a 
couple of days the theatre was ready for occupancy. We had worked hard and now- 
expected to get some benefit from our labors, but no one seemed to take any steps 
toward theatrical or other amusement, and our theatre threatened to become rather 
a useless structure. Some time after completion, however, a couple of boys coming 
into camp about 10 p. m.. were surprised to see that it was occupied. The lights 
inside showing through the canvas roof plainly indicated that at least there was some- 
thing doing. Thev tried the door and found it fastened on the inside. After knocking, 
it was opened by a man with a drawn sword who asked what they wanted; replying 
that thev wanted to come in.' they were refused admission, and ordered away. Pro- 
testing that they had helped build the theatre and had a right to enter, an officer 
appeared from the interior, (not of our regiment), who hastily inquired by what right 



The Thirfccnth Rryimciit J'cnnont I'oUiiitccrs 789 

they were out of camp at that hour, and ordered them to return to their quarters 
forthwith, or take the penalty of being absent from camp without leave. Argument 
in this case was out of the question and the boys returned to camp. Inquiries were 
started next day, however, which resulted in showing that this was not a theatre, 
or intended tor a theatre. That some of the officers and older men were members of 
the Masonic fraternity, and having a dispensation from the Grand Lodge of Vermont 
to organize a lodge here, had gotten up the theatre story to get the boys, most of 
them under twenty-one years of age, and therefore ineligible to join the Masonic 
order, to build them a lodge room. They were entirely successful in their scheme, 
and none of us boys were ever permitted to enter the structure we had erected, after 
its completion. It was a clear case of bunco. 

"Our supplies were brought here by wagons from Fairfax Station. You will all re- 
member the corduroy road we built and perhaps some of you have ridden over it 
in an army wagon. The ride down the hill with the mules on a run. the mud flying 
up between the logs twenty feet high and the wagon wheels only hitting every third 
log is an experience that one does not forget in forty years. It was while we were at 
this camp that General Stoughton was captured, March 9th, at the Court House. 
You saw the brick house where he was quartered; many of those here have been there 
at Brigade Guard Mount. You may remember there was a young lady. Miss Ford, 
whom we used to see frequently with General Stoughton. We always thought he was 
as you may say, 'sweet on her.' and I presume he was. She was of 'secesh' pro- 
clivities and it has been alleged that it was through information from her that he was 
captured. A year or two afterward she married a Union officer, a Vermonter, Major 
J. Willard. She died a few years later, leaving a son who now has a residence at 
Fairfax and is at the present time Lieutenant Governor of the state of Virginia. He 
also has a house in Washington, owns the new Willard Hotel, and is said to be the 
richest man in Washington. After Stoughton's capture Colonel Blunt commanded the 
brigade till Stannard was appointed Brigadier General. 

"While encamped here the boys used to scout around considerably, and pigs, 
calves, etc., found their way to camp much to the annoyance of the resident people 
in the vicinity, who made loud complaints to the Colonel, He finally issued an order 
forbidding foraging of all kinds. Still complaints came in, mainly referring to loss 
of poultry. The Colonel claimed it must be the men of the 12th regiment camped 
over there. They had some bad men and it must be they. Finally an old gentleman 
came one morning in a high state of Indignation, stating a soldier had been at his 
house that morning and stolen his last two chickens. The colonel said it must have 
been one of those bad 12th regiment men. The old man said, 'no, it was a 13th man,' 
as he saw him and ordered him to drop the chickens, which the soldier refused to do, 
and more than that he used "disrespectful and insulting language' to him, and he 
demanded that the soldier be punished. The Colonel said it could not have been a 
13th man as he had issued orders forbidding such conduct, and he knew none of his 
men would disobey any order he issued. The old gentleman insisted that it was a man 
of our regiment as he had '13' on his cap and he would know the man' and insisted 
on his punishment, or he would complain to headquarters. The Colonel said he could 
not believe it was any of his men, but that the old gentleman could look around the 
camp, and if he could identify and provel the case against any of his men he would 
see that he was severely punished. Accompanied by the officer of the guard, the old 
man proceeded to look over the camp. In one of the company streets in front of a 
tent they saw feathers; lifting the flap of the tent, there sat a soldier, '13' on top 
of his cap, one chicken dressed and cut up, a. second one in hand from which he was 
just picking the feathers. The old gentleman identified the man and the chickens, 
and both men were taken to the Colonel's tent. He at once flew into a rage greater 
apparently than that of the old gentleman, ordered the man placed with his back to 
a tree, and a gun strap passed around both binding him tight to the tree; then had 
the long roll beat, and as the men assembled, he walked up and down, pulling his 
long moustache, he addressed them to this effect: 'You see this miserable rascal — 
been caught stealing chickens. You know I issued an order forbidding such things, 
and when I issue an order I want it obeyed. Now take notice, if any of you steal any 
more chickens from this respectable and loyal gentleman, and use insulting and 
disrespectful language to him or any other like him, and leave the feathers in front of 
your tent, I'll have you hung up by the thumbs. I will.' It is hardly necessary to 
add that none of the 13th Vermont was ever caught stealing chickens, or with feathers 
around his quarters. 

"We remained here till April 2nd, when the regiment moved to Camp Widow Violet, 
five miles down the river. The march was made on a bright, warmj day, and was 
fatiguing as the men were somewhat out of the habit and were heavily loaded with 
accumulations of three months' camp life. 

"It was forty years ago to-morrow since the regiment was sworn into the United 
States service at Brattleboro, October 9th, 1862." 

And with three cheers we turned our backs upon the place once so familiar, and 
wended our way, via the Henderson Pike by the same route that we took thirty-nine 



790 Till' Thirteenth Rcyiiiicitt I cniiont I 'ohintccrs 

years ago to our Camp Widow Violet, a mile and a half from Occoquan. Here there have 
been comparatively few changes in the fields and timber round and about. The field where 
our camp was situated looked as familiar as if it were only last year that we were there. 

The Davis house, with its large stone chimney at the end of the house, was a 
familiar object recognized by us all, though there has been an addition built to it in 
recent years, and here we were addressed by Comrade H. W. Allen, in the following 
happily chosen words: 

"Comrades: On April 2nd, 1863, we moved from Wolf Run Shoals some six or 
seven miles away to Camp Carusi, a half mile or so in the rear of this field. The 
camp becoming unhealthy, we moved to a field on the farm of the Widow Violet, 
after whom the camp was named, to the right of where we now stand, taking the 
place of a cavalry force which had been stationed here. Our duty was to guard the 
ferry at Occoquan village, a mile or so distant, and the several fords up to Davis' 
ford, three miles below Wolf Run Shoals. Capt. Munson as Brigade Provost Marshal, 
as 1 remember, remained at Fairfa.\ Court House for a time and made a search for 
firearms, finding all manner of things which the owners relinquished with great 
reluctance. On May \\, three army wagons and drivers and three men about two 
miles out of camp were captured. 

"Captain Munson took three companies and went out to Brentsville capturing horses 
to replace those taken. Sergeant Clark of Company D, had charge of a detail of 
scouts who scoured the country across the river, having many adventures and doing 
good service. 

"Broke camp June 2.oth, marching to Union Mills where we joined the brigade on 
its march to Gettysl)urg. It was from this camp that Lieutenant Colonel A. C. Brown 
left us. Chaplain Sargent died in the corner room of this house which we knew as 
the Davis house. The Cth Michigan cavalry were eucamped to the right of where 
we now stand. I would be glad to talk longer but our chief guide, Mr. Edward Hammil, 
in charge of the teams and proprietor of Hotel Hammil, at Occoquan, (who, by-the- 
way, was in charge of the old ferry at the river in 1863. and whose good wife is a 
niece of General Ashby, of Confederate fame) says a good dinner is waiting for us, 
and I am sure you would prefer that to a more lengthy address." 

What will be more interesting to the surviving members of the 13th Vermont, with 
reference to these old estates that existed hereabout in Colonial times, is Gunston Hall, 
the home of George Mason, the distinguished patriot, whose name is very prominent 
in early Virginia history, and especially in that portion of it which relates to the 
Revolutionary conflict. He was not a soldier and had no aspirations for authority, 
dignity or honor, but he was a thinker, and a most forceful writer, and better than 
all, a man of good principle and honest purpose. Gunston Hall is one of the very 
few dwelling places of the Upper Potomac tide water region that are still standing 
as in the past, one stone upon another. 

Its interior of spacious apartments with their high ceilings, wainscotings and 
elaborate stairways, has been put in pleasing order, and its exterior of quaint roofs 
and gables, and dormer windows and tall chimneys has been well cared for. This 
manorial domain consisted of seven thousand acres and extended along up the Occo- 
quan river to the village of Occoquan, and our encampment — Camp Widow Violet- 
was on the border of this estate. The estate was divided into numerous plantations, 
namely: Gunston, Occoquan, Pohick. Stump .Neck, Hallowing Point, and Dogue Run. 
It was George Mason, the lord of this valuable estate, who drew up the Bill of Rights; 
he also wrote the constitution which declared Virginia independent of Great Britain, 
and which was adopted on June 29th, 1776. 

The first draft was written at Gunston Hall, and was there considered by George 
Washington. Thomas Jefferson, and other great men, before they submitted it to the 
delegates. This George Mason, of whom we speak, was the fifth descendant from 
George Mason, member of Parliament, who took refuge in Virginia from the hate of 
Cromwell in 1651. He afterwards commanded a regiment under Charles II. and fought 
at the battle of Worcester. He fled to Virginia in disguise almost a century before the 
time of Washington, and was the founder of the Mason family in the Old Dominion. 

A rough hewn granite stone marks the site of the grave of George Mason, of 
Revolutionary fame, and reads as follows: 

GEORGE MASON, 

author of the 

Bill of Rights and 

First Constitution 

of 

Virginia. 

1726-1792. 



The Thirtcciitli Regiment Vermont J'olunteers 791 

Another large estate in this vicinity was that of Belvoir, the home of the Fairfaxes, 
and consisted of several thousand acres. In 1814, that portion of the walls of Belvoir 
which were left standing from a previous fire, was leveled by the shot from the 
British fleet of General Gordon, when retreating down the Potomac from the partial 
destruction of Washington and Alexandria. 

Old Mount Vernon estate, the mecca toward which thousands of patriotic feet 
are turned annually, consisted of eight thousand acres, which in Washington's time 
was divided into five main farms or plantations, and extended ten miles along 
tide water. 

Six miles from the Mount Vernon Mansion, and four miles from the Potomac 
river, stands the old Pohick Church, the second building of the parish, erected in 
1772. The first edifice was erected in 1732. Doubtless there are but few of the 
members of our regiment but what will recall this quaint old church and some may 
have, as the writer has, some relic of it to this day. Since the war, by the munificence 
of various individuals, the old church has been restored to its original appearance and 
condition, and regular service is being held within its walls. 

Another historical landmark, now largely overgi'own with trees, but still readily 
traced, and situated about seven-eighths of a mile south of our encampment, Camp 
Widow Violet, is the military road. It crosses the Potomac on the Mount Vernon 
Estate northward at a point then known as Clifton Ferry, and extended southward 
via Gum Springs, thence through the Woodlawn estate, through Accotink, passing 
about one-third of a mile south of Pohick Church, thence in a direct line to Occoquan 
village, and as above stated, about seven-eighths of a mile south of our encampment, 
Camp Widow Violet. Not in all of the thirteen colonies was there a more historic 
road than this which coursed down from the mountains, over to Occoquan, and 
southward to the Carolinas, and northward to the northern colonies. Over this road 
many historic scenes of old appear and vanish as we look and dream of the events 
that have transpired in its pathway. Over it Washington and his friends, in times 
of peace preceding the Revolutionary War, often passed: over it Braddock passed 
northward to his disastrous battle with the French and Indians: over it Washington 
often passed in going to the house of the Burgesses at Williamsburg. In our mind's 
eye we can see sitting on a well bred steed, slick, prim and matronly looking, and 
attired in silk and laces. Lady Washington, formerly the widow Custis. Our dream 
carries us farther, and we see the immortal host of Washington, of Greene, of 
Lafayette, and of Wayne, commanding their continental armies, marching along this 
highway going to the closing act of the great Revolutionary drama at Yorktown. 

Boarding our conveyances again we went along the road familiar to every member 
of the regiment when we were encamped here to Occoquan, to the hotel kept by 
Mr. Hammil, where his good wife had provided bounteously for us in the old Virginia 
fashion — fried chicken and ham with accessories galore. It is interesting to say in 
this connection that Mrs. Hammil was first cousin to the celebrated Ashbys. those 
dashing Confederate officers, who, perhaps next to Lee, Stuart and Mosby, were first 
in the hearts of Virginia Confederates. After we gathered about the table in 
the Hotel Hammil and stood uncovered, our Reverend Comrade, S. F. Gale, of Jack- 
sonville, Fla., gave thanks. As he poured out his soul to the Great Commander in 
thanksgiving that we were permitted to return again to these familiar scenes after 
two score of years: that God had preserved our lives and granted us this unspeakable 
privilege of visiting again those scenes where our comradeship was cemented amidst 
fire of battle, suffering of march and bivouac, it goes without saying that all of our 
hearts most enthusiastically joined him in that petition. The very well springs 
of our hearts overflowed as the good comrade brother poured out his soul to God 
in those well chosen words of thanks and praise, following a hearty dinner for which 
our stomachs were well prepared. 

Addresses were made by Lieut. Col. A. C. Brown, Judge C. S. Palmer, James B. 
Scully, W. W. Holden, Dr. John B. Crandall, and D. S. Stoddard, who recited an 
original poem, two verses of which we insert: 

Another thing we'll ne'er forget. 

While on this globe we stay: 
Our thanks are due and tendered those, 

Who foot the bills to-day. 

Now thirteen cheers for our comrades three 

Who've brought this meeting round; 
Thereby enabling us to see 

Once more, our old camp ground. 

Other addresses were intended, but the time was so short when we must take 
the train three miles distant and return home again, that this privilege and pleasure 
was denied to several, and so we returned again to Washington, late at night, after 
having enjoyed a day with joy unspeakable, such as is given to but few men to enjoy 



79^ The Thirtccitth Kcijiiiicitt I 'cniiont I 'oluiitccrs 

in this lifetime. In these sacred hours spent in revisiting the places made sacred by 
the things we did there, how our hearts welled up within us. It is not too much to 
say that each one for himself and al! for each one. thought in his heart that as some- 
times the clouds in the western sky are gilded with a golden brilliancy even after 
the sun is lost to view. — a brilliancy which no artist can iniitate-so were the memories 
born of the occasion as lasting and beautiful as the gilded clouds we sometimes see 
in the western sky, — memories that we will carry with us until the last one has 
marched down Into the valley of death and crossed over to the Eternal Camping 
Ground, to rest beneath the low green tents whose curtains swing no more back 
forever. 

While enroute from Fairfax Court House to our old camp at. Wolf Run Shoals, 
evidences of our handiwork were apparent all along the road way. The very logs 
were there that we cut and |)laced in corduroy and we drove over them as we were 
wont to drive and march in the days so long ago. This was remarkable to all. but 
from the natives we verified the facts that they were the same logs that we laid, 
only here and there they had been replaced as time had decayed them in places. 

There were forty-one of the old comrades in the parly, viz: — 



Field and Staff. 



Lieut. Col. A. C. Rrown. 
Assistant Surgeon J. B. Crandall. 
Q. M. S. Guy Smith. 



Montpelier. Vt. 
Sterling, 111. 
Boston. Mass. 



James B. Scully. 
Heman W. Allen. 



1st Sergeant. 
Private, 



Burlington. Vt. 



O. C. Wilder, 
D. S. Stoddard, 
Byron J. Stockwell, 



Captain, 
Corporal, 
Private, 



Waitsfield, Vt. 



Sullivan P. Gale, 
S. W. Benjamin, 



1st Sergeant, 
Private, 



Jacksonville, Fla. 
Montpelier, Vt. 



Henry O. Clark, 
William Crosby, 
Mark Day, 
George N. Wright, 
Myron P. Scullin, 



Sergeant, 

Private, 

Corporal, 



East Orange, N. J. 
Vergennes, Vt. 
Rockford. lU. 
Colchester. Vt. 
Burlington. Vt. 



Lemuel P. Butts, 
Henry Mudgett, 



No. Hyde Park, Vt. 
Johnson. Vt. 



Co. P. 



L. F. Terrill. 
Fred A. Slater, 
George S. Bliss, 
B. F. Brown. 
Cassius M. Booth, 
Caleb P. Nash, 
Cornelius M. Palmer, 



Corporal. 
Musician, 
Private, 



Jericho. Vt. 
Lyons. Ohio 
Worcester. Mass. 
Williston. Vt. 
Essex Junction. Vt. 
Brattleboro. Vt. 
Chicago. 111. 



Co. G. 



Wiliam O. Brigham, 



Private. 



Bakersfield. Vt. 



C. W. Searles, 
Charles C. Varney, 
William W. Holden. 
George A. Peck, 



2d Lieutenant, 
Sergeant, 
Corporal, 
Private, 



W. Berkshire, 
Barre, 
North field, 
Montpelier, 



The Thirteenth Regiment ]'erniont Volunteers 



793 



E. C. Wilson, 
C. L. Marsh, 
W. A. Cooper, 
A. J. Chadwick, 
Henry B. Meigs, 



Phil Sheridan Randall, 
M. D L. Thompson, 
Ira C. Morse, 
Frank C. Forbes, 
A, H. Hershey, 
George M. Lane, 
Henry C. Smith, 



Private, 

2d Lieutenant, 



Corporal, 
Private, 



GUESTS 



Ellendale, 

Co. C, 12th Vt., 



Captain, 

Co. E, 9th Vt., 

Co. A, 1st Vt. Cav., 



East Franklin, 
Enosburg Falls, 
West Berlin, 
Enosburg Falls, 
Baltimore, Md. 



South Dakota. 
Burlington. 
Jericho, 
Williston. 
Sterling, 111. 
Springfield, Mass. 
Burlington, Vt. 



REPORT OF ASSOCIATION MEETING. 



At a meeting of the 13th Vermont Regiment Association held at Fairfax Court 
House, Virginia, October 9th, 1902. 

President S. W. Benjamin, presiding, on motion of C. L. Marsh, Phil Sheridan 
Randall, of Ellendale, South Dakota, a son of our late Col. F. V. Randall, was unani- 
mously elected an honorary member of this Association. Mr. Randall responded in 
a neat speech, thanking the survivors of the regiment for the evidences of regard and 
respect shown for the memory of his father, and for the honor conferred upon him. 

At a later meeting the same day, on the train between Occoquan and Alexandria, 
President Benjamin presiding, on motion of H. W. Allen, Henry C. Smith, of Burling- 
ton, (Co. A, 1st Vermont Cavalry) was unanimously elected an honorary member, to 
which he responded in a happy manner. 

On motion of Surgeon J. B. Crandall, Captain A. H. Hershey, of Sterling, 111., a 
guest of the Committee of this "Day in Virginia" excursion, was unanimously elected 
an honorary member, to which he fittingly responded. 

H. W. Allen explained regarding the United States Flag, the Silk Guidons and 
Banner carried during the parade at Washington, and on this excursion by Orderly 
Sergeant James B. Scully, of Company A. and Comrade William Crosby, of Company 
D, saying the Association should own them. 

Col. A. C. Brown made a motion which was carried unanimously, that the treas- 
urer be directed to pay tor these articles and they become the property of the Associa- 
tion and be placed with the secretary for safe keeping. A subsequent motion was made 
by Col. Brown that the markers be inscribed "A Day in Virginia, October 9th, 1902." 

The excursion was conceived and planned by a self-appointed committee of three. 
Forty-one survivors and guests left Washington, October 9th. at 8 a. m. in a special 
car for Fairfax Station, on the Southern R. R.; at the station they took carriages or 
Virginia wagons, nine in number, making first stop at Fairfax Court House, returning 
to the station, thence to Wolf Run Shoals, where a light lunch was served; thence to 
Occoquan via Camp Carusi and Widow Violet. At Occoquan Village dinner was served 
at Hotel Hammil. At 6:2.5, took the train for Washington on the Southern R. R., 
where a special car was ready for the party, reaching Washington at 7:40 p. m. The 
weather was superb, the railroad accommodations excellent and the teams according 
to contract. Numerous expressions indicated a most enjoyable day for all concerned. 

The party was so large that it was not deemed expedient to take the ladies. A 
drive about Washington was given them under the direction of Mrs. C. L. Marsh, 
which was thoroughly enjoyed. 

H. W. ALLEN, 

Acting Secretary. 

Note — The U. S. Flag, the Silk Guidons and the Banner, suitably mounted and 
inscribed as directed: "A Day in Virginia, October 9th, 1902," were afterwards pre- 
sented to the 13th Vermont Regiment Association by Lieut. Col. A. C. Brown, and are 
in the keeping of the Secretary. 



The Thirteenth Rcy'uncnt J'crmont Volunteers 795 



PERSONAL SKETCH BY CAPTAIN FRANK KENFIELD. 



ABOUT the year 1792 my grandfather, George Kenfleld, moved from Bow, N. H., 
and settled in Morristown, Vt., and was one of the early settlers of this town. 
He built a log house on a farm, which I now own, west of Morristown corners. 
Here my father, Asaph Kenfleld, was born June 26th, 1794, being the youngest of 
eleven children, also being the first male child born in Morristown. When he was ten 
years of age grandfather moved to Sterling, an adjoining town, (which is now a 
part of Morristown) and here built a house and cleared up the wilderness to make 
a farm. My father lived with his parents until both passed away, and then married 
my mother. Miss Eliza Ann Shephard, who was born and raised in the state of New 
York. My grandfather died July 24th, 1821, aged 85 years. My grandmother died 
January Sth, 1S23, aged 65 years. 

I was born March 13th, 1838 on this farm in Sterling, where I lived until 17 years of 
age, when my father repurchased the old farm where he was born, and moved onto 
it. I had one brother, Horace and one sister, Jane Ann, both younger. Previous to 
this my advantages for school were poor, the nearest school house being three miles 
away, which I attended during the winter term, walking this distance night and morn- 
ing over bad roads, and many times through deep and drifting snow. In our new home 
the advantages for school were much improved, as near by was a district school, 
which I attended, and finished my education at the People's Academy at Morrisville. 
I attended the fall and spring terms, and taught school in the winter to help out on 
expenses. 

In the fall of 1858 I went to Massachusetts and that winter taught school in West 
Sutton, and at the close of the term went to Boston, and worked through the summer 
until fall, when I went West. The first stop was Chicago. At that time Chicago was 
a small place, and little did 1' think that it was destined to become the large and 
commercial city that it is to-day. I continued on my westerly course until I reached 
the Mississippi river at Prairie du Chien. In those days the Mississippi river was 
the great thoroughfare between the west and south, and most of the transportation 
was done by steamers constantly plying up and down this river, as at that time 
steam railroads were in their infancy. 

Prom here my course was down this river, stopping at all the prominent places 
until I landed in New Orleans. La., in December 1859. I remained in this state, 
working in different sections, both on the cotton plantation, and in the pineries until 
the next spring, and the 12th day of April, I860, I took a steamer at New Orleans for 
the north and home, where I arrived the first of May. 

During my stay in the south, I improved my opportunities to learn the ways of 
the people, and their institutions. At that time the institution of slavery was at its 
height, and I saw the workings of this great curse in all its form. I saw men, women 
and children, sold and traded in the same ^ as cattle. Husband and wife separated 
and each sold to a different master. Children sold and taken from their mothers, 
all of which was a common occurrence in those days in the South. In New Orleans 
as in other large places where slave marts or pens, where human beings were traded 
in the same as other goods and chattels, both at auction and private sale. The price 
of these goods varied in the amount according to age and conditions from a very low 
price up to $2,500. and in some cases perhaps more. Usually the men brought a 
higher price than the women. I had always felt that American slavery was a great 
wrong, and was a blot and a stain upon our nation, that should be wiped away, and 
during my stay as I saw the workings of It I saw nothing to change this theory, 
but on the contrary, to intensify it. 

The people of the south at that time as a general thing were rich and there was 
no good reason why they should not be as the slaves did the work without expense 
except for food and clothing, which was of the cheapest kind, and they raised large 
quantities of cotton and sugar which brou.ght good prices and made their income a 
large one, and not only this the slaves themselves represented fortunes which could 
he readily turned into money. The people were generous, kind and hospitable, and 
during my stay with them I can but have a kindly feeling towards them for the true 
hospitality I received at their hands. They believed that the institution of slavery 
was right. They had been brought up to believe this, that the colored man was made to 
be the slave of the white man. This doctrine was preached from the pulpit, taught 
in the schools, and discussed in the home circles, and by this training through all 
their lives, for generations, they were sincere in this belief. There existed a bitter 
feeling towards the anti-slave element of the north and war was threatened on every 



796 The Thirteenth Re(iiiitcnt I'ernuDit I'olitnteers 

hand provided the next president elected was opposed to slavery. At this time the 
black clouds of war were gathering, and I was fully convinced that soon it must 
come, and in one year from the time 1 left, it burst forth In all its fury. 

On my return home I built a saw mill and commenced the lumber business. In 
April, 18C1, Fort Sumter was fired u|)on and the whole north was aroused as never 
before. Volunteers were called for and recruiting soon commenced. On account 
of having lost two fore fingers on my right hand I could not be accepied. This was 
a bar to enlisting during the early stages of the war, but when the Thirteenth Vermont 
Regiment was raised I enlisted as a private in Company K, and soon after that the com- 
pany was organized at Morrisville. and I was elected second lieutenant. On my first 
medical examination I was rejected on account of the loss of my fingers, but later 
was accepted and mustered into the I'nited States service with the Company. 

Here at Morrisville we drilled for some time and were then ordered to Brattle- 
boro where we joined the regiment and were nuisterd into the United States service 
October :ird. 1862. On the llth of October we left the state lapitol for Washington, 
arriving there on the 13th. Here we encamped on Kast Capitol Hill, which at that 
time was a tract of uneven pasture land, but to-day it has become an attractive part 
of that beautiful city of Washington, completly covered wih nice buildings with well 
laid out asphalt streets and avenues. October 30th we left here and marched across 
Long Bridge into Virginia and encanii)ed the first night on Arlington Heights, the 
abandoned home of General Lee. The next day we marched to the heights south of 
Alexandria and formed a camp which we called "Camp Vermont." Here we did 
fatigue duty working on Fort I..yon, picketing and drilling until November 26th, when 
we broke camp marching through Alexandria to Fairfax Court House, arriving at 
Union .Mills the next day. Here we guarded the railroad and maintained a strong 
picket line along liiill Run. On the 5th of December we were relieved by other troops 
and returned to Camp Vermont going to Alexandria on flat bottom cars in a big snow 
storm which will long be remembered by all who took part, arriving at Camp Vermont 
the next day. December 12th we again marched to Fairfax Court House and en- 
camped north west of the village. Here we again did picket duty along Bull Run, 
and other guard duties. Here we remained until .January 20th. when we went to 
Wolf Run Shoals. This camp we fitted up for winter and occupied it until the first 
of April and then went to Camp Carusi. This last was a beautiful camp near the 
Occoquan river. Here we remained until we took up our march for Gettysburg. 

Here I was promoted to first lieutenant and received my commission dated June 
12th. 1S63. On the mornin.g of July 2.Tth we broke camp and took up our march for 
Union Mills where we arrived some time after noon. This was an extremely warm 
day and through some unknown cause my face had become so swollen and jjuffed up 
that I could hardly see, and it was with difficulty that 1 could march. When we came 
to a halt I sent for the surgeon and he said "T had got poisoned, and the thing for 
me to do was to go to a hospital." I did not relish the idea of leaving my company 
at this lime, but saw no other way out of it, and as there was a string of flat bottom 
cars going to Alexandria, and by the aid of some of the boys I mounted one of these 
cars, and arrived at the hospital that evening. 

I remained here but one day and two nights when I had recovered. Then the great 
question was how to reach my regiment. I went to the provost-marshal, and was told 
that Lee was marching with his army up into Pennsylvania and not a train went six 
miles out of the city, and he could tell me nothing about my regiment. Everybody was 
excited. I went from here to Washington and found the excitement greater it possible. 
I was determined to reach my regiment if by any means I co\ild do so. Our term 
of service was about to expire, and we had never been called into action, and I felt 
sure that there was to be a battle in which my re.giment was to take a i)art, and I 
wanted to be with them. Not that I was anxious to go into battle and face the 
cannon's mouth, but should there be one, as there was. I did not want to go home and 
have it said that I showed the white feather and was at the rear when I should have 
been at my post and duty. The man that tells you that he has no fear when going into 
battle, my experience is that he is the first man that will desert his post in time of 
battle, as there is a dread about it that few, if any, can overcome. There is a great 
difference in mankind as to bravery, but the bravest are not over anxious to take a 
hand in a battle like Gettysburg. 

I found in Washington a train going to Frederick City, Md.. to take troops to join 
our army. I took this train and when I arrived at Frederick City I was as much at 
sea as before. The train I came on took General Hooper back, as he had just been 
relieved and General .Mead placed in command, and quite a little excitement prevailed 
on this account. I found troops everywhere marching northward but no one knew 
their destination. I could learn nothing in regard to the 13th Regiment, so 1 took up 
my march with others. On the night of the 30th of J\ine I arrived at Emmitsburg 
aiid halted for the night. The night before V had been to General Mead's headquarters 
but could find out nothing about my regiment. The next morning, July 1st. I started 
towards Gettysburg. This was the day on which opened the great battle which was 
to be the turning point of the Civil War. T trudged on with the uppermost thought 



The Thirteenth Reyiiuent I'eriiiont I'olnnteers 797 

in my mind being where is my regiment and how can I find it. The houses along 
the line were all deserted and I turned up to one and sat down on its veranda, and re- 
viewed the troops as they marched by. Soon I saw General Sickles and staff coming 
up the road. I went out and saluted him and inquired if he could tell me where the 
Second Vermont Brigade was. He said, "Yes, they are about three miles below here 
and will soon be along." This indeed was a great relief to me as I expected there was 
to be a battle, and in fact artillery firing could at this time be heard and that great 
battle had already commenced, and I was anxious to be with my company. After 
waiting some time I saw the 13th Vermont marcliing up the road, and it never looked 
EO good to me as it did at this time, and shall always remember what Colonel Randall 
said as 1 went out to meet them, "Good God, Kenfield, where did you come from?" 
and as I took my place in the company the boys gave a cheer, as they too supposed 
I was back in the hospital at Alexandria. 

We marched on and the sound of battle grew louder as we advanced. When we 
arrived at Gettysburg it was nearly dark and the first day of the great battle was 
ended. General Reynolds killed and our forces driven back. After a hurried scant 
supper of hardtack and coffee, we laid down our arms tor the night, little dreaming 
what was in store for us during the next two days. The next morning was bright ana 
clear and firing on the picket lines soon commenced, and a little later the battle 
opened in different parts of the field, but I am not going to attempt to write an 
account of this great battle as history has recorded it far better than I could, should 
I attempt it, and then 1 feel that this sketch is already too long and still I have more 
1 wish to say. I will note a few things that came under my observation during the 
battle and let that suffice. During the day we were ordered to guard a battery, later 
we were called into action charged a rebel force which had broken through the 
Union line, drove them back and recaptured seven pieces of artillery and captured 
a large number of prisoners. That night the regiment lay in the front line. After 
the battle was over and all was quiet, but the groans of the wounded and dying, I 
went over a part of the field, and 1 never shall forget the sight I saw by the light 
of the moon. The groans that I heard haunt me to this day. The ground was literally 
covered with the dead and wounded, rebel and Union soldiers side by side. The 
wounded begging for water and 1 did what 1 could to alleviate their sufferings, although 
it was but little. The ambulance corps was at work taking off the wounded as fast as 
possible, and by morning nearly all had been cared for. The next morning opened 
up as the day before, not a cloud to be seen. Soon the battle opened on our left 
and later it became terrific. We still lay in the front line expecting every moment 
to go into the fray. The day was terribly hot and as we lay in the open field without 
shelter the fierce rays of that July sun beat down upon us with such force that it 
was almost unbearable. Our captain A. J. Davis, was struck down by this heat and 
taken from the field. This left me in command of the company which I held until 
the close of the battle. Here we lay until a little past one when the signal gun gave 
the alarm that the closing scene of that great drama, the battle of Gettysburg, was about 
to be enacted. Nearly two hundred and fifty cannon from both sides sent forth 
that terrible rain of shot and shell, which continued for two hours, when that 
famous charge of Pickett's was made. On they came in our front and we were ready 
to receive them. Soon the fighting became terrific and not a man in the regiment 
wavered, but on the contrary everyone seemed determined to check the advancing 
foe. The steady and rapid firing of our boy's sent death and destruction into their 
ranks which could not last long. Our loss was heavy but nothing to theirs, and as 
they came nearer the bayonets were resorted to, and in some instances crossed, but 
soon they threw down their arms and begged for mercy. We took scores of prisoners 
and sent them to the rear. I captured a Confederate sword which I still keep 
as a trophy of that great battle. This charge closed this great battle, the greatest 
battle of the Civil War, and the Union arms victorious. The 13th Vermont Regiment 
did nobly, none did better, and here they won for themselves lasting fame which can 
never be blotted from the pages of American history. After this charge as we were 
changing our position to the rear I was wounded by the bursting of a stray shell over our 
heads. This shell killed a number and wounded many more. Here I left the regiment 
and went to the hospital, and did not see them again until we met at Brattleboro 
and were mustered out of the United States service. This hospital was an old barn 
on the field, and w-as filled with wounded. I remained here but one night, and then 
went to a stone house where some of the surgeons stopped. I remained here a few 
days and was taken to Philadelphia to a hospital in a church where 1' remained until 
I went to Brattleboro. and was mustered out with my company July 21st, 1863, and 
all returned to our homes. Thus ended my first term of service. 

I had been at home but a short time when I received a letter from Gen. P. T. 
Washburn asking me to come to Woodstock as he wished to see me. I went and 
met him at his office and he said he wished to raise two more regiments from the 
five that had just been mustered out. These to be the 17th and ISth, and he wished 
me to raise a company for the 17th. I told him I felt that it was quite an undertaking, 
as I doubted if those men who had just returned would he willing to re-enlist and 



798 riic Tliirtcciitli Rcyiiiiciit I'crmont Volunteers 

go back to the front so soon again, and then these were the darkest days of the 
rebellion for the north, and it seemed to me that all had enlisted and gone to the 
war that could he induced to do so. General Washburn did not seem to look at it 
in this light, and said he thought quite a share of these men would be willing to go 
back, but if they did not he would have to resort to a draft, as the men we had got 
to have to nil the state's quota. 1 accepted the appointment and went to work with 
a will determined to raise the company if possible. I found as I had anticipated, 
that men did not wish to enlist and then quite a share of the young men were already 
in the army, so the enlistment was slow, but at last I succeeded in getting my com- 
pany. On the 2nd day of February, 1SG4, I had a full company and was commissioned 
Captain of Company C, ITth Vermont V'oluntecrs, my company being the third to 
organize. We were soon mustered in and on the ISth day of April, 1864, we left the 
state as a battalion of seven companies under command of Lieut. Col. Chas. Cum- 
mings, for Washington. Here our stay was short. We were assigned to the 9th 
Army Corps, and took up our march for the Wilderness where we arrived the night 
of iVfay .")th. This was the first day of that fight. The next morning the battle 
opened up again and we were ordered in. Hard lighting continued through the day. 
About 4:00 o'clock in the afternoon I was again wounded and went to the rear, being 
shot through the left arm. The next day I rode in an ambulance to Fredericksburg, 
Va., where I remained in a hospital two days and was then sent to a hospital at 
Georgetown, Va. After remaining here a week or ten days I received a furlough for 
thirty days and went home where I remained until it expired and then returned to 
the regiment in front of Petersburgh. I found a second sergeant in command of my 
company, and less than twenty men fit for duty. This was a sad sight to meet, both 
lieutenants dead and first sergeant sent home sick and never able to return. Less 
than two months before we left the state with a full company of one hundred and one 
men. I took command of these few men and did picket duty on the front line until 
the battle of the celebrated mine explosion. The position we held in the picket line 
was not over ten rods from the line held by the rebels, and the men could easily 
talk with each other. On the morning of July 30th the mine was exploded and we 
made that fatal charge. There were only eight officers that went into this assault 
with the regiment, five of which were killed, one mortally wounded and two taken 
prisoners, of which Lieutenant Pierce of Woodstock, was one. and myself the other. 
This was a terrible hot day and the fighting was fierce on both sides. We were sur- 
rounded and captured about four o'clock in the afternoon and taken to the city of Peters- 
burg. There was a division of negro troops put into this fight and a large number of them 
taken prisoners as well as white men and officers. When we were captured I saw many 
a hva.\" negro soldier bayonetted without mercy by the rebels and left to die on the 
field. The rebels took from us whatever they wanted, our hats, shoes, watches, 
knives, money, etc. They took my hat and would have taken my watch, but just 
before I was captured I put it into one of my boots, and they were poor, so they did 
not take them and thus 1 saved it. My sword I drove into the ground but they got 
my pistol. That night they surrounded us with a strong guard just outside of the 
citv. The next morning. (Sunday), was bright and clear, but we were far from 
being happy. There was a terrible bitter feeling with the South on account of the 
arming of the negroes, and an order had been issued that white officers commanding 
negroes, if captured, should be executed. This caused a feeling of doubt among those 
officers that were captured, as to what their fate would be, and many of them gave 
their names and regiment to which they belonged before they were assigned to the 
command of negro troops. Thus the rebel officers did not find the number of negro 
officers that they felt sure they should, by the number of negroes captured, and on 
account of this they decided that all of the officers captured should receive what they 
considered a gross insult, by forming us in four ranks and every alternate five being 
negroes. In this way we were marched through the inMncipa! streets of the city of 
Petersburgh receiving taunts and insults on every hand from the women and old men 
who thronged the sidewalks to see the Yankees and their colored associates. I shall 
always remember the little episode that occurred on this march. As we were passing 
one of the houses an old lady stuck her head out of the window and cried out "Ah 
birds of a feather will flock together. " and a small lieutenant near me replied, "Yes, but 
we don't mix in the nest as you do down here." At this one of the guards near us 
drew his gun and cocked it and says. "You insult our ladies and I will blow your 

d d Yankee head off." To which the lieutenant straightened up and said, 'Shoot 

yoi, (J (J rebel, and then boast you have killed a Yankee, as you will never kill one 

by going to the front." 1 expected he would shoot, and felt that it was a rash thing 
to take such chances situated as we were, but this lieutenant was mad clear through 
at the treatment we were receiving. The guard did not shoot and we marched along. 
This lieutenant was from the 31st Maine Regiment, but I do not recall his name. The 
next day we were loaded into box cars and taken to Columbia. South Carolina. The 
negro officers, those that they found, were put into the same car with the negroes 



Tlic Thirteenth Regiment I'ernwni Volunteers 799 

and they filled the car full, and then closed the door and fastened them on the 
outside. One of the officers told me afterwards that he nearly suffocated, and that the 
stench was terrible. 

At Columbia we were at first confined in Richmond County jail. We ocupied the sec- 
ond floor. This was divided up into eight cells, and I occupied one with eight others. 
There was not a piece of furniture of any kind, nothing but the bare floor, and it did seem 
that the bed bugs and other vermin would eat us up alive. Our rations were corn meal 
and sorgum, and now and then a little piece of magotty meat. The cooking was done out- 
side of the jail yard. Our allowance was very small and the sorgum I could not eat at it 
did not agree with me, and with these rations I felt as though 1 should starve. Those 
that had money could buy some provisions, but 1. like many of the others, had none. My 
watch and chain I still carried secreted in my boot, as I knew if the rebels found it 
they would take it from me. One day a rebel lieutenant came into the prison and 
I found he was a brother Mason, and I told him what I had, and wished him to take 
it and sell it for me, and he said he would, and I let him take it. He was gone some 
days when he came in again and said he had not sold it because he could not get 
what it was worth. I said to him, "You can get something for it," and he replied he 
could. I told him to sell it as I should starve to death on the rations I received. 
Again he was gone several days w'hich seemed like months to me, and 1 began to 
think he was going to prove a traitor and keep the watch, but at last he came and 
brought me $700 in Confederate money, and said it was the most he could get for it, 
but it was not what it was worth. I oltered to pay him for his trouble, but he would 
take nothing, and I presented him with a Masonic pin which I had also secreted 
when I was taken. This watch was a gold one and with the chain had cost me 
before the war $12.i). With this money, through the guard, I could buy something to 
eat, which with what was issued 1 could get along. Had it not lieen for this watch I 
feel sure I should not be here to write this tale, but should be sleeping on southern 
soil, like thousands of other Union soldiers who starved to death in rebel prisons. 
No one can tell what they suffered, and no one knows w'hat it is to feel the gnawing 
pains of hunger day after day unless he has had the experience. 

To let you know what things cost I will name a few of them, potatoes, $36 per 
bushel; meat, from $1 to $3 per lb.; eggs, $6 per dozen, and other things in proportion. 
As it grew colder I needed something for covering at night, and I bought a thin 
blanket for which I paid $75 and a coarse pair of shoes $100. Most of those in the 
cell with me had no money so 1 divided with them, but we were as prudent as possi- 
ble, as we did not know how long we were to remain in rebeldora. There were many 
things that happened while I was in jail, that I might relate, but I feel that I am 
making this story too long and will pass over them. On the night of December 12th, 
1864 we were taken from this jail and turned into an open stockade on the outskirts 
of the city. All of the officers that had been confined at Charleston. N. C, had been 
brought here and all told we numbered about one thousand, all officers. Inside of 
this stockade there were two old buildings which we used for a hospital, and there 
w'ere sick and wounded enough to fill them. Outside of these there was no shelter 
of any kind. When captured ! was clad in my thinnest clothes as it was .luly, and I 
had to walk all night to keep from freezing as it was very cold and froze hard that 
night. The next day we went to work and dug out a place in the ground and| 
banked it up with a piece of canvass which we procured for a roof, and made things 
as comfortable as possible. This enclosure contained about six acres, surrounded with 
a stockade built of small logs set upright in "the ground close together some 12 feet 
high. A strong guard was stationed at intervals on a staging placed about three feet 
from the top of this stockade so they could overlook this camp of prisoners and here 
they walked their beat night and day, so there was but little chance for escape, 
still many attempts were made by digging tunnels but none of these were successful, 
as each morning a rebel officer with a squad of men came in and looked us over, 
and if new dirt was found the tunnel was soon located. Many a dark day did I 
experience as no one could tell when we were to be liberated. The rebel papers that 
we got hold of said they would continue the war five years longer were it necessary 
to gain their independence. While here we resorted to almost anything for excite- 
ment. First it was a fight over some trifling thing, then a song from some good 
singer, as we had plenty of them, and frequently we would have additions to our 
number by some new prisoners being turned in who were recently captured. These 
were called "fresh fish" and when this cry was heard a grand rush was made to see 
them. We had a string band which did much to help pass away a lonely hour. This 
band consisted of two violins, a clarionet, and a bass viol. This band gave us some fine 
music as they were splendid musicians. Many a dance was had here on a smooth 
piece of ground, but no ladies were allowed to participate. The people from the city 
built a platform outside the stockade high enough to look over, and came down often 
to hear the Yankees play and sing, and they would sit on this platform and by the 
number that came would say they enjoyed it. One of the songs that was frequently 
called for was "Sherman's March to the Sea." This song and music were both com- 
posed in this stockade. We remained here until about the middle of February when 



8oo 'I'lic I'hirtccnlh Hajiincnl I'cniunit I'ohintccrs 

one night we wen- hustled out of liere in a hurry and taken to Charlotte. N. C. The 
cause of this was that Sherman on his famous march was nearing this place. Here 
we remained a few da.vs. Here we siened our parole papers and this was the first 
ray of light to dawn upon us towards freedom and liberty. 

From here we went to Goldsboro, N. C, where we remained a short time and 
this W'as our last stop in rebeldom, as soon we were to bid adieu to prison life and 
once more breathe the inire air of freedom under the American flag. While here I 
saw a sight that beggars all description. There had been brought from .\nder- 
sonville. Ga.. a train load of prisoners and turned into an open field near by. No 
tongue can tell the sad tale; no pen can write the story in terms sufficiently strong; 
no brush can paint this terrible scene so that one can fully comprehend the misery, 
woe and suffering here depicted. Here was but few of the thousands that had endured 
this terrible torture. These men were but skeletons, black and scurvy; they hardly 
resembled human beings, with scant clothes to cover their nakedness. Many had 
become idiotic and some insane. Many could not walk without assistance, and all 
that I found they had to eat was a little dry corn on the cob, which they were trying 
to roast or burn over a little fire so they could eat it. These men had been literally 
starved to death, and but few of them ever reached home and friends. 

There can be no excuse for such barbarous and inhuman treatment to these 
prisoners of war, and it leaves a blot on the so called Southern Confederacy, that can 
never be wiped away. February 28, 1865, we left here for Wilmington, X. C, where 
we went through the Union lines and thus ended my experience as a prisoner of 
war. For seven long months I had endured many privations, from the confinement 
as well as cold and hunger, but the suffering I experienced was light compared to 
what those poor fellows suffered that I have already spoken of, and my watch and 
chain, which 1 was so fortunate to save was indeed a godsend to me. And as we 
went through our line and once more beheld the Stars and Stripes the scene that 
followed was beyond description. These men some of which had been prisoners for 
more than two years could hardly contain themselves. All wept for joy, shouts went 
up from a thousand throats, they sang, they laughed, they ran, they danced, and all 
acted more like lunatics than sensible men, and to me it was the happiest event of 
my life. From here we went by boat to Annapolis, Md., where I remained in the 
hospital some two weeks and then went home, but never again returned to my regi- 
ment for duty, as these were the closing days of the war, and I was discharged from 
the United States service May 1.5, 1865. This closed my military services and the 
War of the Rebellion ended and now forty years afterwards as I behold this great 
nation and the wonderful progress it has made during this time, and every old soldier, 
as I do, should be proud of his country, and consider it high honor to be counted as 
one of its defenders, as the Civil War did much to make this nation what it is and 
with such bright prospects tor a grand and glorious future. 

On my return home I entered the mercantile business, but later returned to 
farming which with stock and produce buying has constituted my principal business 
since the war. In jiolitics have always been a Republican. Have held many important 
town offices and in 1884 was elected by my town to represent them in legislature: 
in 1894 was elected by Lamoille County to serve them in the Senate. AVhile in the 
House of Representatives I served on the general and military committee. Took an 
active part in securing the appropriation for a soldiers' home, was appointed one 
of the trustees, which office I still hold. In the Senate I served on the railroad, and 
chairman of the military committee. Served on the railroad commission two years. 
Was president of the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers' Assn. for four years. Have 
been commander of the ,7. M. W'arner Post, and in 1903 was elected Department Com- 
mander of the Vermont G. A. R., and conducted the department across the continent 
to San Francisco, where the national encampment was held that year. I belong to 
the Vermont Commandery of Loyal Legions, and Mount Vernon Lodge No. 8, F. & A. 
M. Have been married twice; first time September 5th, 1866, to Miss Lamotte C., 
daughter of Loomis and Catharine Wheelock; she died in 1872. leaving a child. Katie 
B., who was born September 1st, 1869, and being my only child. She married Carl 
Smith and lives at Montpelier. They have tour children, Harold K.. Lamotte C, 
Clifton and Frank Kenfield. 1 was again married February 9th, 1874 to Mrs. Margaret 
Lvman, daughter of David and Ann Cruller. My father died October 11, 1866, and my 
mother died September 29, 1900. She was born April 12, 1807. 

FRANK KENFIELD. 




13TH VERMONT INFANTRY AT GETTYSBURG, PA., DEDICATED OCTOBER 19, 1899. 



2. 


S. F. 


Brown. 


8. 


Alben 


Clarke. 


4. 


A. C. 


Browu. 


5 


Frank 


Keutiekl 


«. 


A. C. 


Fay. 


Y 


E. N. 


Peck. 


8. 


J. G. 


Farwell. 



9. 


IT. 


0. 


Clark. 


1i». 


K. 


(). 


Sliirtevant 


11 


.1. 


n. 


Sc-ull.v. 


^^^. 


II 


w 


Allen. 


-in 


('. 


L. 


Marsh. 


14. 


'J\ 


s. 


Whipple. 


15. 


J. 


u. 


Lyon. 



10. 


S. 


E. Andrews. 


17. 


(1. 


C. Wilder. 


IS. 


\v 


lliam Crosby. 


111. 


l\l. 


P. Scullin. 


2(1. 


c. 


C. Varney. 


21. 


M. 


B. Carpenter 


22. 


J. 


Hutchinson. 



23. 


W. W. Flolden. 


24. 


James Hagan. 


2f). 


H. B. Meigs. 


20. 


Z. H. ilcAllister 


27 


J. J. Dumas. 


2S. 


E. A. Pisk. 



29. 


B. J. Chamberliii 


:H). 


K. W. lieniamin. 


81. 


J. A. Cliaclwlck. 


82. 


C. H. Wakefield. 


83. 


(ieo. N. Wright. 


34. 


Henry McNall. 



W. (). JiilKliMin, 
I'". O. I!u.-ilii].ll. 
'I'homaM Juhn»uii 
Oliver l^arlzo. 



The Thirteenth Regiment I'ennont Volunteers 803 



MONUMENT DEDICATED 



Survivors of the Thirteenth Vermont Regiment Gathered at Gettysburg. 

HISTORICAL address by Col. Henry O. Clark of East Orange, N. J. — Statue un- 
veiled by Miss Clark and Master Edward Allen — Presentation address by Ralph 
O. Sturtevant of Swanton — Monument accepted for the Government by Commis- 
sioner Major Robbins of the 4th Alabama Regiment — -Oration by Col. Albert Clarke of 
Boston. 

Gettysburg, Pa., Oct. 19. — This has been a most beautiful day for the dedicatory 
exercises of the monument of the 13th Regiment of Vermont Volunteers in the Civil 
War. The Vermont party breakfasted early and were soon on their way to the national 
cemetery. The official party, numbering over 30, left their headquarters at Eagle Hotel 
in two large barges about 9 o'clock. Quite a crowd had assembled when the following 
gentlemen took seats on the platform which had been erected just south of the monu- 
ment: National Commissioners Richardson and Robbins, Col. Albert Clarke, Capt. Brown, 
Col. A. C. Brown, President M. H. Buckham, S. A. Andrews, Henry O. Clark, Heman W. 
Allen, Carmi L. Marsh, James B. Scully, R. O. Sturtevant, J. H. Lyon and John Farwell. 
Chairman Henry O. Clark of the committee then called upon President M. H. Buck- 
ham to offer prayer, after which an historical address of the regiment was delivered 
by Mr. Clark, as follows: 

Col. Clark's Historical Address. 

Aiter prayer by President Buckham, the chairman, Henry O. Clark, made a few 
remarks and then read a regimental record, as follows: 

In response to the call of President Lincoln of August 4. '62 for 300,000 men to 
serve for nine months, in which time it was then thouglit the war could be ended, the 
State of Vermont raised five regiments of infantry, the 12th. 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th. 
The 13th regiment was recruited from the counties in the Northern part of the State. 
It was raised within 40 days and the several companies rendezvoused at the larger 
towns engaged in the preliminary company drill as a ground work for that later 
battalion and regimental drill for which it was so well and favorably known. September 
29th the companies were assembled in the State camp at Brattleboro and 
formed into a regiment where uniforms and equipment were issued, and they 
entered into the regular duties of a soldier and of battalion and regimental drill, 
guard and police duty and the usual duties that appertain to the life of a well 
ordered soldier in camp. October 10th it was mustered into the service of the 
United States and on the 11th it left the State for the front. By rail to New Haven, 
thence by boat to Jersey City and from that place by rail to Washington, where it went 
into camp on Capitol Hill with the 12th regiment which had but a few days preceded it. 
It was joined by the 14th, 15th and 16th. when the five regiments were formed into the 
2nd Vermont Brigade. October 30th the brigade crossed Long Bridge into Virginia, 
and established a camp in the woods near Alexandria known as Camp Vermori't. It 
remained there four weeks doing picket duty and at work on the earthworks of Fort 
Lyon. November 26th the regiment, together with the 14th and 15th marched to 
Union Mills, where it was employed on picket duty till December 5th. It then returned 
to Camp Vermont arriving there in a severe snow storm, and without tents or camp 
equipage. From this camp December 12th the regiment marched to Fairfax Court 
House, and made camp a mile beyond the Court House from which place it took its • 
regular turn with the other regiments of the brigade at picket duty on Bull Run Creek 
in the vicinity of Centerville. January 20th, '63 the regiment marched to Wolf Run 
Shoals, where it made a camp in the woods and was employed in guarding the fords 
and much engaged in battalion drill and target practice. April 2nd it moved five miles 
down the river to a point a mile back of the village of Occoquan on the river of that 
name where it made camp known as Camp Widow Violet, named for a widow w,ho 
owned the property at that place. At this time the season was so far advanced that 
the cold and stormy weather of the previous months had passed and the warm sun- 
shine had dried the mud we had been struggling with during the winter season. As 
our colonel had somewhat relaxed the drill, camp and other duties the men wert not 
slow in taking advantage of the same and while the rigid picket duty was well main- 
tained, parties were daily made for visiting Mt. Vernon for fishing, bathing in the river 
nearby and scouting in the country both on our side and on the other side of the Occo- 



So4 The Thirteenth h'cf/iiiwnt I'cniumt I'ohtntccrs 

(luan. A volume could be written on the adventures and escapades of the bovs during 
the time of our occupancy of Camp Widow Violet, but aside from the ca|)ture of some 
of the more careless by Mosby's Cavalry who were frequently In lis vicinitv, nothing 
of a serious nature occurred. May 2nd it heard the thunder of the cannon at the 
battle of P'redericksburg and a few days later the army of the Potomac itassed us on 
its way north. To us who knew nothing of the movements of the enemy their destina- 
tion was unknown, .luue 21th we received orders to break camp the next morning. 

There had been much discussion in the regiment as to the date of the expiration 
of our time of service. Many contended it dated from the time of our enlistment, others 
from time of muster into service of the United States. The latter was, of course, correct, 
but when we started on June 2r,th many thought it was a start for home. Hence all 
the articles the men had acquired during their term of service they desired to take 
with them. Of old horses and mules discarded as useless by the army in passing over 
a hundred had been i)i<ked up by the boys and nursed to the point where they could 
travel and carry what the boys could not. Several score of dogs led by a string started 
with us. and many of the beautiful red birds of Virginia in hastily manufactured cages 
were carried on to)) of the ponderous knapsacks filled with partially worn clothing, 
laurel wood pipes and various knick-knacks manufactured or acquired by the industrious 
Vermonters during the winter. The day was hot and the pace a rapid one, and when 
we reached and passed Centerville it was obvious that the route was not toward the 
Green Hills of Vermont. When we bivouacked for the night w^ith orders to start again 
at daylight, a change came over the men as to the real value to them of some of their 
possessions. Many of the old horses showed that another such a day's march would 
be their last and were left to go their several ways. The strings were cut and the dogs 
allowed to roam or follow, the cages were opened, the inmates set at liberty, and the 
heavy knapsacks were overhauled and lightened of what seemed of less value than on 
the i)receding day. The following and succeeding days the march was long 
and rapid and at every halt the reducing of weight was practiced until after 
passing Frederick and Emmitsburg and on the 1st of July when 10 miles 
from this field the heavy and continuous thunder of artillery told that a 
battle was in progress not far in advance. A halt was ordered, knapsacks were 
discarded together with woolen blankets, overcoats, etc. Extra ammunition was issued 
and at ?. o'clock the regiment started on a quick march which brought us to this field 
at about sundown. The terrific fight of the first day was about over, and our forces 
were concentrating on Cemetery Hill and its immediate vicinity. The brigade was 
ordered from one point to another and finally located in a meadow a half mile to the 
right where it spent the night. In the early afternoon of July 2nd, the left wing under 
Colonel Munson, was stationed in the cemetery, supporting a battery. The right wing 
under Colonel Randall remained in the rear of Cemetery Hill late in the afternoon when 
it was ordered with the 14 and 16th to the left of our line where it assisted in repulsing 
the desperate assault made at that point. At that time Colonel Randall was asked by Gen- 
eral Hancock if he could not recover the battery which had been left in the valley to our 
left. His rejily was he could or die, and with his men on the run he charged into the val- 
ley recovering the guns which were drawn back to our line, after which he again advanc- 
ed and continued as far as the Emmitsburg pike at the Rogers house from which he took 
83 prisoners. As it was then getting dark and our line of battle was located here he 
withdrew his men to this spot where he was soon after joined by Lieutenant Colonel 
Munson with the left w-ing of the regiment, where we spent the night. On the morning 
of July 3rd heavy and continuous firing occurred on our right in the vicinity of Culp's 
Hill and lasted till nearly noon, and at the same time a severe engagement was in 
progress on our left, near little Round Top, and while we were subject to severe can- 
nonading and were the target for sharp shooters and skirmishers on the Emmitsburg 
Pike and the woods beyond, we remained here without firing a gun. At about 11 a. m. 
the firing ceased on all sides, now and then a cannon would be heard some miles away 
and more frequently the sharp crack of a sharp shooter's rifle, but aside from that deep 
silence. The heat was excessive and we stood in line here wondering what was to come 
next. The stillness was ominous and oppressive. Some time after one o'clock the 
cannonading opened which preceded Longstreet's or what is more often termed Pickett's 
assault. From the oi)i)osite ridge far to the left to the iK)int as far as can be seen to 
the right the enemy had planted their batteries and they opened fire apparently all at 
once. Over 1."jO guns on their side answered at once by less than 100 on ours stationed 
to the right and left of this point began that tremendous duel which was continued for 
about two hours. Solid shot and canister, shell and grape, chains, pieces of railroad 
bars, and all kinds of missiles filled the air. The uproar cannot be described. Caissons 
blew up on both our right and left, men were killed and more wounded, but our bri- 
gade held its place here under the most trying conditions, obliged to receive the fire and 
with no chance of returning it. At 3 o'clock the cannonading, the heaviest during the 
civil war. if not in any war, ceased. After a few moments of silence the advancing 
columns of the Confederate infantry came into view, crossing the Emmitsburg road to 
the right and left of the Cadori House. Almost immediately another force appeared to 
the left of the house aiming apparently for our line. In all about 16,000 men. At this 



The Tliirfccntli Regiment Vermont Volunteers 805 

the regiment advanced into tlie field in front, tlie riglit being at ttie granite marker No. 2. 
As the charging column came into the valley they turned by their left to join the masses 
at the right of the house, marching directly across the front of the regiment. We had 
already opened fire and at this short range our bullets were deadly as was attested by 
the long line of dead and wounded that covered the ground after their passage. As 
the remnants of this division joined the main body of the enemy, they all charged on 
our line at a point indicated by the high water mark at our right. By order of 
General Stannard, Colonel Randall gave the order to change front forward on first 
company which the regiment did on a double quick, and immediately opened fire on 
the mass of men at short range. The enemy at once swung a brigade to face us and 
opened fire. The cannon had all opened a rapid fire and with the bullets from the 
musketry the air seemed alive with missiles. The regiment fired from 10 to 20 rounds 
when the order to charge bayonets was given, and the men went forward at a double 
quick receiving the fire of the enemy until within 20 feet of their line, then their line 
in our front broke, some ran back, some to the right, some to the left. More thre?sv 
their guns and themselves on the ground. We continued the charge to a point you will 
see to the left and in front of the high water mark indicated by our marker No. 3, 
where we halted. Our charge with the assault of other troops on their left had shown 
the hopelessness of the whole assault and the commanding officer of the Confederate 
column then ordered a retreat. We began gathering in prisoners which were passed 
to the rear at first without counting, but afterwards a count of those later taken was 
kept, and of which we were credited with 243. There is little question but that the 
regiment captured more prisoners than it had men in its ranks. The enemy's artillery 
was still enfilading our position and we soon moved back to this spot where we remained 
until after dark. The regiment was then relieved from the position in the front line 
of battle which it had held for 26 hours and marched to the rear of this ridge where it 
spent the night. The rain fell heavily all night as it had the two preceding and did 
the two succeeding ones. With the repulse of Longstreet the battle of Gettysburg 
ended. July 4th and .5th the regiment remained here. July 6th it started in pursuit 
of Lee, and went into camp just south of Emmitsburg and on the next day marching over 
the Catoctin Mountain into a driving rain, camping on the west side, with no fire and 
scanty rations. It was by many considered the most miserable night of the entire 
service. July Sth the regiment was at Middletown from which place it marched to 
Frederick, where it took the cars for Baltimore and Vermont, arriving at Brattleboro 
July 13th. The regiment was mustered out July 21st, disbanded and its members re- 
turned to their homes, from whence probably one-third re-entered the service within a 
few months. 

The "Star Spangled Banner" was then sung by the party, while Miss Clark and 
Master Edward Allen unveiled the handsome bronze statute of Lt. Brown. The presen- 
tation address was delivered by Ralph O. Sturtevant of the committtee. 

Mr. Sturtevant 's Presentation of the Monument. 

Mr. President; United States Commissioners of Gettysburg National Park; Com- 
rades; Ladies and Gentlemen; — 

In pursuance of a custom which has been honored by the survivors of the war of 
1861-5, from many States we are assembled to-day on this historical field of fame and 
glory for the final ceremonies of dedicating a monument in memory of the 13th Vermont 
Regiment of Volunteer Infantry. 

As we again look over these hills and valleys, and now view the hundreds of grand 
and costly monuments of granite, marble and bronze, telling of the heroic deeds of the 
living and the dead, we but faintly realize how sacred the place where once stood in 
battle array the bravest of the brave, the Nation's heroes in defence of their country. 

Nothing could possibly be more befitting than for the survivors of regiments to 
erect in this National Park, in places of greatest danger and conspicuous valor, enduring 
structures and monuments, that the deeds here done shall be perpetuated; that the story 
of sacrifice and devotion, valor and loyalty so often on this field conspicuously illustrated 
can forever be read by the lovers of liberty, equal rights, and just governments. This 
occasion, which has brought us from our distant homes, thrills our hearts not only with 
joy, but sadness too; for the book of memory opens wide and again we hear all along 
(he line the booming cannon, the screeching shell, the clash of arms, the piteous moans 
of the wounded and dying. We see the desperate struggle, the gallant charge, our 
comrades fall, and again we mourn the loss of kindred and comrades. 

It Is well, however, that we come, turning aside thus for a brief time from the 
ordinary affairs of life for the purpose of dedicating the monument we have erected on 
this consecrated ground, thereby demonstrating our love and affection, our exalted 
appreciation of the brave men, our comrades who fought and who fell on this field of 
renown. 

That the deeds of such heroes shall not be forgotten, no monumental structure can 
be too grand or costly. 



8o6 The Thirtcoith Nc(/i)iiciit I'cnnoiit loliintccrs 

This day has been tloslgnated by special order of the roniniittee of our Regimental 
aascciation lor the presentation of this monument, and other ceremonies appertaining 
to Its dedication. 

Time will not permit nie. nor Is It my province or purpose to make special men- 
tion of the prominent part taken, and distinguished service rendered by the 13th Ver- 
mont Volunteers. Others will tell you of the honorable part borne by this regiment 
during its term of enlistment and service. 

We have looked forward to this day with much anxiety, that the sacred pledges 
made should be fittingly consummated, and our devoted and untiring efforts crowned 
with success. 

We deem it due to those of our dead who fell here, and those who afterwards died, 
and will die prematurely, because of what they endured and suffered here, and in getting 
here, that we should inscribe on this monument some account of those sufferings, hard- 
ships concerning which history has thus far been silent. 

On the bronze tablets of this monument is briefly and eloquently described facta 
pertaining to the regiment. 

Generous and liberal hearts have enabled the survivors of the 13th Vermont Regi- 
ment to erect for that regiment a monument on this battlefield. It is now owned by 
the government for whose preservation this ground was consecrated by their blood, and 
the blood of their comrades. 

None but a soldier who fought on this field can comprehend the intensity of our 
feelings as we participate in these ceremonies. 

Patriotic devotion to our beloved country is Intensified because of this magnifi- 
clent park, where we have erected our memorial tribute to fame and glory, here to 
remain under the fostering care of a magnanimous government. 

The statue is modelled from Lieut. Stephen F. Brown, of Company K. The sword 
and belt held in the left hand of the figure are fashioned from the ones taken from a 
Confederate officer by Lieutenant Brow^n on the last day of the battle. The hatchet at 
the right foot of the statue dropped from the right hand is a facsimile of the one with 
which Lieutenant Brown was armed when he captured the sword. And you inquire 
why this unique figure? At the beginning of the march leading to this battlefield, six 
days' rations were issued; and after four days of marching but little remained and no 
more were issued till nine days after. S^very one of these nine days furnished us with 
a forced march or a fight. On the last day of the march those remaining in the line 
were in a condition bordering on physical despair. The triumph of mind over matter 
made it possible for them to continue, marching from mere force of will. The maca- 
dam pike had worn out their shoes, and many feet were blistered and bleeding: some 
were fainting from hunger and thirst. An order had been issued forbidding officers 
and men from leaving the ranks except during halts or meals, and a mounted safe- 
guard was posted at every available well and spring, the penalty for which violation 
was death. Lieutenant Brown reqilested the captain of his company. Geo. G. Blake, to 
apply to the commanding general for a modification of that order, so that at least faint- 
ing men could have water. He answered that such an application had just been made, 
and had been refused. And thereui)on Lieutenant Brown said the men should have 
water, and he took Private Oliver Parazo (who is i)resent here to-day) and filled the 
canteens, though he had to force the safeguard in so doing; but he gave the safeguard 
his name rank, and regiment, and his men water. 

For this act he was ordered under arrest and deprived of his sw-ord; but he int 
mediately armed himself with a camp hatchet and proceeded as before. When this 
field was reached, our lieutenant colonel. W'illiam D. Munson (also now present) 
voluntarily interposed, and procured from the general. Lieutenant Brown's release from 
arrest; but his sword then being in keeping of a quartermaster distant from danger 
could not then be returned. Late in the afternoon of the third and last day of the 
battle, while the Confederates led by General Pickett were attacking the Union Lines 
to our ri.sjht. and the 13th Vermont was upon the enemy's flank. Lieutenant Brown 
seized a Confederate officer by the collar with his left hand, and with uplifted hatchet 
In his right hand demanded surrender. The Confederate held in his left hand a pistol 
loaded and cocked, but he surrendered It, also his sabre. 

This historic incident of high moral courage and desperate bravery makes eloquent 
answer for adoijtlng this figure for the statue that adorns our monument; not for in- 
subordination, but because of great humanity and conspicuous bravery. 

General Stark was censured by Congress because when on his way to Intercept 
General Burgoyne's threatened invasion of Vermont, he refused being diverted from 
his purjjose by an order from General Schuyler; but on the very next day. when the 
news of Stark's great victory reached Congress, inmiediately a resolution of thanks 
was voted, and he appointed a Brigadier general in the United States Army. 

Our monument as a whole suggests; first: — The jjerslstent performance of patriotic 
duty to country at great personal peril, and under serious disadvantages. Second: — 
Sublime moral and physical courage. Third: — A si)irit that exerted a powerful in- 



'The Thirtccntli Rcc/iniciif Wvinont I'oluntccrs 807 

fluence In uplifting downtrodden humanity always cherished by the American people. 
Fourth; — And a self effacement for the good of others as complete as any the race has 
furnished from the time of Moses in Egypt to our war with Spain for tlie relief of the 
Cubans. 

This monument will ever command the sympathetic appreciation of mankind, for 
the human heart is in eternal revolt at power tryannizing over helplessness. 

Gentlemen of the National Park Commission: — 

I have been authorized by my associates and have the honor to invite you at this 
time to accept from the survivors of the 13th Vermont Regiment, this monument, and 
to request that it may be dedicated by you to the noble purpose for which it has been 
erected. 

Our regimental committee felicitate themselves, and congratulate you upon the 
harmonious relations that have been maintained between us during the negotiations 
and comproniises that have resulted in this monument; that differences of opinion have 
not been permitted to cancel the merits of personal friendship. For your courtesy and 
attention in our behalf we sincerely thank you. 

RALPH O. STURTEVANT. 
Gettysburg, Pa., October 19th, 1S99. 

The monument was accepted for the government by Commissioner Major Robbins 
who was in the 4th Alabama regiment of infantry. Major Robbins said in part: 

I was often disappointed when a boy in not finding that this country was divided 
by a range of mountains or by a river. There was no such division for the rivers all 
ran the wrong way and I thought that the country was meant to be one. When the 
slaves were emancipated white folks were emancipated as well as the black. The Star 
Spangled Banner was written by a Southern man. The fact that a Southern man ac- 
cepts for the government this monument spealis volumes that we are one now. I am 
glad it is so. It was well that the Confederacy did not succeed. We fought for the 
same rights that you fought for. The question of secession was settled at Gettysburg. 
The men of the South are not as good as they ought to be but they believe in what is 
good. Our defeat was not by your arms but by Him who governs all the universe. I 
was at the first Bull Run. Antietam, Gettysburg, Chickamauga, Appomattox. I saw 
our flag go down at Appomattox. I had made up my mind two days before that we were 
beaten, and said "all would be dead or prisoners in two days. We were hungry and had 
no rations. If Lee said fight we would all die, if not we all would be prisoners." After 
the surrender I saw many old veterans fall on the ground and weep. They said "The 
will of the Lord be done. We bow to the will of Him who is wiser than all men." 

"That we Southerners are part of this country you didn't find out until last year. 
You couldn't understand how men as proud as you could bow to defeat. I now reach 
out my hand from North Carolina and Alabama to you men and women of the Green 
Mountain State and I accept for the government this beautiful monument." 

Colonel Albert Clarke of Boston was then introduced and he delivered the follow- 
ing oration: — 

Col. Clarke's Address. 

Upon this field where nearly two hundred thousand men contested with arms over 
the destiny of a nation, and where more than twenty thousand laid down their lives, 
this little remnant of one of the mighty hosts has gathered to place and leave here a 
memorial and a lesson. 

Year by year we are becoming less in evidence and more a melBory. Soon there 
will be nothing but the memory left. It is a memory which the patriot and the student 
of history will never fail to revere. But to the passing throng the sentinels of bronze 
and stone, deployed all over the country and here assembled as nowhere else in the 
world, will be the chief reminders of a terrible trial and a matchless heroism. 

Standing here, we live so much in the event that it seems to have occurred but 
yesterday. It is difficult to realize that we are safe here. We have to stop and think 
of the changes that have taken place. Our comrades who died here and who have died 
since are with us again. We see the martial array, we hear the terrific roar, our 
hearts spring to our throats, our nerves become tense, we see our great opportunity and 
once more before we know it and without intending it, our bounding blood and our 
involuntary muscles are fighting the men with whom for more than a generation we 
have been at peace. They were heroes, too, and they have come to seem to us almost 
like comrades. If they are living they have our cordial greeting and if they are dead 
they have our benediction. This is their valhalla as it is our own. 

How like a dream it seems to stand here and revive old feelings. Very soon no- 
body who comes here can share them. It is thirty-six years since we fought here. 
Thirty-six years hence, just as much as when the last man sits upon some lone crag 
and sees the finis of this world, not more than one or two can come here and see as 
we see, think as we think, feel as we feel. 



8o8 '/'III- 'riiirtcciith Ncyiiiiciit I'crinont J'oliintccrs 

A regiment is more a soldier's home than even his brigade, division or corps. He 
Is Identified by It. honored or disgraced by it, and its history is an important part of 
his own. Most of the nionunu-nls on this field are regimental. Collectively their In- 
scriptions tell the story of the battle and in many cases its most thrilling incidents. 
The statues which so many of them bear are mostly of the colonels commanding. The 
stranger who approaches our monument will naturally first inquire why the statue is 
of a first lieutenant, and next, why one hand holds a sword and belt and the other has 
dropped the hatchet lying by its feet. The imiuiry will be natural and as it could 
not be fully answered in the inscription, I will answer it now. 

When the Army of the Potomac hastened north to overtake and engage the Army 
of Northern Virginia, it had passed our regiment near Occoquan, Va., two days before 
we received orders to join it. From the 20th of .June to the 1st of July inclusive, at 
first l)urdened with blankets, trinkets, pet animals, and all the time with arms, am- 
munition and necessary utensils, our heavy woolen clothing often made more weighty 
and uncomfortable by drenching showers, our shoes loaded with clay three times their 
own weight, until they had to be cast off because their worn-out soles were harder for 
our bleeding feet than the roads themselves, and yet we reached this field only six hours 
later than most of those who had two days the start and more than that in advance 
of some of them. Sometimes we marched for hours after the last drop of water had 
been drawn from the canteens. Many of the men became fevered and the sufferings 
of others were so intense that they fell out and crawled to some muddy pool to lave 
their cracking lips. Shortly before reaching Frederick, Maryland, we halted for a 
brief rest in sight of a well. Its windlass and whitewashed curb gleam upon our 
visions even now. We thought of the Old Oaken Bucket and of the cool waters of our 
mountain homes. Our brigade commander, knowing as we did not. that we were so 
near a town, where relief would be abundant, and fearing disorder and delay in at- 
tempting to get a supply of water from one small well, placed a safeguard over it and 
issued a strict order against leaving the ranks. More than one captain went to hint 
and sought permission to fill one canteen for his worst suffering men. but in vain. 
Hearing this and being deeply moved by a few pitiable cases in his own company:. 
Lieutenant Stephen F. Brown of Company K handed his sword to a private loaded 
himself with canteens disregarding the warning of the safeguard, filled them and re- 
turned to his company and was soon arrested and obliged to give up his sword. When 
this field was reached. Lieutenant Colonel Munson interceded for him and obtained 
permission tor him to wear his sword until after the battle, but when it was found to 
have been sent to the rear with the supply train, he armed himself with a camp hatchet 
and took his place for duty. On the following day. when we were supporting batteries 
on Cemetery Hill, he noticed that one gun had become silent and on going forward to 
learn the cause he found that all but two of its men had fallen. He and three men. 
from his comjiany went to their aid. and passed them ammunition until they were re- 
lieved. The committee to build this monument planned to record this deed in the in- 
scriptions, but when Brown learned that necessary brevity required the ommission of 
all the names but his own, he declined to have that appear. On the third day of the 
battle, when the regiment had charged upon Pickett's flank and was hotly engaged in 
very close quarters. Brown saw a Confederate lieutenant near him and with uplifted 
hatchet sprang for him like an Indian. The young officer instantly handed over his 
sword and pistol and Brown as promptly appropriated them and dropped his hatchet. 
He had spent all the previous night between the armies relieving the wounded. After 
the repulse of Pickett and when the regiment had moved to another position, he 
learned that Corjjoral Church of his company, had been left behind and was bleeding 
dangerously from a wound. Promptly he returned to him and while applying a tour- 
niquet was stunned by the near explosion of a shell, 'rom the shock of which he did 
not recover until we returned to Vermont. 

Nothing more was heard of his arrest or impending court-martial. In a few 
weeks after our muster-out he raised a company and became a captain in the 17th 
Vermont. In their first battle he lost an arm and was reluctantly compelled to leave 
the service. Some seventeen years after the event 1 related the hatchet incident in 
an address before the Vermont OflScers' Reunion society, which was published in their 
volume of transactions. At that time Captain Brown was in the successful practice 
of law in Chicago. When the Grand Army Post to which he belonged read the story, 
they preferred charges against him, specifying among other acts that, unlike an officer 
and a gentleman, he had fought with a hatchet, and the result was that he was con- 
victed and sentenced to wear during the remainder of his life an elegant badge which 
they then pinned upon his breast, and across the face of which is the emblem not of 
savagery, but of his valor. Fortunately he is here to-day, and as he bared his breast 
to the foe, I now command him to bare it to his friends. 

Suffice it to say that these incidents most naturally suggested the design of th.'s 
moment; but it should be said that when the monument was only a dream, the first 
man to conceive its leading feature was James B. Scully, first sergeant of Company A, 
who was the pivot upon which the regiment turned in making the famous flank move- 



Tlic Thirteenth Regiment J'erniont J'olniifeers 809 

ment that contributed so much to the result of this pivotal battle of the war. So 
this is not the first time that our action has turned upon his. 

One of the inscriptions shows that the monument was erected by 193 of the sur- 
vivors of the regiment. The work has been admirably done by a committee consist- 
ing of Henry O. Clark of New York, Heman W. Allen and James B. Scully of Burling- 
ton, C. L. Marsh of Euosburgh Falls and Ralph O. Sturtevant of Swanton. It is not a 
monument to Capain Brown; it is not a monument to the committee; it is a monu- 
ment to every member of the Thirteenth Vermont and most of all to its gallant colonel. 
Whatever of victory or defeat awaits us in the remainder of our lives, we have a record 
here that is assured; and if, in the contests of civil life some other man wins aln. 
honor that some of us may seek, we can always find some consolation in the reflection 
that he has not a monument at Gettysburg, and we have. 

Now, let no one think in i)erpetuating this hatchet incident we honor or even con- 
done disobedience of orders. We are soldiers and we know the 'mportance of dis- 
cipline. Captain Brown claims no immunity from a just judgment of his act, when 
tempered with such mercy as impelled him. General Stannard, than whom there 
was no better soldier, forgave him when he asked for his sword to go into battle and 
more than forgave him when he heard of his gallant deeds. It is those deeds, and 
others equally noble and gallant which Captain Brown insists, upon all occasions, were 
performed by the officers and men of this regiment, that have long been honored in 
history and for a suggestion of which, upon the scene of their enactment, this granite 
and bronze will forever stand in the center of a most illustrious line. 

There is no need that I should here give a history of the Thirteenth Vermont 
Regiment. It is a part of the proud annals of the State and nation. Nor is it neces- 
sary to describe our part in this battle to those who were here. But as an address for 
this occasion would be incomplete without it, and as every visit here of comrades adds 
to the common knowledge of what they did, I shall, in the briefest terms at my com- 
mand, re-tell our part of the great and tragic story. 

We reached the field late in the afternoon of the first day's battle, coming over the 
Emmitsburg road, crossing the meadow and ridge near the copse of trees and taking 
position in a clover field behind Buford's cavalry, which was then on the left flank 
of our army. We were so exhausted that we slept that night although there was great 
activity all around. In the morning how the scene had changed. The cavalry had 
moved to the left and was out of sight. Long lines of infantry stretched to our left, 
while on our right, like a glistening crown upon the brows of Cemetery Hill, were 
batteries, with infantry before and behind. Soon we were moved to the green field on 
the southerly slope of that hill and massed to support the batteries. 

The Union line was shaped like a fishhook, the right point composed of the 
Twelfth Corps, resting on Gulp's Hill and facing northeast, while Greig's cavalry was 
beyond it, far across Rock Creek. The Eleventh and a part of the First Corps (to 
which latter we belonged), occupied Cemetery Hill and faced north and west. The 
Second and a part of the First occupied the left centre, from Zeigler's Grove half way 
to Little Round Top, along this ridge and faced west. The Third had taken an advanced 
position from the left of the Second and extended along the Emmitsburg Road to the 
Peach Orchard, facing westward, and thence to the left, facing south, as far as the 
Devil's Den. The Fifth, which came later, prolonged our line in rear of the Third, 
and the Sixth, when it arrived on the afternoon of the second day, was east of Round 
Top, facing south, to guard the army's left flank, which was also guarded southwest 
of Round Top by Buford's cavalry. 

Our position during most of the second day was therefore in the bend of the fish- 
hook, and shells came upon us from three directions. While there the incident already 
alluded to occurred, when an officer and three men of Company K for a long time helped 
to serve a gun. There, too. Captain Williams of Company G fell mortally wounded, 
and the honor came to me to take his place. There, also, we saw a regiment come 
down from the ridge at our right in wild retreat. In vain their officers tried to halt 
them, whereupon a portion of our brigade dashed across their path and we heard the 
clarion voice of Colonel Randall upbraid them and call attention to our firmness. 
Nothing could have been more fortunate for our encouragement. Yet another event 
occurred there which was also most Inspiring. The corps commanders had been re- 
quired by General Meade to address their troops on the tremendous issue of the battle. 
During a little lull in the firing General Doubleday came to us and spoke, as I remem- 
ber it, somewhat like this: 

"Boys, will you fight? Of course you will; you come from a fighting State. Not 
only are your friends at home watching you, but a whole brigade of your brethren 
is looking to see you emulate their great example." 

These stirring allusions brought forth the heartiest cheers and there were cries 
of "lead us on, and we will show you what we can do." But the time was not ye|t. 
Nearly all day long we stood under shells and watched with feverish anxiety the 
terrific fighting on Little Round Top, in the valley of death, over the rocks of the 
Devil's Den, through the wheat field and the Peach Orchard and finally approaching us 
along the Emmitsburg Road. The fateful hour had come. There was commotion im- 



8in Thr Tliirtcciilli Rciiuiicnt I'crnunit \'i>luntccrs 

mediately in our left and front. Horsemen Kalloped to our position and Stannard was 
ordered to deiiloy to the left and support (ieneral Hancock. The movement was 
executed on the double-ciuick and it took u.s into the midst of a hissing storm of lead 
and Iron. Five companies of our regiment under Lieutenant Colonel Munson. which 
had been sent to the west slope of the hill to guard a battery, were unable to leave It. 
but the rest of us pushed on. The Sixteenth and Fourteenth Vermont led on to our 
left. When we were descending the slope towards the copse of trees where the Con- 
federate coUimn under General Wright had pressed back and penetrated the Union 
line, but had in turn been repulsed, an abandoned battery in the valley was dimly seen 
through the smoke and a strong column of Confederates was pushing for It. Stan- 
nard had got too far to receive an order. There was not a second to be lost. Dashing 
to Colonel Randall. General Hancock said: "Colonel, can you retake those guns?" "Yes. 
or die trying", replied our heroic leader, and we ran yelling down the slope. It was a 
race for the guns and the Yankees won it, though the Confederates got so near that 
It seemed for a moment as though there would be a clash of steel. 

We had hardly started when Colonel Randall fell with his wounded horse. His 
son Charles, though only 16 years of age, was my lieutenant. He saw his father fall 
and begged permission to go to him. which I granted. But in a moment he returned 
smiling, saying "He is all right, it was only his horse", and before we had gone many 
rods, the colonel, hatless but with sword in hand, had overtaken the line and was lead- 
ing in front of the colors. 

When we drew the guns up the slope I relieved my men of as many of their rifles 
as I could carry and I presume other officers did the same. Private John McMahon of 
my company (who afterwards Vjecame the champion wrestler of the world) then made 
a remark to me which I forbear to quote but which I shall always cherish, for not 
even a medal of honor by Congress is so much prized by an officer as the commenda- 
tion of his men. When we were met by relief, some soldier called out 'What troops 
be you fellers?" Many of the boys proudly answered "Green Mountain Boys", "Well, 
I thought", said he. "you must be green, or you'd never gone in there". This greatly 
amused and also encouraged us. 

As soon as we turned over the guns we reformed in line and charged back across 
the valley in pursuit of the fleeing enemy. After crossing a ditch, we were fired upon 
from the rear by a Confederate who had been supposed dead. The bullet just missed 
Maj. Hoynton, at whom it was doubtless aimed. Three men of Company G turned to 
bayonet the man but the major saved his life. When we reached the Peter Rogers 
cottage we were fired upon from its windows. Company A swung around it. Com- 
pany (J stood in front, and there S3 prisoners were captured. Adjutant James S. Peck 
bravely going to the door and demanding their surrender. While this was transpiring. 
Company C. under Captain Coburn. went to the left as far as the Peach Orchard. Ito 
bring in what were thought to be abandoned guns, but which proved to be only some 
broken down caissons. He then moved around our right and over the ridge in front 
to explore for the enemy, but on reporting that no line was in sight, and as it was be- 
coming dusk, we returned to this ridge and after some changes of position, and having 
been rejoined by the other companies of our regiment, we lay down upon our arms for 
the night, our right resting a little in the rear of where we now stand. The Fourteenth 
was on our left and the Sixteenth beyond them, though most of the latter regiment 
was soon advanced and deployed as a skirmish line. 

The next morning dawned clear and beautiful but ushered in a heavy cannonade 
along our front. It was only a diversion, to prevent us from going to the support ef 
General Slocum. over back of us on Culp's Hill, where soon began and continued much 
of the forenoon one of the most terrific encounters of the battle. We heard the roar 
and the shouts, saw the great clouds of smoke roll above the trees and for hours ex- 
pected an order to face about and hasten to the scene, but happily this proved un- 
necessary. Then there was a long lull, during which the birds sang as sweetly in the 
trees as though the air were not heavy with stench and as though two great armies 
beneath them were not panting for the coming fray. During this period a large trench 
was dug in rear of our left and the dead of the day before in our immediate front were 
gathered and buried. The sight was not calculated to inspire courage or ambition for 
military glory, but it was borne without a shudder because it afforded some relief. 

Our front was infested by sharpshooters and prudence required us to hug the 
earth. Many, however, were so thirsty that they crept or crawled to a spring in rear 
of the Fourteenth to replenish their canteens and some men of other commands were 
picked off in doing it. Then came an order for ten men from each company to gather 
some fence rails that were strewn in our front and place them in line along the verge 
of the low plateau 4.'j yards in advance. It took extraordinary courage to perform 
this task. For a moment nobody moved. Then Sergeant George H. Scott of Com- 
pany G. who had left Williams College to enlist and who is now a Congregational 
clergyman at Atkinson Depot. N. H.. sprang to his feet and said: "Come on. boys. I'll 
go, who will go with me?" There was a quick resijonse from all the companies, the 
work was rapidly and well done, under a constant fire of sharpshooters and for a 
wonder all the men, so far as I know, returned unharmed. We were then allowed to 



The Tliirtcoitli Regiment I'crmont J'oluiitccrs 8ii 

be quiet until the middle of the afternoon; meanwhile our line and the Confederate line 
opposite were being constantly strengthened. 

At a quarter past three o'clock a shot from the Confederate artillery west of the 
Peach Orchard was the signal for opening fire along the line for more than a mile in 
our front. One hundred and thirty-eight cannon on the Confederate side and ninety 
on our side, along the crest of the ridge just back of us, opened their brazen throats 
and shook the solid earth. The roar was terrific. It was distinctly heard 143 miles. 
It was never equalled before or since. The air was filled with screeching missiles, the 
smoke was dense and the frequent explosion of caissons added volcanic fury to the 
hideous scene. Horses reared and plunged and fell. The plain in rear of the batteries 
was swept of every vestige of life. Battery after battery was disabled and replaced. 
Eleven caissons were exploded between Zeigler's Grove and Little Round Top and in 
the southern half of that distance the five batteries of Cushing. Woodruff, Brown, Rorty 
and Hazard, lost 250 horses and more than half their men. The shells exploded over 
us so fast that we could not count them. Since then it has been computed by artillery 
ofiBcers that the discharges of the guns and the bursting of the shells must have made 
ten loud explosions every second. About ten feet behind us a broad and shallow trench 
was dug by the plunging impact. After the battle the peaceful farmers gathered along 
the left centre more than 11 tons of iron hail. 

After this artillery duel had continued an hour and a quarter. General Hunt, the 
chief of artillery, ordered the Union batteries to cease firing and to cool their guns 
and replenish ammunition. The Confederates kept up their fire, and, supposing that 
they had destroyed the Union artillery, pushed their guns further to the front and 
started their infantry on the most famous assault of modern times. Longstreet's 
splendid corps of 17,000 men, of which Pickett's division formed the centre, moved 
forward at a quick pace and in "battle's magnificently stern array." Not one of us who 
saw it can ever forget the beauty of the spectacle. The line was nearly perfect. The 
men moved as if by one impulse. Their burnished arms glistened in the sun. The 
battle flags and the sabres of ofllcers waved in front. Almost as soon as they came in 
sight solid shot and shells from our batteries on Little Round Top tore great gaps in 
the line. We have since learned that one shell killed and wounded ten men and that 
hundreds of others took fatal effect. Then a voice rang out from the batteries im- 
mediately in our rear: "No. 1, fire! No. 2, fire! No. 3, fire!" and then there was a blaze 
and roar the entire length of this now so peaceful ridge. 

Nearer and nearer pressed the gray legion, but when the Emmitsburg Road was 
reached, Pickett saw that his division was further to the right than he had intended 
and ordered it to move to the left. This order failed of observance by the brigades 
of Willcox and Perry on his right and thus a gap was opened in his line. General 
Stannard saw in an instant the opportunity of his life. The Thirteenth and Fourteenth 
were immediately advanced toward the breach. Our regiment was halted at the line 
of rails already mentioned and the Fourteenth formed an obtuse angle on our left. 
As soon as the Sixteenth retired, firing, from the skirmish line and fell back through 
our line to rally on the left, we opened fire. By this time the enemy was in the valley, 
our range was short and our aim so perfect that the havoc on Pickett's right hastened 
his movement to the left. Of course we suffered in our turn, but time forbids the rela- 
tion of the painful incidents. You recall them in all the companies. General Han- 
cock had ridden to the left of our regiment and was there wounded. He was assisted 
from his saddle by Captain Wilder and some of his men and by Lieutenants Benedict 
and Hooker of General Stannard's staff. Very soon our front was so completely un- 
covered that Colonel Randall gave the famous order to "change front forward on first 
company," but the din was so great that the order was not heard. Then he ran along 
the line and gave the order, "By the right flank, follow me." This movement was 
executed on the double quick and we moved 200 yards. When close quarters were 
reached. Company A was wheeled into line where our "Marker No. 3" now stands, 
Sargeant Scully taking position and holding his rifle at "present" as though he were 
on battalion drill, and rapidly the other companies advanced into line upon its left 
and opened another destructive fire upon Pickett's right flank, then hardly ten rods 
away. 

The main line from which we had advanced, and with which we then stood at 
right angles, consisting of Hall's and Webb's brigades — from Massachusetts, New York 
and Pennsylvania — had already opened in the face of the assailing force and with such 
effect that very soon all of Pickett's regiments became a confused mass and every man 
was fighting regardless of position or orders and on his individual account. 

Sooner than it has taken to tell it, the assault was repulsed. When the Confed- 
erates began to throw down their weapons and wave their hands. Colonel Randall gave 
the order to cease firing, but it was heard by only a tew. Thereupon he did one of the 
most daring and humane deeds of the civil war — rushed in front of his firing line, 
turned his back to the enemy, almost in their midst, and with outstretched arms made 
himself understood. Then he moved among the Confederates and drove them singly 
and in squads into our line. Meanwhile the Sixteenth had formed upon our left, but 
seeing that the business was practically over, it faced about and charged against the 



8i2 Till- Thirteenth Regiment I ennont I ulnnteers 

right of Wilcox's brigade, and thus completed the double flank movement which made 
Stannard's brigade famous throughout the army and gave It a place In history as 
unique as It is resplendent. 

As we had captured 243 prisoners, who were gathered in rear of my comi>any, I 
was ordered to conduct them to the rear. After we had started, a larger guard was 
thought desirable, so we were joined by Major Boynton and Company I. The rest of 
the regiment returned to its original position and suffered in doing so from the Con- 
federate artillery. 

Shortly after this occurred the famous charge of a part of Kilpatrlck's division of 
cavalry against the intrenched Confederate infantry west of Round Top. in which the 
First Vermont cavalry i)erfornied [jrodigies of valor and suffered heavy loss. 

With this the battle ended and here 1 should end this address. The whole world 
knows the rest; and. as President Lincoln said over the graves of our dead on yonder 
hill in the November t'ollowlng the battle, "The world will little note nor long remember 
what we say here, but It can never forget what they did here." And yet, my duty Is 
not quite done. 

We have always felicitated ourselves that our loss was small, considering the 
hazards that we took. But our killed and wounded were nearly IS per cent, of our 
number engaged. This is more than any United States regiment has sustained in all 
the battles in Cuba, Porto Rico and the Phillippines. It is nearly 6 per cent, greater 
than the average losses in all the great European battles tor more than a century. It 
Is .') per cent, greater than the average losses of the Union troops in eleven of the 
greatest battles of the civil war, and it is 4 per cent, greater than the average Con- 
federate losses in the same battle. It embraced some of our best officers and deprived 
every one of us of some dear friend. The sacrifice consecrates this ground. We linger 
upon it. loath to say farewell. Many of us will never see it again ; but we have left 
our mark here and it is not a small one. even on the face of a nation grown twice as 
great as when we fought to save its life. The integrity of the Union and the rights 
of man were made secure by the events we commemorate and a broad new vista of 
the world's progress was opened before our eyes. The flag that we upheld has gained 
more stars and signaled forth new messages of duty. We love it too well not to read 
and heed the call, and we make our own the words of our soldier President when he 
said at Aberdeen, South Dakota, one Saturday, that "Wherever that flag is, it stands 
for liberty, humanity, and civilization." 



The Thirteenth Rci/iiiicnt I'cniuint J 'olinitccrs 813 



SKETCH OF CASSIUS M. BOOTH. 



CASSIUS M. Booth, second son of Samuel C. and Eunice Booth was born in Eessex, Vt., 
August 7th, 1843. He enlisted as a private in Company F, 13th Regt., Vt. Vols., and 
mustered into the United States service with the regiment October 10th, 1S62. He 
was a person liking excitement, and as a soldier preferred picket duty to the quiet camp 
life. An expert forager, never apprehensive of danger, going unaccompanied and alone 
in the dead of night "to borrow," as the soldier called it, a few necessaries, for instance, 
the last chicken of the roost, a pig, an entire line of garden vegetables, or would be 
seen coming into camp just daylight loaded with his comrade's canteens, having 
stripped to the last drop of milk the few cows of some near by planter; never return- 
ing to camp but once without his reward. One night returning from such an expedi- 
tion, following a narrow path through a dark spot of cedars about one mile from 
camp, he was stopped by a voice, "Who cames there?" he answered, "What do you 
want?" the answer which seemed near by was, "You are my prisoner." Booth having 
revolver in hand, replied, "not this time," and fired, but hearing several voices and 
tramp of horses and thinking perhaps he was up against too large an opposition took 
a right angle cut from the cedars into the oak woods for camp empty handed. He 
met one of his comrades in the winter of 1S9S, whom he had not seen since the 
close of the Civil War. His friend when learning that his name was Booth, asked 
him if he was the Cash Booth of Company F, 13th Vt. that stole chickens and the devil 
and all when South. "Well, yes, I am that Cash Booth, but I never stole the devil, 
or a chicken while in the South that 1 could not reach. Whenever I saw one that I 
could, I simply borrowed it, always expressing a desire to repay it when convenient." 

At one time a Southerner complaining to Colonel Randall of missing his chickens, 
the Colonel started on a round through the regiment ostensibly to detect the thief. 
Booth at his tent was engaged in cooking some fowls got the night before. The 
Colonel stuck his head in the tent, and said, "I'll swear those chickens came from 
Vermont, I know by the smell." The night before there was some left at his head- 
quarters, of course he knew. Booth's idea was that the Southerners brought on the 
war and must help support it. 

Booth was taken quite sick at Camp Occoquan and the lieutenant and orderly 
sergeant (the captain had just died in the hospital at Washington), came to his tent 
and told him they had the papers made to take him to a general hospital. He with 
what emphasis a person in his condition could, said, "I will not go. I know 1 will die 
if taken to the hospital." Booth had a dread of the hospital. Then changing his 
voice to a pleading tone, said, "Let me stay here. I'll be better in a few days; 1 came 
with the boys; don't take me to the hospital. If I can't live let me die in company 
with the boys." They left him to be cared for by his tentmates, and the next day 
he was better and was soon seen in the company grounds able to do light duty. It 
was not many days after when the regiment was ordered on the long march to Gettys 
burg. Cassius M. Booth being convalescent, was detailed as guard with the regi 
mental teams, which made it easier, as he could place his knapsack in the wagon and 
secured him the privilege of marching with the boys and regiment on to Gettysburg, 
but not the pleasure, fortune or misfortune, as' the case might have been, of being 
engaged in the battle. 

Having served the full term of his first enlistment and honorably discharged, 
C. M. Booth entered the service again, enlisting in October. 1864, as an ordinary 
seaman to serve until the close of the war in the United States Volunteer Xavy, 
Mississippi Squadron, under Commodore Foote; and being assigned to duty, was 
promoted to paymaster steward, acting in the capacity of assistant paymaster on 
gunboat General Thomas of the Upper Tennessee Fleet, of which Captain Gilbert 
Morton was commander. The boats comprising the fleet were, namely, "General Grant." 
"General Sherman," "General Sheridan," and "General Thomas." They each patrolled 
certain assigned distances of the Tennessee River between Chattanooga, Tennessee, 
to Muscles Shoals, Alabama, a distance of over 150 miles. The duty of Captain 
Gilbert Morton with his boat and crew, to which C. M. Booth belonged, was to picket 
the lower part of the river above the Shoals. Many lively engagements, minor and 
larger, took place between the rebel forces and the gun boat, in all of which C. M. 
Booth was engaged. Some were the bombardment and burning of Gunters- 
ville, Ala., Beard's Bluff, the battle of Decatur in the fall of 1864, at the time 
of Sherman's march to the sea, when General Hood retreated from Sherman and came 
against Decatur, Alabama, with a force of 55,000. (Greely's History, 2d Vol., page 
678 and 679) and made an attack on the fort and Union forces stationed there under 
General Gordon Granger. The gunboat General Thomas was ordered to his assistance. 



8l4 '"'^' 'J'l'iitccnth Rcyimoit I 'cniioiit I 'olnntccrs 

General Hood's army had semi-circled the town from the river three miles below the 
town to a bend in the river five miles above at which point on a hinh bluff (except one 
battery) were stationed rebel batteries comprisinR •!(, cannon, commanding the river and 
to keep the fleet or any part from goins to the assistance of the Union forces stationed at 
Decatur. A cavalry scout had been sent down the river to spy out the situation, and on re- 
turning, said to Captain Morton, "you cannot pass Hood's batteries, they will blow you out 
of the river." Captain Morton replied. "It makes damn little difference to me what 
they do or may try to do; I came down here to fight and we cannot fight in a 
better cause or sink, it sink we must. 1 have been ordered to the assistance of General 
Granger and I will go, or make the attempt if they blow us to Hell." They started 
and soon the battle was on. 

The land forces did not know they were m-ar by until they heard the roar of 
their cannon. To them and the rebels it was a surprise, and both armies ceased 
fighting to witness from their rifle pits the terrible duel that had commenced between 
the gun boat and rebel batteries. The land forces and rebel prisoners taken, who wit- 
nessed the fight, said, "it was a terrible and magnificent sight; one continual stream 
of fire from the cannon of the gunboat, with no less activity and energy displayed 
by the rebel batteries." The gunboat was ordered to cease firing for an instant and the 
land forces thought they were silenced. The smoke cleared, they saw their position, 
and the gunners with more determination, fiercer the fight if possil)le. with an activity 
and will that ever gains a victory, sent destruction and death into the ranks of the 
enemy, one shot disabling a cannon, bursting a caisson of powder, killed and wounded 
sixteen men. They had obeyed orders, went to the assistance of General Granger, 
passed and silenced the batteries rounded into Decatur and saved the town. Cap- 
tain Morton, of the gunboat immediately reported to General Granger who 
said, "Captain Morton, if you had been sent from Heaven you could not have 
come at a more opportune moment. Had I not heard your firing and seen your boat 
in the bend of the river I should have hauled down my flag in less than fifteen minutes." 

The gunboat received six shots, one killed, two mortally and a few 
slightly wounded. Rolin R. Sherman, from Essex, Vt., was mortally wounded stand- 
ing beside C. M. Booth by the bursting of a shell, from which he afterward died 
Hood's purpose in attacking Decatur was to get possession of the pontoon bridge that 
spanned the river at this point. He retreated down the river that night, built his 
own bridges, forded the river at the Shoals, and marched on toward Nashville, and 
was repulsed by the Union forces on the bloody fields of Franklin, Tennessee, from 
which he never afterwards recovered during the war. In fact the rebel army had 
almost ceased to exist when General Hood was relieved at his own request, January 
23rd, 1863. (Greely's History, Vol. 2, page 689). 

The following is an extract from Captain Gilbert Morton's letter to the liurlington 
Free Press April, 1883: 

"All of Hood's batteries and his whole army were between us and Decatur at 
the foot of the bend four miles distant, not a shot or shell passed through our magazine, 
only a few bursting on board, as we were going, passed them at the rate of fifteen miles 
an hour, but our upper works were riddled with musketry. They could not get our 
range. Now I had a little experience during that unpleasantness, entering the service 
early in 1861, was in nearly every engagement on the upper river, from Fort Donaldson 
to the close of the war, and passing those batteries was the hottest place I was in during 
the four years. C. M. Booth, of Essex, was entitled to much credit tor his coolness and 
bravery both before and during the action. We were patrolling the river to watch 
Hood's army and learn if possible where he was going to cross the river. Booth 
volunteered to act as scout and crawled through brush near enough to the enemy's 
line to watch his movements. Booth i|Vent night after night, always choosing the 
darkest, and returning to the gunboat at daylight, when we would start oft a mes- 
senger with the information to General Thomas's headquarters. In this way Booth 
brought the first news that General Hood with his whole army were moving down 
the river. One of General Thomas's officers carried the information to headquarters 
at Huntsville and telegraphed the information bringing back the thanks of the com- 
manding general to the gunboat for our vigilance in i)atrolling the river and for 
valuable information given, with order tor us to proceed at once to the assistance 
ot General Granger in command of the post at Decatur. We spoke to a transport above 
Decatur who reported in these words, 'Captain, you cannot go to the assistance of 
General Granger, for Hood's whole army and batteries are in the bend.' Said I in 
reply. 'There is no better place to sell these two gunboats than right here. I am 
ordered to go to General Granger's assistance and I am going. You follow me.' She 
was close to our heel and close to the rebs. but we were going so fast that they could 
not keep our range, but half an hour hesitation and Hood would have gobbled up 
General Granger. When I reported to him after silencing the batteries nearest the 
Union lines, he said to me, 'Captain, if you had been sent from Heaven, you couldn't 
have come in a more opportune moment, for the enemy has taken all my outer works.' 



The Tliirtc'ciifli Rc<jiincnt I'crmont I'oluiitccrs 815 

General Hood says in his report, 'Late in tlie afternoon tlie enemy liaving received 
reinforcements of his gunboats, I considered it would cost too dear to force a crossing 
here.' Before dark the rebs were out of sight, and that night sunk four of the same 
class of gunboats as our own, which undertook to fight them lying at anchor. Without 
Booth's information we should not have known in time to have rendered General 
Granger the needed assistance. Records report little about the action for reason 
as Rear Admiral S. P. Lee, U. S. N., wrote me this winter, because his flagship was 
destroyed by fire before they were sent to Washington." 

Cassius M. Booth served in the navy under this enlistment until the close of the 
war, and took active part in all the engagements connected w-ith the gunboat General 
Thomas, and was again honorably discharged from the service June 25th, 1865. 



A BRIEF TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER GENERAL EDWIN H. STOUGHTON 
BY LIEUTENANT COLONEL WILLIAM DAY MUNSON. 



IT is with sadness I recall an incident in the brilliant military career of General Edwin 
H. Stoughton, while in command of the Second Vermont Brigade at Fairfax Court 

House, Va., JIarch 9. 1863. Having been appointed Provost Marshal in Novem- 
ber, 1862, of the Second Vermont Brigade, and assigned to duty as such my official 
duties frequently brought me into quite intimate relation with the general and very 
soon came to know and respect him as a man and officer, and soon was on veryi 
friendly and quite intimate relations. I was necessarily at brigade headquarters often 
in consultation with the general and therefore was better acquainted with General 
Stoughton than any officer in our brigade, and because of official and also social 
relations am perhaps better prepared to speak of this unfortunate incident in 
the military career of General Stoughton than any other person. I deem it a duty 
as well as an honor and privilege to mention some things connected with his capture 
by Colonel Mosby and his guerrilla band. The known facts and circumstances at- 
tending this incident in justice to the memory of this loyal Vermont soldier and brave 
and efficient officer should be made a part of the military history of our state, that false 
stories and unjust criticisms may be answered and his military life and character 
vindicated. 

It was claimed at the time of his capture that the beautiful and brilliant Miss 
Antonia Ford, who justly had the honor of being the handsomest and keenest woman 
in old Virginia and held a commission as major, was a guest for a few days at Dr. 
Gunnells, in whose house General Stoughton had his headquarters. General Stoughton, 
by invitation, sat at dinner with Dr. Gunnells, and was introduced to Miss Ford, 
and as a gentleman accorded her every attention that her position as guest at Dr. 
Gunnells, and her education and talents demanded, and nothing more. The mere fact 
of being a guest of Dr. Gunnells, a man of reputation and high standing and reputed 
to be a Union man and living at Fairfax Court House within our lines and under our 
protection was sufficient to justify General Stoughton to be courteous to Dr. Gunnells' 
guests. During Miss Ford's stay at Fairfax Court House, she in company with Dr. 
Gunnells and General Stoughton as escort, was frequently seen in the streets of 
Fairfax Court House on the parade ground, at the brigade hospital and on horseback 
with the general as he moved about from regiment to regiment in discharge of duty. 
Both were young, single and handsome, and could justly claim an enviable standing 
and reputation in society. Miss Ford was a lady of character and was not a guest 
at Dr. Gunnells' house by any connivance of General Stoughton. Because of the 
stealthy and somewhat mysterious manner of General Stoughton's capture many 
insinuations and foolish rumors w-ere circulated and therefore the government caused 
the arrest of Jliss Ford and nine other citizens for alleged complicity with the capture 
of General Stoughton, sent them to the old Capitol Prison at Washington, and an in- 
vestigation was had but nothing could be proven against Miss Ford or any one 
else and they were released and General Stoughton fully vindicated so far as being 
in any manner overreached by Miss Ford. 



8i6 The Tliirti-nitli Rcijimoit I'cniumt I'olttntccrs 

Col. John S. Mosby, C. S. A., in his article, page 14s, Vol. 3, liattles and Leaders 
of the Civil War, gives a full account of the manner of his capture of General Stough- 
ton, which should banish forever every insinuation that Miss Kord or any other 
woman as spy or otherwise contributed by inl'ormation or advice in the plan ot 
capture of General Stoughton. Colonel Mosby says that his purpose on this midnight 
ride through and within the Federal lines at and near Fairfax Court House was the 
capture ot Col. Percy Wyndhani, who with a cavalry brigade was encamped on the 
pike leading from Centreville to Fairfax Court House and because Colonel Wyndham 
had sent him word after repeated attempts to cajjture him, that he was a horse thief 
and Colonel Mosby almost nightly somewhere along the picket line in charge of 
Colonel Wyndham would dart down on his outposts like a hawk on its prey, capture 
a vidette or two, some army supplies, and quickly return back iimong the mountains, 
and then Colonel Wyndham with a large force would pursue in vain. The capture of 
Colonel Wyndham was Mosby's main object, and says, "I was more anxious to catch 
Wyndham than any one else," and this he attempted to do first but fortunately Colonel 
Wyndham had gone to Washington and escaped capture. Incidentally a captured 
guard revealed General Stoughton's headquarters which led to his untimely capture. 

It is of no moment at this distant day to coagitate as to what might have been 
the history of our regiment had (Jeneral Stoughton not been cajjtured. This incident 
is only one of the contributing causes that culminated in the unexampled career of 
Colonel Randall's Green Mountain Hoys. Colonel Mosby penetrated our picket lines 
as only he knew how to do on this occasion (he had often done the same before). 
He kept the Second Vermont Brigade, Colonel Wyudhani's Cavalry Brigade, the First 
Vermont Cavalry, and other troops during the fall and winter of 1862-3 busy most of 
the time because of his almost nightly forays among us and attacks on our picket 
posts. He was alert and acquainted with the country and the inhabitants, no doubt, 
furnished such information as they could obtain. 

In my humble opinion whoever might have been in command of the Second 
Vermont Brigade on the night of March 9th, 1863 would have been captured. Un- 
fortunate indeed was it for General Stoughton that he had made such an enviable 
reputation as Colonel of the 4th Vermont Regiment that justly entitled him to the 
appointment of Brigadier General and the command of the Second Vermont Brigade. 
He was a graduate of West Point, resigned his commission in the regular army, 
returned to his native state and was made colonel of the 4th Vermont Regiment at 
the age of 23 and brigadier at 24. He was yoiuig, brave, ambitious, brilliant and 
handsome, and gave promise of high attainment as a soldier. He was taken prisoner 
not because ot neglect or fault ot his. Was taken to Richmond, and in due course 
ot time exchanged, but not until after the Second Vermont Brigade had served out 
its term of service and returned to Vermont and mustered out. He was a high 
spirited gentleman and keenly felt the manner ot his capture. I never saw him after 
the day ot his capture. 1 was told that he regretted that he had not been killed 
on the battlefield of Antietam at the head ot his regiment, so great was his disap- 
pointment on account ot capture. I trust the recital of these tacts and circumstances 
will forever put to rest the unjust criticisms made at the time of the General's capture 
and since. My position as commander ot the provost guard ot the Second Vermont 
Brigade and my headquarters being near his and in almost daily consultation with him 
by reason ot my duties gave me better opportunity and more accurate information as 
to this sad event than possible tor any one else to have, and my means ot knowledge 
fully warrants my statements, and I am thankful tor this opportunity to place on 
record a vindication ot the character ot General Edwin H. Stoughton. He was loyal, 
brave, competent, alert and attentive to the duties pertaining to his high and responsible 
position. He died broken-hearted and untimely, but now peacefully sleeps beneath the 
clouds of the valley in the Green Motmtain State he so deeply loved and honored. 
Let justice be done. 

V»ILLLA.M DAY Ml'XSOX, 

Lieut.-Col. 13th Vt. Regt. 



The Thirtcciiili Rcyiincnt I'criiwnt I'olitntccrs 



BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL SKETCH BY LIEUTENANT 
COLONEL WILLIAM DAY MUNSON. 

Colchester, Vt., April 27, 1902. 
R. O. Sturtevant, Esq., 

Dear Comrade: Your kind letter or circular was duly received, and in reply 
must say that it seems to me the most difficult thing in the world to write a history 
of one's self. It certainly requires a large amount of assurance that I confess I 
do not possess. One person might write his history with an extreme amount of 
modesty, making no claim to ever having done anything of imijortance or consequence 
whatever: another might write the same history and praise and magnify every act 
of his lite. So. not knowing which side of the fence I might take. I will simply give 
you my "descriptive list," and as you are writing the history it would probably 
be better suited to the book to be put in your own language or form as may seem 
best to you. 

I was born February 17, 1S33, in Colchester, Vt.. and attended district school in 
my native town and also at Bakersfield Academy two years at 12 and 13 years of age. 
Graduated from Norwich University in 1S54 in the same class with Admiral George 
Dewey. I was assistant engineer on survey of St. Croix and Lake Superior R. R., 
from the Mississippi River near St. Paul to Superior City, 136 miles, in lS.5o and 18.56. 
I returned east and married Julia A. Henderson of Sherbrooke, Canada, in 1857. In 
1861 I recruited a company of 100 men for a battery of Light artillery, with a promise 
from Governor Fairbanks to equip said company with six brass field pieces. I drilled 
the company at Winooski for one month and then went to St. Johusbury to see the 
governor and ask him to fulfil his promise. After thinking the matter over for a 
day or two the governor arrived at the sage conclusion that "the war was about over" 
and that the purchase of the guns would be a great expense to the state and probably 
would not be needed, so 1 was obliged to disband the company. My history, muster, 
services, etc. with the 13th Rejim^nt, of course you know all about from the records, 
and from being in the same regiment. In July, 1864, at the urgent request of Governor 
Smith and Adjutant-General Washburn I had the honor to be appointed one of the 
twelve state agents sent to different points in the South for the purpose of enlisting 
as many of our colored brethren as possible to the credit of the State of Vermont under 
the call of the president for 500,000 more. With a pass from the Secretary of War, 
I did manage with the utmost difficulty to get to Sherman's army, then between 
Marietta and Atlanta. But not a nigger was to be had at any price. The army required 
their services on the railroads. In brief the wonderful experiment resulted in the 
stealing two poor niggers by the twelve agents which cost the state, so the Adjutant- 
General informed me, nearly $10,000. 

Since the war I have spent ten years in North and South Carolina and Georgia 
in the music business and trade. That is about all there is of it in a nutshell: nothing 
very grand or creditable. I saw a statement the other day from a worthy Divine 
"that it is entirely wrong to wish that we could live our life over" — n.evertheless, 
right or wrong I should like very much to be able to try it, aad see if i 
could not make some slight improvement. I presume I have written all that is required 
and perhaps more, but will add a few lines. 

Soon after our arrival at Camp Vermont just south of Alexandria, Va., in Novem- 
ber, 1862, I was detailed and appointed provost marshal of the Second Vermont Bri- 
gade and at the time of General E. H. Stoughton's capture was located at Fairfax 
Station, having under my command 100 men and two officers. 

Writing of the old days brings to mind a little episode that occurred while my 
headquarters were at Fairfax Station. Standing in my office door one fine morning 
I espied approaching three stacks of canteens glistening in the sunlight. They halted 
near my tent door and from inside of one stack came the order, 'Halt, stack canteens." 
It made a pretty large pile and to my wondering eyes was revealed a Sergeant and 
two privates of my old Company D, 13th Vt., then on the picket line 10 miles away. 
I took in the situation and divined their mission. "Well," said I, "good morning 
boys: but what are you up here tor so early, and so far away from camp, and what 
do you want?" The answer came simultaneouly from all three, "Rum!" "But." 
said i', "you won't get any here; strictly against General Stoughton's orders." "Damn 
the orders; we want these canteens filled with good whisky or Fairfax Station goes 



8i8 The I'liirtcctitli Rcy'uiu'iit I 'cniunit I Olitutccrs 

up the spout." They said, "the measles had broken out and the boys were sick and 
were In need of some good commissary whisky. I did not ask many questions; I 
knew thrni pretty well and they would not liave niaichi-d from Cani|) Wolf Run 
Shoals in mud and over corduroy road 10 miles loaded down with canteens unless 
they felt a dire necessity for whisky." They said that many of Company U boys 
were down sick with the measles and must have some good whisky right away. 
I invited them in to hard tack and coffee. The sergeant complained that he was sick 
and thought he, too. was coming down with the measles and so said his companions. 
I gave them an order on the commissary who filled their canteens and after breakfast 
shouldered their canteens and side by side in good order with route step started back 
for camp, anxious to fill and fulfil their mission of humanity. 

I visited the regiment a few days later and found the Sergeant and his boon com- 
panions all right and attending strictly to duty. My esteemed friend, Sergeant H. O. C. 
informed me that all of Company 1). boys passed through the attack and siege of 
measles all right and would soon be as good as ever. 1 was thankful but made no 
mention of the commissary whisky obtained on my order down at the Station. I trust 
you will excuse the reference to this little incident of camp life, but similar ones 
were the every day history of our regiment. I would like much to write of the indi- 
vidual members ol Company D. They were courageous and brave and loyal, and did 
their full duty on the battlefield of Gettysburg. 1 was proud of their valiant deeds 
and of the 13th Vermont Regiment in that great and important battle. Our regiment 
and brigade was extremely fortunate in its commanders, and to be so situated on that 
field of battle, as to have rendered consi)icuous assistance in securing victory. The 
true history of the 13th Regiment at Gettysburg reflects credit on the state of Ver- 
mont and 1 sincerely hope that Col. Albert Clarke, Lieut.-Col. A. C. Brown, Judge 
Cornelius Palmer, Captain Stephen F. Brown and others that I know who are able 
and well qualified will prepare historical sketches for publication in the book soon, 
1' hope, to be issued. I regret that the brief sketch is not of more interest. Hoping 
the old boys will give you all the assistance possible and wishing you success, I am 
as ever, your old friend and comrade. 

\V. D. MT'NSOX 




13TH ANNUAL REUNION OF THE 13TH VERMONT REGIMENT ASSOCIATION HELD AT COLCHESTER, VT., JULY 3 ]< 



1. 

2. 

3. 

4. 

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 
10. 
11. 
12. 
13. 
14. 


Church. 
C. C. Varney. 
Albert Walston. 
Geo. Myers. 
Edward Freeman 
C. H. Dunton. 
J. G. Farwell. 


William Crosby. 
C. P. Thayer. 
R. O. Sturtevant. 
H. 0. Clarlt. 
Albert Clarke. 
J. H. Lyon. 



15. 


C. L. Marsh. 


1«. 


A. J. Chadwick 


17. 


T. W. Sibley. 


1.S 


Geo. H. Scott. 


19. 


T. T. Snell. 


2(t. 


S. R. Emerson. 


V,1 




22. 


A. C. Fay. 


•AH. 


Bennet Turk. 


'.'A. 


E. T. Holbrook. 


?5 


Richardson. 


2H. 




•M. 




28. 


H. C. McNall. 



B. S. Fullington. 
Thomas Johnson. 
M. W. Thompson. 
A. H. Sherman. 
H. W. Allen. 

A. C. Brown. 
Guy Smith. 
G. M. Farrington. 
Wm. Woodruff. 
M. J. Leach. 



29. 
30. 
31. 
32. 
33. 
34. 
35. 
36. 
37. 
38. 
39. 
40. 



42. Jerry Hutchinson. 



53. 

54. 
55. 
56. 



Z. H. xMcAlHster. 
Geo. Farnsworth. 
Julius Bliss. 



Rev. E. J. Ranslow. 
Joseph Douglass. 
James Logue. 
Geo. N. Wright. 
W. A. Cooper. 
Geo. B. Whiting. 
Eli N Peck. 
C. W. Searles. 



65. 
66. 
67. 



S. W. Benjamin. 

Charles Ladue. 

M. Ro-ss. 
H. B. Meigs. 
Mitchell Lucia. 
S. J. Dana. 
C. T. Frink. 
Peter Shiatta. 
H. E. Mudgett. 
B. F. Brown. 
L. H. Drake. 



71. 


Andrew Lucia. 


72 


James Skinner. 


V3. 
74. 


T. S. Whipple. 


AL V. Hicks. 


V(i. 


Joseph Sanders 


77. 


L. 1'. Butts. 


7«. 


John 'JYouvillc. 


7il. 


K. A. Fisk. 


80. 


J. N. Iliinnon. 


.SI 


f). J. Tomlinson. 


82. 


W. \Y. Iloideu. 



Tlic Thirteenth h'cijiiiiciil I 'cniiuiit I ijliintcrrs 821 



THE THIETEENTH VERMONT REGIMENT ASSOCIATION PUTS 
MARKER ON COLONEL MUNSON S GRAVE. 



18th Annual Meeting. — Address of Welcome by Hattie MacBride. — Col. Albert 

Clarke of Boston Delivered Dedicatory Address. — Judge 

Lyon Elected President. 



C(Jl-('HKST10R. .7ul.v :i.--Iii the iiieseiicc ol a large assemblage of people al the old 
-Mun.son oemetery in this town this afternoon, the bronze tablet placed by the 13th 
Vermont Regiment Association on the monument of Lieut.-Col. William D. Munson 
of this town, was dedicated with a fitting patriotic celebration. The occa.sion was 
the observance of the ISth anniversary of the 13th Vermont Regiment Association 
and that body sought to honor itself by honoring the memory of Lt.-Col. Munson, the 
man who commanded the detached left wing of the 13th, supporting a battery on 
Cemetery hill in the great battle of Gettytbur:;. 

All circumstances combined to make the occasion a success and the event one 
long to be remembered by those who participated. Tlie day was ideal; the entertaiiv 
ment provided by the ladies of Colchester was hospitality itself and the speeches were 
without exceptions, uttei'ancos of the highest patriotism e.\i)ressed in terms of eloquence 
and enthusiasm. Included in the attendance were four score survivors of the gallant 
13th, besides other veterans of the war and throngs of men, wom?n and children 
from Colchester and the surrounding country all of whom united for one purpose — to 
honor the memory of a good man gone. 

Business Session. 

The business meeting of the 13th Regiment Association was held at 10:31) o'clock 
in the morning in the parish house of the Congregational Church. The president of the 
association, Col. Albert Clarke. ?lso head of the Home Market Club, Boston, presided. 
Au address of welcome was delivered by Miss Hattie Macfiride of Colchester. Miss 
MacBride, surrounded by a group of young ladies each of whom bore letters which 
combined read '■]3th Vermont," sjioke as follows: 

Address of Welcome. 

"We come before you with symbols on our bi-easts that read l3th Vermont. A 
naiue in which you glory and feel so great and justifiable a pride, and whose flag 
you followed. To this remnant of the 13th, we, of a later generation, in behalf of 
the citizens of this town extend to you a most hearty welcome. On this soil, in 
this and the ad.ioining town of Milton. Company D of your regiment was mainly raised. 
Kighty-four men from these two towns joined this com])any which made one-tenth 
of the regiment. Out of 47 men from this town seven are now residing here, including 
two at Winooski. Can the citizens of this town feel otherwise than greatly honored 
in your coming here? You, in whom so many had occasion to follow, with deepest 
interest, vour conduct as soldiers. Were they dif aiipointed in you by any lack of 
the qualities that make the American soldier? You who, 43 years a,go this day, 
executed the order, 'Batallion! chaige front forward on first companyl' and thereby 
gained immediate and lasting renown. The news of the victory at Gettysburg was 
sent flashing to every city, hamlet and rural home of the North, prominent in which 
was the report of the action of Stannard's 2nd Vermont Brigade and particularly 
the execution of the order liy the 13th and its results. No disappointment in this, 
but how proiid was all Vermont. 



822 77i<- Tliirlt-ciitli Rcii'micitt i'cniumt IDltinlccrs 

"No history of the Kioal Ijattle of (;<'tlysl)iiiK has Ix-cn wiilti-ii. without prominent 
mention of tlie bravery and stayinR (|iialities of Staniiards liriKacle. Kven we who 
are yoiiiiK Itnow your war record and all grant tliat you an- the peer of every 
Vermont reKinient. and that we deem suflicient praise; for no stain rests on the sol- 
diery of Vermont from Kthan Allen down. We know your history as soldiers of 
the Civil War; we know somethins of your association, that it is the jjeer, also, of 
any and all like associations. Your work has heen constant, in keeping in touch and 
helpiuK in many ways your comrades while livins and after death burying them 
with wreaths on their caskets and establishing lasting memorials to them. Ovrr the 
grave of your brave Colonel Randall you erected a costly monument. At Gettysburg 
you have done your full share in marking and beautifying that great field for the 
guidance of all student visitois for centuries to come. And now today you are to 
perform another loving and gracious act in the dedication of a lasting tribnle in 
perpetuation of the lifework of one of your comrades. 

"We are |)roud to have such an association here. We wish our facilities were 
such that we could keep you longer and do more for you. But during your short stay 
we hope to anticipate your wants and to do all it is possible to do to make your 
remembrance of this visit to the home of Company D, a pleasant one." 

The Dedication. 

.\l the dedicatory exercises which conimcnced at two o'clock in the afternoon, 
music was furnished by Munson's liaii<l. 'riic didicatory i)rayer was given by the 
Rev. George H. Scott of Atkinson. .\. II.. forniprly of Company G. 

Col. Clark Presides Representing Company D. 

Col. Henry O. Clark, chairman of the tablet committee, presided and spoke as 
lollows: 

"Ladies and gentlemen, comrades of the i:Uh Vermont Association. We are 
assembled here to-day to pay a tribute to the memory of one we loved, to dedicate 
a tablet that shall endure for centuries and tell to our children, our grandchildren 
and our grandchildren's grandchildren the story of what this man did in 1863. At our 
last annual reunion a resolution was offered that a tablet be placed on the monument 
of our last lieutenant-colonel by this association. The jjroposition met with instant 
and imaninious approval. A committee was ajipointed and instructed to prepare an 
inscription, have the bronze tablet made and dedicated at the earliest possible date, 
and we are here to-day for that purpose. 

"It is now forty-four years since, in resjKinse to the call for more soldiers to fill 
the dwindling ranks of the Northern army, this town of Colchester, and Milton, the 
town adjoining on the north, raised a company of om- hundred men. The organiza- 
tion was made here and by unanimous vote William D. Munson was elected captain 
and the company became known as Company D of the 13th Vermont Regiment. Cap- 
tain Munson was then in his thirtieth year. Tall, straight as an arrow, having a 
choi-rful manner, and a disposition that won the hearts of all that came in contact 
with him, he made a model officer. 

"While he could be stern and rigid in discijiline he was just and impartial. His 
decisions were always based on principle and justice, and his men, recognizing that 
fact, implicitly obeyed his orders, and he gained the love of the company and later, 
of the regiment. 

"Soon after reaching Virginia he was apjiointed brigade provost marshal and at 
Fairfax i)erformed the duties of that responsible and difficult office with such good 
judgment and exquisite tact as to win the praise of the superior officers. 

"On the resignation in May, 1863, of Lieut. Col. Hrown, to accept another position 
in the service, which he ably held near the end of the war. Captain Munson was 
promoted lieutenant-colonel of the regiment and as such served until the expiration 
of our term of enlistment. 

"At Gettysbur.^ he commanded the detached left wing of the regiment, July 2, 
and as second in command participated at the battle of July 3. There was none 
braver and more daring than he or that more fully offered life in battle for his 
country's cause. 

"In Pickett's charge he was wounded, and might, and would have been justi'Kd in 
doing so, have withdrawn from the action, but he continued with his command 
till the engagement was ended. On returning to Vermont he was honored by election 
of high sheriff of the county which office he held two terms. He was born and died 
within one hundred rods of this spot and with the excei)tion of a few years in the 
West and South his life was spent here. Kind, generous, loyal and brave, we honor 
his memorv. The world would be a better one to live in if there were more like him." 



'1 he 'I hirtcoith Rctjinicnt / 'cruinuf I 'oiiintccrs 823 

Presentation by Colonel Allen. 

The memorial tablet was i)re.sented by the association through Col. Hemaii W. 
Allen of Burlington, in the following words: 

"Mr. Chairman and Comrades: 

■Your committee to whom was entrusted the work of procuring and placing this 
monument of granite, a tablet in memory of our late Comrade Lieutenant-Colonel 
William Day Munson. have finished their labors and in the name of the members of 
the Thirteenth Vermont Regimental Association do hereby jiresent to the citizens of 
this community, the brother, the son and daughter and the grandchildren of our 
deceased friend, this tablet of bronze on which we have caused to be inscribed in 
letters which will be lasting the following lines; 

•■ WILLIAM DAY AIUXSON 
A graduate of Xorwich ITniversity, 18.54 
Captain Co. D, ]3th Vermont Regiment, 
U. S. V. 
September 6th, 1862. 
Promoted Lieutenant-Colonel, May .5th, 
1863. 
At Gettysburg, July 2, 1863 he commanded 
the detached left wing of the regiment 
supporting a battery on Cemetery 
Hill. 
July 3, second in command, he participated 
with the regiment in the 
deadly assault 
on the flank of the Confederate 
charging columns, bravely do- 
ing his full duty in that ter- 
rible hour, which turned 
the tide of the battle at the 
point since called "the high wat- 
er mark of the rebellion." 
This tablet is placed here by his com- 
rades of the 13th regiment, as a token 
of their respect for him as an offi- 
cer, and their affection for him 
as a man, July 3rd, 1906.' 

"May this example of patriotism, loyalty and bravery in those trying times of the 
nation's history be an incentive to the coming generations of American citizens." 

Acceptance by Judge Lyon. 

Judge John H. Lyon, of Colchester, formerly of Company D, accepted the tablet 
in the following speech : 

"Mr. Chairman and Comrades: 

"The family name, Munson, has been known in Colchester nearly as long as the 
town has had a name. 

"Colonel Munson was of the third generation known to this town. His grand- 
father, William Munson came here a young man, from Dover, N. H., in 1790; was 
engaged in the lumber trade with Ira Allen, afterward going into the same business 
for himself and acquiring a large landed property. It is said that at one time he 
owned more than one-half of the town lots in Colchester. He raised a large family 
of children, fourteen in number, William B., the father of Colonel Munson, being the 
fourth. He lived on and owned the farm south of and adjoining this cemetery. On 
this farm William Day Munson's youth was spent, from here his first venture into 
the w^orld was made, going to Xorwich L'niversity, whence he graduated as a civil 
engineer and where he acquired the military tactics and a soldierly bearing. From 
this time Colonel Munson was familiarly known by all the people of this town and 
vicinity, being prominently identified in all public affairs. Here with us are his son. 
William Munson, and his daughter, Mrs. Minnie Wright of the fourth generation, and 
the fifth generation are here also, five in number, one of them being William Herbert 
Munson, who is the fifth William in direct descent known to the people of this town. 



8-'4 / /''■ I'liirtccnth Rc(/uiu-iil I cniuntt / 'nhinlccrs 

lli'ii- ill this Kioiip of siav; s in this old ceinctcry arc biiiii-d thive Ki'iieratiuns of 
llie Miinsoii liimily. Tliis tablet we dedicate today will be a source ol pride and ureal 
interest to Ibc citizens of this coniniunity and to the children and grandchildren 
still greater; and with what interi si ai'd salisfnction the future seneralions will view 
and read this endiiriiiK tribute to one of their ancestors. Centuries hence, Colonel 
Munson's descendants will study this inscriittion and learn therefrom that this an- 
cestor was. first, a scholar; that about in the middle of the 19th centurv he was a 
soldier in the preat Civil War of that period; that he was an officer in the 13th 
regiment from his own Stale; that lie was engaged in the great battle of Gettysburg 
of which history is rfplete: that at the critical time in this battle when the Cnion 
forces were stubbornly attacked he fought bravely in the reiMilse of the enemy, and 
finally they will read witli gratification that this tablet was placed here by his com- 
rades, who fought with him well in war and in peace, placed here as an evidence of 
their respect and affection for him. 

".\fter five gencratituis uioie have come and gone and still more after them, this 
tablet will rcuuiiu lo inoclaini these facts in the life of their ancestor. Col. \Vm. 
D. Munsou. 

"Now, .Mr. Chairuuu!, For. and in behalf of the citizens of this community, for the 
family and for the long line of descendants, who will come after, this tablet is 
now accepted." 

Colonel Clarke's Address. 

The address of the occasion was delivered by Col. Albert Clarke, of Boston, presi- 
dent of the Home .Market Club and a former member of Companies I and G. Colonel 
Clarke sjioke as follows: 

"Comrades and Citizens: On ibis 4:ir(l Miiuivcrsary of the greatest battle in 
the annals of our country, it is most fitting that this group of survivors should hold its 
annual regimental reunion at the grave of the latest of their field officers to pass 
away. We thank his children for p<-rniitting us to place upon the monument which 
their love has reared the tablet which w'e now dedicate. It gives in appropriate 
lan.gua.ge his military record, but ))ai'ticulai s were necessarily left to be spoken. From 
data furnished me by his long time comrade and townsman, the accomplished secre- 
tary of our association. .lud.ge .lohn H. Lyon, 1 am able to present the facts of his 
career and from perscnal knowledge we can eulogize his fine qualities and worthy 
deeds. 

"William Day Munson was born in this town of Colchester February 17th. 1833. 
He improved his opportunities for education and was graduated at Norwich X'niversity 
in 1S.'j4, his class being one ahead of Admiral Dewey's, although Dewey, by reason of 
having received an a]ipointnient to the V. S. Xaval Academy at Annapolis, left Nor- 
wich at about the time .Munson leti. The next year was written the famous song of 
that institution, entitled. The Old South Barracks. Oh,' which was sung to the West 
Point time of i'enny Havens, Oh,' and it is a|ipropriate here and now to recall its 
tribute to the heroes to be: 

•■ 'To the Army and the Navy 
Each prospective- grand hero, 
Who went out from among us, 
To fight his country's foe, — 
May he win a crown of laurels, 
Where'er Fame's breezes blow. 
And sboul amid the battle's blast 
For the Old S(jih1i Harracks, Ohl' 

"Soon after graduating, having developed proficiency in engineering studies, young 
Munson was apiiointed assistant engineer of the St. Croix and Lake Superior rail- 
road, which ran ir>(: miles from Point Prescott on the Mississippi river to Superior 
on I^ake Suiierior. He was there two years, making the preliminary survey the first 
year and locatin.c; the road the next, and then for two years he was surveyor for the 
county of St. Croix in Wisconsin. Enginiering opportunities in that vicinity being 
then exhausted, he returned to Vermont and engaged in surveying and farming until 
the outbreak of the Civil War. 

"In ISi')! he recruited lliP iiie-n lor ;i battery of artillery and was elected captain, 
but after he had drilled the comiiauy for one month it was disbanded by order of 
Governor Fairbanks, because he with many others, believed that the war would soon 
end. The next year, when the Thirteenth Regiment was recruited. Munson was elected 
captain of Company D. and in that capacity most of us first knew him. Somehow we 
did not hear of his military education but we saw his soldierly bearing and it did 
not take us long to discover the efficiency of his company. Others of us would not 



Tlic Tliirtcrnth Ri-f/iiiiriit I'l-niumt 1 iiliuitccrs 825 

admit then, however, nor will admit now, that Company D was any l)etter than the 
other companies, but if it was, the superiority was due to him. 

"Hy the resignations of Lieutenant-Colonel Brown and JIajor Clark in the spring 
of 1S63, there was created an opportunity for promotions, which engaged the serious at- 
tention of Colonel Randall and some of the captains and lieutenants. The regular army 
rule was to promote according to rank and rank was determined by the dates of commis- 
sions in each grade. There is reason for the rule in the regular army, where the 
officers are all educated in military science, but in the volunteer service, where in the 
beginning officers are elected by the men, often, without any knowledge of their mili- 
tary fitness, the rule is sometimes more honored in the breach than in the observance. 
At the time referred to, our ranking captains were Lonergan of Company A, Wilder 
of Company B, and Coburn of Company 6. Colonel Randall recommended Captain 
Munson for the lieutenant colonelcy, chiefly on account of his military training, and at 
the same time he recommended Captain Boynton of Company E, for major, not on 
account of any superior fitness, but to wholly ignore the rule of rank. The recom- 
mendations were forwarded to the governor and it was learned by telegraph that 
commissions had been made accordingly and were on their way to Virginia. 

"One day when Colonel Randall was to be absent and Munson was otherwise 
engaged, Boynton was designated to command the regiment. Nothing out of the 
ordinary occurred until the line was formed for dress parade, and then Captain Loner- 
gan asserted what he considered his right and undertook to displace Boynton as 
regimental commander. Standing near together, both issued orders — the customary 
dress parade orders — which were partly obeyed until they became so conflicting that 
the company commanders did not know what to do, and then Boynton ordered the 
parade dismissed. Some of the companies promptly marched to quarters, aitd there 
being only a minority left. Captain Lonergan wisely concluded to trausler the contro- 
versy from the field to brigade headquarters. General Stannard came to the regiment 
to investigate, but as the new commissions had by that time arrived, he did not deem 
it necessary to subject anybody to discipline, and thus what might have become 
a very serious incident was closed with as little feeling as could have been expected. 

"Happily Lieutenant-Colonel Munson was in no way blamed for his iiromotion and 
he had no part in the event just related. His invariable politeness and consideration 
for others won and held for him the respect of those who had felt entitled to his place 
and in every respect he 'made good.' On the second day of the battle of Gettysburg, 
as this tablet states, he had command of the left wing of the regiment, which was 
detached on the south of Cemetery Hill and sent to a more exposed position on the 
west front to support some batteries. While he and one-half of the regiment were in 
this position they had an opportunity, near sunset, to witnf «is the briUiart da!:h made 
by Colonel Randall and the other five companies, at some distance to their left, down 
past the copse of trees which became famous the next day as the 'high water mark 
of the rebellion,' and where a battery which was aboiU to be seized by the enemy 
was bravely recovered by them and drawn to the rear, amid tihe cheers of many 
thousand men. Munson and his men had every reason to be just as proud of this 
achievement as though they had been in the charging column, for they were keeping 
back a body of the enemy which otherwise might have overwhelmed Randall and his 
little band. I say this as commander of one of the charging companies and I give 
equal credit to the presence, not far to our left and rear, of General Stannard and the 
Fourteenth and Sixteenth Vermont regiments, ^yhich constituted all the rest of our 
brigade that took part in the battle. 

"After nightfall the regiment was reunited and the brigade took the position which 
it held the next day until it moved forward to meet and help to repulse Pickett's 
charge. That thrilling event has been described so many times that there is no 
occasion for me to repeat the great story here, but I hope it will not be thought amiss 
for me to say to the civilians, and especially the young people here, that this group 
of comrades before me now- went through that blazing, hissing, roaring hell of fire 
and death, doing deeds that shine resplendent in all the %vorld's great feats of arms 
and contributing their full share to the decisive result of that turning battle of the 
war. Colonel Munson discharged his duty to the utmost, and though slightly wounded, 
he did not leave the field. The people of Colchester may forever take pride in point- 
ing to this grave as that of an officer without reproach, a hero tried and a comrade 
true, and let us hope that in future trials and emergencies his example will inspire 
other youths to stake their all and to do their best when country calls.- 

"Having been mustered out with his regiment at the ex])iration of its term, he 
devoted himself to home duties for a year and then accepted an appointment by Gov- 
ernor Smith to recruit colored volunteers in the State of Georgia and Alabama, to 
apply on the quota of Vermont under the call of ,7uly IS, 1S64. for .■JOO,(.lflO men. Pro- 
ceeding to Nashville, Tenn., and Marietta, Ga., he and the other agents, of whom there 
■n-ere more than fifty from different states, learned that General Sherman was strong- 
ly opposed to such recruitment, although it had been authorized by act of Congress, 
and the provost marshal informed them that enlistments would not be allowed and if 
they obtained any recruits no transportation would be furnished lor them. In fact, as 



8j*» 77/(- I'liiitci'iith h't-(/iiiii'iit I'cniunit I 'oliinti-rrs 

fa.-'t as able-bodied men eaiiie within the I'nion lines they were ylven employment by 
General Sherman at Rood wages in building and repairing roads, bridges and earth- 
works and in the transportation of siipiilies. consequently it was impossible to obtain 
any recruits, and as soon as Colonel Munson had satisfied himself of this, he con- 
scientiously returned to Vermont, so as to save the state expense. In 1866 he was 
elected by the general assembly a brigadier-general and |)laced in command of the 
first brigade of the first division of the formidable militia force which the state then 
maintained but soon reduced to a peace basis. Thus closed his military career, which 
had not been great but was in all respects creditable. 

•Thenceforth he devoted himself chiefly to the duties of private life, although he 
was sheriff of Chittenden County for four years in the late sixties. From boyhood 
he was fond of music and became an acconii)lished player, leader and teacher. For 
many years he conducted the music in his church. He excelled as a violinist and 
was the organizer and leader of the Munson orchestra, whose fine music is such an 
attractive feature of this occasion. In the spring of 1878 he went to South Carolina 
and for seven years was occupied in teaching music and managing a music store. 
After returning to Vermont he spent the remainder of his life in surveying and in 
assisting his son with whom he lived. 

"Colonel Munson was married in Cleveland, O.. on the 22nd day of January, 1857, 
to Julia A. Henderson, of Sherbrooke, Canada, with whom he lived happily until her 
death in 1878. Many of us remember what a handsome couple they were. Of the four 
children born to them, two died in infancy. The others, Mr. William li. Munson and 
Mrs. Minnie M. Wright, reside in Colchester. Colonel Munson was a member of 
Webster Lodge of Masons in Winooski and of the Burlington commandery of Knights 
Templar. 1 cannot say for a certainty but 1 think it probable that he was also a member 
of the Grand Army of the Republic and of the .Military order of the Loyal Legion 
of the T'nited States. He was a man of fraternal feelings, of warm sympathies and 
of many social accomplishments. When he i)assed away, on the 2oth of October, 
190.3, all his townspeople felt that they had lost a friend. Throughout his life of 70 
years he had enjoyed the fullest confidence and the warmest personal regard of all 
who knew him. What more or better could have been said if he had become greater 
or richer. He was too modest for his merit, but he rose upon merit alone to a rank above 
that of most of us who survive. The fact that we are here in such large numbers, and 
that so many of his fellow citizens have thronged to participate with us in paying this 
tribute of affection and respect, is the crowning triumph of a worthy character and a 
well spent life. 

"Here, so far as this dedication is concerned, I might bring this address to a 
close. Tint this is our annual reunion, and it brings to us other thoughts than those 
which iiertain to the final muster-out that awaits us one by one. Happily many of us, 
I hope that none of you, my comrades, have ever encountered or ever will encounter 
a disposition to relegate you to the past. Let us show our fellow countrymen that, 
while we can talk over great experiences which most of them did not share, there are 
no citizens younger in spirit or more alert to promote every new cause that is good 
than are the veterans of the Civil War. Not long since I heard a young and able 
man offer as an explanation of Vermont's small growth in population and industries 
in recent decades that for years the one theme in her popular assemblies had been the 
glories that she won in the Civil War, — just as though a success like that, instead 
of being a spur to further achievement, could satisfy a host of young men who had 
yet their fortunes and their homes to build and their families to rear! Have any 
equal numbers of other men done more towards the development of industries than 
the young men who gained a broader outlook and had their ambitions fired by taking 
part in the Civil War? Does an occasional reminder of struggles and achievement tend 
to discourage human endeavor? The very statement of the case shows how illogical 
is the explanation. No. The real reason why Vermont has not grown faster since 
the war is that so many of her ex-soldiers and other young men have found in newer 
states and large cities ojiportunities that did not then exist here. They went out and 
leavened a great lump, and Vermont's best growth and truest triumph has been in 
Impressing her principles and habits upon those rising commonwealths of the great 
West and in making homogeneous a population gathered from the four quarters of 
the globe. The tide is now running more this way, not because an intelligent, patriotic 
and grateful people has ceased to talk of events which will forever be their pride 
and inspiration, hut because most of the corner lots elsewhere have been taken up 
and because better ojjportunities are opening here. 

"At our reunion in Montpelier last year I went down from my room to the hotel 
office at half past four in the morning and there I found three men of my old com- 
pany, two of whom were eighty years of age, in close conversation. I exclaimed: 
'What in the world is Company G doing at this before-reveille hour of the morningi' 
and one of them replied, 'We are just jiutting in every minute of our time.' 
I joined them, and what do you think they were talking about? Battles? Xo. silos 
and gasolene engines. They were also telling about this comrade and that, where they 
had gone and how they had done in civil life. We took a walk together, and passing a 



Tlic Thirteenth Rciiiincnt I'cnuont ]' oliiutccrs 9-2J 

large, well-kept lawn, one of them remarked what a fine crop of grass could have Ijeen 
harvested there if it had not been sacrificed to beauty. Think of such utilitarianism 
from a son of Mars I Every town in Vermont contains more than one Cincinnatus like 
that. AVe mourn to-day the death of Captain Wilder. Some years ago he lost an arm 
while cutting feed tor his cattle. On the 2Stli of last March he lost his life by falling 
from a loft in his barn while doing his morning chores. He might have lost his arm 
or his life at Gettysburg, but we are thankful that he lived to do something tor his 
family, for his horses and cattle and for the industrial life of his state. 

"You may look from one end of Vermont to the other and you will find that 
her principal industries have been and in many cases still are manned by her soldiers 
of the Civil War. Who for a long time successfully ran a factory at Bennington and 
became president of the knit goods association of the United States but the late 
Major A. B. Valentine? Who but the brave and optimistic Colonel George W. Hooker 
established one of the lar.a;est industries in Brattleboro? Who but Captain W. H. H. 
Slack has built up at Springfield what has become the largest wool recovering estab- 
lishment in the world? Is there not at Derby Line a most prosperous steel die estab- 
lishment, founded and still conducted by the brothers Butterfield. both Vermont sol- 
diers? Who has done more for Burlington, not only in lumber, its chief industry, but 
in the hotel business and other enterprises, than the one-armed hero of Bull Run. ex- 
Governor Woodbury? The late General Wells was long at the head of a great business 
there and our own comrade of Company A. Heman W. Allen, as youthful and handsome 
as ever, is still the prosperous owner there of the largest department store in Ver- 
mont. Was it not General Perley P. Pitkin who developed the largest manufacturing 
business in Montpelier. and did not our own comrade. Colonel A. C. Brown, do more 
to introduce the telephone over a large section of the state than any otner man? Who 
for years did the largest lime manufacturing and hay pressing business in Sw'anton 
but the late Colonel Erastus W. Jewett, and who built the largest mileage of railroad in 
the state since the war but his late brother, Col. A. B. Jewett? Who made successful and 
is still at the head of a large proprietary esablishment in Enosbur.gh Falls, but our own 
enterprising comrade. Gen. Carmi L. Marsh? Was not the late Gen. William Y. W. Riiiley 
for a long time one of the greatest employers of labor in the marble business at Rut- 
land, and was not Colonel John A. Sheldon another? And who has built up the largest 
marble business in the world but Colonel and since Governor and Secretary of War 
and now Senator Redfield Proctor? I have cited only cases which readily come to mind, 
but there are many more in all parts of the state, every one of which goes to show 
Vermont owes her greatest progress and prosperity to the men who occasionally get 
together and talk over the scenes of the camp, the march and the battle. 

"It is undeniable that our elder comrades are passing, but most of us are to be 
reckoned with for a long time yet. How does anybody suppose New York could get 
along without Henry O. Clark, or Xorthfleld without Billy Holden, or Underbill with- 
out Thad Whipple? Political honois may not seek us. or we them, but if there is a 
search some day for a candidate who will not corrupt the electorate, he can be found 
under an old blue coat. Men who have faced the cannon's mouth for their country 
are not going to poiscra their country's spring. 

"You remember, comrades, that when General Doubleday briefly addressed us on 
the second day at Gettysburg, upon the tremendous importance of the issues at stake, 
he said among other things that our success or failure would determine not only which 
should win. Abraham Lincoln or Jefferson Davis, but whether the country bequeathed 
to us by George Washington should continue to 'exist. How our young hearts swelled 
with the realization of our great oi)portunity and responsibility! The world knows 
the result but it does not always stop to measure it. Washington and Lincoln were 
vindicated and perpetuated. The South was restored to the Union and has been .grad- 
ually becoming restored to her right mind. She is to-day. in spite of all the loss 
and exhaustion of war. richer in every way than she was before. Her freed people 
are worth more to her than they were as slaves. She has more churches, libraries 
and schools, more cultivated acres, more smoking chimneys, more railroads, more 
banks and more in them, and she has a vastly great future as a part of this imperial 
nation that she ever could have enjoyed as a separate country, hampered by a relic of 
the outgiown past. The country of George Washington consisted of thirteen states, 
with a ijopulation of three millions and an area of 372.365 square miles, besides a 
vast territory fraught with dangers as well as with bright possibilities. Since the 
Civil War we have annexed ten States, with a present |)opulation of a million and a 
half greater than that of the original thirteen and with an area more than twice as 
great, and this very month Congress has provided for the admission of two more. 
In every material sense, our inheritance and all its additions have undergone such 
growth and development as the world had never seen before, thus continually adding 
fresh laurels to the brow of Washington and Lincoln, and giving us, as humble 
instrumentalities in a part of the great work, all the serene reflections that ever come 
to solace advancing years and all the bright hopes that nation builders see through the 
golden twilight of a glorious day." 



828 The Tltirtcciith Rcijiiiu-nt I'criiiout I'ohtutccrs 

Captain Meigs. 

following tlu' addies.s Ijy Colonel Clurkc hriel' leniarks wen- made bv ex-Gov. 
r. A. Woodbury of liiirlington and Rev. K. J. Kanslow of Swanton. Capt. i^ciirv B. 
.Meigs, who canie to Colchester from Baltimore, was called ui)on and resitonded iii th«* 
following words: 

"Comrades:— It was my pleasure to land en the shores of my native Green Moun- 
tain State a few hours since, where sleep several generations of my soldier ancestors. 
We are heirs, joint heirs, with the republic's children in the inheritance of freedom 
left by our sires. We are i)roud of all the past; and. although w<> are facing a future 
pregnant with tremendous possibilities, yet we lace it with a strength and hope and 
assurance born of an unswerving pur|)0se. and in the belief that the generation that 
comes after us w^ill measure up to their standards, and as we go hence, we will calmly 
droi) our mantles on the shoulders of the boys who will worthily wear them, and 
doubt not our country will find in them nothing wanting. 

"When I awolje this morning I loolved out of njy cliamber window, and on a near 
by roof I saw the pleasing sight of some doves billing and cooing, and I immediately 
thoti.ght tliose doves love one another, and how typical they are of my comrades of 
the old llUh. and there came into my mind visions of Marsh, Allen, Clarke and others 
of the old guard. 

"I bring you greetings from the Southland, from 'Maryland My Maryland." one 
of the states kept in this mighty Union by the valor of you and your comrades' arms. 
I am very, very glad to be with you — to look into your faces — the maps of which have 
vastly changed since the days when we drank from the same canteen. I feel that it 
Is a great privilege to be here to-day. to grasp the glad hand and look into your windows 
that are growing dim; indeed it is a great thing to live in this, the most wonderful, 
the most enlightened age of all the world. It is a great thing to have been a member 
of the old 13th Vermont, a regiment that made so nuicli of history, and did so much to 
turn l)ack the tide of rebellion at its highwater mark at Gettysburg. It is a great thing 
to have lived more than two score of years after the close of that great war In which 
we were participants, a war that cost mountains of gold and rivers of blood, and to 
see this, our nation, two score of years after the stirring events of our young lives, the 
foremost of all the nations. It is a pleasant reflection to think that we have lived 
In an age of the world's very greatest progress: all or ncai-ly all of the great modern 
inventions have been conceived and brought forth within our lifetime. 

"I esteem it a very great privilege to return here to the old Green .Mountain State 
annually for a few weeks of rest and recreation. I believe it is true tliat a son of 
Vermont never forgets to think with joy of his boyhood spent amid these mountains 
and hills. 

" 'But fervently while life shall last, tho' wide our ways decline. 
Back to the Mountain-Land, our hearts w-ill turn as to a shrine! 
Forget Vermont? By her cliffs, her meads, her brooks afoam. 
By all her hallowed memories — our lode-star while we roam — 
Whatever skies above us rise, the hills, the hills are home!' 

"My path in life has led me far from the home of my boyhood, but my tenderest 
memories are associated W'ith it. and anything that concerns it has never been, or 
can be a matter of indifference to me. When your summons came to me, I felt that 1' 
must needs obey it, though I shrank from it, tor I knew that this occasion would bring up 
most tender and painful memories that I preferred to keep within the silent chambers 
of my heait. I knew that I would miss here many of the old faimliar faces of 
foi mer years. 

"Comrades, we who were privileged to wear the blue more than two score of 
years ago. and are still living to tell the story, and are permitted to meet at this our 
annual encami)nient. owe a debt of gratitude to the giver of all gifts which we here 
must acknowledge. Listen! the youngest of us are nearing cami). soon, very soon, 
we must answer the call to go down into the valley, and cross over the dark river 
by the i)ontoon that reaches to the other shore, and we will bivouac there with the 
great majority who are sleeping beneath the low green tents whose curtains swing 
no more back forever. 

"Vermont has been indeed a mighty mother, and her children have shown them- 
selves entitled to their birth-right of greatness, yet in no boastful spirit do we come 
to exalt ourselves or our native state. Like the fair tablet that we unveil to-day, and 
like Cornelia of old, we simply say — 'These are Vermont's jewels.' 

"'Our lieutenant-tolonel sleeps in a grave with the Nation's dead. 
With tree tops a requiem sighing. 
While yonder en a staff ever his head. 
The flag of his country is Hying." "" 



The Thirtccutit Kcaiiiu-nt I'cniiont I'niiintccrs 829 

Resolutions to Captain Wilder. 

The following resolutions to the nieniory of Captain O. C. Wilder, of WaitstieUl, 
were presented and were unanimously adopted: 

Resolved. That while we are Ijowed in sorrow at the sudden death of our late 
comrade. Orcas C. Wilder, eaiitain of Company B. 13th Vt. Regt., and we mourn our 
loss with sincere and heartfelt grief, we shall always retnember with pleasure all our 
acquaintance with him and we have ever regarded him as a good citizen, a patriotic 
soldier, an able and gallant officer, and a true friend to all his old comrades. 

Resolved, That we considered him one of the most prominent members of the 
association and we believe there are few whose loss would be more generally felt by all. 

Resolved. That in this sad event we see a call to be watchful and strengthen the 
ties that remain, and. if there is any duty or labor of love that we would perform 
to do it quickly ere the call comes to remove us to the other shore. 

Resolved, That these resolutions be placed upon our records and a copy of them 
sent to the children of our deceased comrade 

Resolutions of Thanks, 

The association passed the following resolution of thanks; 

Whereas, We of the 13th Vermont Regiment Association assembled in annual meeting 
at Colchester on the 43rd anniversary of the day w'hen our beloved regiment did things 
■ — accomplished so much to perpetuate and preserve this Union of states, immortalized 
itself and covered its state with honor at Gettysburg, turning back the tide of rebellion. 
having to-day been most royally entertained by Company D and the citizens of Col- 
chester. 

Resolved, That the thanks of each and every member of this regimental associa- 
tion are due and are hereby tendered to the comrades of Company D, to the citizens ot 
Colchester, especially the masterly and magnificent welcome 1)y Miss MacBride and 
associates in behalf of our hosts. 

Upon the return of the party to the village from the exercises at the cemetery. 
ice cream and cake were served by the ladies of Colchester. 



The Thirteenth Rcyimcnt I'cnnont I'olnntccrs 831 



DEDICATION OF SOLDIERS' MONUMENT AT MILTON, SEPT. 6, 1909. 



THE dedication of the Soldiers' Monument at Milton took place on Labor Day, 
September 6, 1909, with fitting exercises amid the cheer of old soldiers and 
gathering of over two thousand people from all parts of the county and state. 

The members of Stannard Post of Burling on and the members of Sherman Post 
of Essex .lunction arrived about 10 a. m.. and were met at the train by the Reynolds 
Post of Milton, the Modern Woodmen, the Colchester band and many citizens. They 
were escorted to Odd Fellows' Hall. The Hurlburt Post from St. Albans arrived at 
11 a. m.. and were likewise escorted to the Odd Fellows' Hall. 

Automobiles brought Gov. Geo. H. Prouty. Lieut. Gov. .lohn A Mead. Congressman 
D. J. Foster. Ex. -Gov. r. A. Woodbury and others from Burlington about 11.30 a. m.. 
and all were entertained at the home of Col. H. O. Clark. Dinner was served at Odd 
Fellows' Hall at noon to the greater part of the town's invited guests and many others 
besides. The ladies of the Village Improvement Society served dinner to nearly two 
hundred on the Congregational church lawns. 

The exercises took place promptly at two o'clock from the stand erected beside the 
monument in the village square. The monument was draped with the Stars and Stripes. 

Col. Henry O. Clark. 13th Vermont Regiment, presided and made the introductory 
remarks. Rev, E. E. Herrick. l.'ith Vermont Rt-giment. offered prayer. The unveiling 
of the monument then took place by a daughter and a granddaughter of veterans, 
Misses Elsie H. Clark and Gladys M. Perry. 

The transfer of the monument to the town by the monument committee. Col. 
H. O. Clark, J. Monroe Perry and Frank E. Cormia then took place. Col. Clark then 
presented the monument to the town with the following speech: 

Col. H. 0. Clark's Speech. 

"This is the largest assemblage that this town has ever seen, even in the stirring 
days of the Civil War no such body of people ever met together here. Never before 
has a Milton gathering been honored by the presence of the chief executive and so 
many of distinction from other parts of the state. 

"The occasion is one that interests the people of this town and vicinity as it 
properly should and this is manifest by the number with us today. 

"A year ago at a special town meeting it was unanimously voted that a Soldiers' 
Monument be erected. It stands here complete to-day as we trust it will remain for 
thousands of years to teach the rising generations what their ancestors did in those 
arduous days of the Civil War. The monument will now be unveiled by Misses Elsie 
Clark and Gladys Perry, a daughter and a granddaughter of veterans whose names are on 
the tablets before you," 

Band — Red, White and Blue. 

"The committee appointed to erect this enduring testimonial of the valor of 
Milton's sons, wish here and now to thank the citizens of the town for the loyal sup- 
port and hearty assistance they have given on every occasion when called upon. 
W^ithout such support and aid this labor would have been a trying one, but encouraged 
by all this work has been a pleasure. 

"This town in 1861 had less than 400 voters. It sent over 200 men to the front, 
44 of whom lie in the cemeteries here and fill unknown graves on many a Southern 
battlefield. These soldiers that marched away were not all included in the less than 
400 voters. Many, the majority in fact, had not arrived at the age that entitled them 
to the ballot, but infused witli the spirit of loyalty they went out to fight the country and 
do their share in preserving this Union, the foremost on earth, 

"As chairman of the monument committee it is now my pleasing duty to transfer 
the care and custody of this monument to the town as represented here by the select- 
men. To you and your successors in office we now give over the completed monu- 
ment, feeling assured that the loyalty of those who made the appropriation of it and 
their successors will forever take proper care that it is kept in the perfect condition as 
now transferred," 

Corry E, Osgood as first selectman accepted the monument in behalf of the town 
with appropriate remarks. 

The band then played in a fine manner after which the chairman, Col, Henry O, 
Clark, introduced the orator of the day. Col, .\lbert Clarke, 13th Vermont Regimer.t, 
now Secretary Home Market Club of Boston, Colonel Clarke delivered one of the 
grandest orations that has stirred the he.arts of citizens and comrades for many a 
day. His speech in full follows: 



t>3- '''''' lliiitccnllt kcijiiiu-iit I \-riih)iit roliiiilcrrs 

Col. Albert Clarke's Oration. 

"His Kxcellency. the Govi-iiior, ilr. Cliairniau. Comrades, Women of the Relief 
Corps, Ladies and Gentlemen : 

"No sooner was the Civil War closed than cities and towns all over the North began 
erecting monuments and memorial halls to commemorate their soldier dead, and as 
soon as their means would permit the people of the South exhibited the same gratitude 
and devotion. After a time the thousht came that the living soldiers were as well 
entitled to be honored as the dead, for they passed through common perils. You 
have the felicity in Milton of giving expression this thought, for you have placed in 
enduring bronze, upon the sides of this artistic monument, the names of all the 2(»o 
men who served to the credit of this town, and while no one is in a hurry to have his 
name inscribed upon a grave stone. 1 think it must be a great pleasure to the comrades 
who have survived to this day to see their names in this roll of ho:ior, high reared 
in the business portion of your town, to be read with love and pride by their children 
and their children's children as the generations come and go. 

"The voters and tax payers of to-day have honored themselves and added to the 
prestige and attractiveness of the town by providing this patriotic memorial. The 
fact that it was not undertaken until nearly half a century had elapsed since the close 
of the war is no reflection ui)on the town, on the contrary. 1 am inclined to think the 
credit is the greater, because it lacked the impulse natural to the first days of peace. 
It shows a lasting sentiment of gratitude and respect and an intelligent ))urpose to 
teach to all observers that love of country is an ins])iration to good citizenship and a 
safeguard of liberty, law and order. Such be its lesson, and may it cause the history 
of the trials, the hardships, the dangers, the losses and the triumphs of the great 
war to be studied and pondered, and the causes and issues to be so well understood 
that at no time hereafter in any part of our vast domain shall there be a suggestion 
or a thought that the I'liion is too large or that possibly some other government 
might better serve the people's needs. 

"Among the names inscribed are 34 of my own regiment and the others are 
divided among nearly all the organizations which went from this state, which proves 
that Milton's soldiers had a varied and arduous service. The total enrollment of 
residents subject to military duty was only 141, and yet the town sent 200. The num- 
ber who lost their lives in the service was 44. or 22 per cent., which is higher than 
the i)erceutage of the state as a whole and among the highest in the country. Some 
of the names indicate some variety of race and this is one of the best guarantees 
of the success of ijopular government by a cosmopolitan citizenship. Many years ago, 
at an observance of Memorial Day in St. Albans, the then governor of the state, after 
eloquently describing the hardships and losses of the war. made the point that what 
had cost so much could not be too sacredly preserved, therefore he advised to put 
none but Americans on guard. 

"Apparently he had failed to notice the regalia of the Hibernian Benevolent 
Society and the St. Jean Baptiste Society which dotted the audience. Colonel T. W. 
Higginson. of Boston, was to deliver the oration and he whispered to me that he must 
contrive to correct that unintentional slip of His Excellency, without embarrassing him 
by alluding to it, so when his turn came he referred in comidimentary terms to the 
presence of those societies and said they reminded him that when he was in command 
on Morris Island a regiment came there which was composed of seven nationalities 
and they spoke but little English. 'But.' said he. "when the bugle sounded and the 
line was formed and the command was given to "forward march,' every man under- 
stood it and every man kept step to the music of the Union.' 

"Later the governor explained in conversation that he was not so far wrong, after 
all. 'For,' said he, 'after a man has offered his life for his adopted country, he is an 
American, and what better American could there be?' 

"The builders of this monument have done well in respect of design, material 
and location, and of couise we all hope that no violence of war. or accident of peace, 
or convulsion of nature, will ever mar it: and yet, we know from history that not 
only monuments but great cities have in the course of time so coin|)letely disappeared 
that in some instances even the localities of them are lost to the knowledge of man. 
Babylon. Ninevah. Tyre. Sidon. Carthage and scoies of other magnificent works of 
man came, flourished and vanished, and there seems to have resulted a settled con- 
viction that all things material shall pass away. Byron said 

" 'I have stood upon Achilles' tomb 
'And heard men doubt of Troy: 
'They yet shall doubt of Rome.' 

"Shelley referred to the 'firm expectation' that 'London shall be a habitation of 
bittenrs' and that 'St. Paul and Westminster .Abbey shall stand shapeless and nameless 
ruins in the midst of an unpeopled marsh.' Horace Walpole said, 'At last some 
curious traveler from Lima will visit England and give a description of the rnins 



The Thiiicrntli Rc(jiiucut Vcniioiit Voluntccis 833 

of St. Paul's, like the editions of Baalbec and Palmyra.' Goldsmith said. 'What cities 
as great as this have promised themselves immortality! Posterity can hardly trace 
the situation of some. The sorrowful traveler wanders over the awful ruins of others. 
Here stood the citadel, but now grown over with weeds, there their senate house, but 
now the habit of every noxious reptile: temples and theatres stood here, now only an 
undistinguished heap of ruins.' F'rancis Volney wrote a whole book upon ruins and 
it is said: 'Who knows but that hereafter some traveler like myself will sit down upon 
the banks of the Seine, the Thames or the Zuyder Zee, where now in the tumult of 
enjoyment, the heart and the eye are tco slow to take in the multitude of sensations! 
Who knows but he will sit down solitary amid ruins, and weep a people inurned and their 
greatness changed into an empty name?' But Macaulay gave a more cheerful turn 
to this meditation upon the devastation and crumbling of the handiworks of man, for 
in speaking of the Roman Catholic Church he said, 'She may still exist in undiminshed 
vigor when some traveler from New Zealand shall, in the midst of a vast solitude, 
take his stand upon a bi'oken arch of London Bridge to sketch the ruins of St. Paul's.' 
And so it seems to me that an institution of government, such as that founded by 
Washington and his compatriots and preserved by Lincoln and his statesmen and 
soldiers, ought to survive and will survive the 'crash of matter and the wreck of 
worlds.' Such was the aspiration expressed by Lincoln in his Gettysburg address and 
such is the optimistic vision of a people who govern themselves and are not afraid. 
The loss of monuments and cities was mostly caused by changes of government. 
While our government lasts our possessions will last. Should government fail, pos- 
sessions may bo of little worth. 

"Although there are still with us many near relatives of the soldiers who have 
passed on. and in whose breasts this occasion kindles emotions of sadness, yet we 
are not here to mourn, but to celebrate — to celebrate the usefulness and the glory of 
their service, the growth and prosperity of our country, and the almost complete 
reconciliation of former foes. To you, my comrades, whose fortune it was to return 
with your shields instead of on them, a tide of recollections comes to-day, if not less 
sad than others share, yet mingled more with scenes of excitement and diversion. As 
you look at this monument and read the names upon it, the intervening years roll 
back their scroll, and again, with ranks replete and springing step, you march down 
through the crowded cities of the North and catch bright glimpses of the handkerchiefs 
and flags that wave you on. Again you wear away months in camp life and drill, building 
roads, rearing forts, marching and countenuarching and learning the importance of 
the iron rule of authority. Again you ride the long and dangeious raid or stand the 
cold and sleepless picket out. Again you hear those oniinou:s, scattering shots, at first 
faint and far, but soon bringing you face to face with death. Again you recall the 
deeply solemn thoughts that passed in quick succession through your minds. Now 
you see the long and charging columns of the foe. Magnificent spectacle! but only 
for a moment. A hundred thousand hearts beat high, a million nerves are strained 
to their utmost tension. You glance along our line and are thrilled with ecstacy to 
see our standards waving to and fro, as if to bid all foes and fears defiance. And 
now you hear the welcome words to 'flre' to 'charge' and dash like lightning to the fray! 

"'Now for the fight! Now for the cannon jieal! 
'Forward, through blood and toil and cloud and fire! 
'Glorious the shout, the shock, the crash of steel, 
'The volley's roll, the rocket's blasting spire.' 

"But ah I comrades, the scene is madness, it is death! How wonderful that any 
should survive! And yet, this little group before me now can tell o'er many scenes at 
which the firmest lips might well grow pale; of two Bull Runs, of Warwick Creek, 
Fair Oaks. Savage's Station, Malvern Hill, Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellors- 
ville. of Winchester and Cedar Creek, the Wilderness and Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, 
Petersburgh, and many others no less trying, though less known of fame. Here, 
possibly, is one who climbed the bristling heights of Lookout Mountain and shared 
the triumphs of the 'Battle above the Clouds.' Here, probably, is one or more who 
went with Butler to New Orleans, and witnessed that wonderful tact and courage 
which established and maintained order, cleanliness and health in the midst of 
treacherous marshes and more treacherous men. 

"Here, may be, is one who followed Sherman and Howard from Atlanta to the 
sea. and from Savannah to the surrender, or one who sailed with the great Farragut 
where a fight meant victory or a watery grave, or one who endured the living death 
at Andersonville. But why enumerate? Here. I know, are men who stood three 
days at Gettysburg, stood in the open field, stood where 300 cannons volleyed and 
thundered, stood where 90,000 brave men charged against their iron front in vain, 
stood wliere Rebellion's highest wave dashed up and broke and rolled away. 

"How the vision gleams before me now! The tall grass, the sweet scented clover 
and the golden grain waved beneath the breeze; the birds sang in the trees as sweetly 
as though the swiftly winged messengers so soon to pierce the air were a thousand 



834 I III' Tliirtrnitli l\'r</iiiiciit I cniinitt I 'nhiiiti-i-rs 

miles away. The crystal rills iiiiii mured as joyously as the trout lirooks of our cliild- 
hood homes, unconscious that soon they were to run with human blood. Overhead the 
fleecy clouds of summer but momentarily softened the intense rays that fell and 
Slinted across ten miles of animated, buriiishi'd steel. A softer air, a lovelier laud- 
scape, a scene of more impressive <iuiet, almost pastoral in its repose, was never snen. 
"The two sreat armies confrontin.e each other waited the final dispositions and 
the words of command that should suddenly blight this beauty of nature and turn 
its peace into iiandemonium. It was a time for prayer and thought. The blue and 
the gray looked at each other, not with hatred, but with sympathy and pity. p:aeti 
knew that the other suffered most intensely like himself. Kach knew that the other 
had left behind home, mother, wife, child, and was thinking of them that moment. 
They were all human, mostly young, had everything to live for, loved life and 
dreaded death. Why should they light? Why could not their leaders meet and 
settle? What grim specter of gigantic grasp held them in hostile array against every 
promi)ting of their hearts? Had the good God forsaken that particular spot of earth 
or lost His power? 

"These reveries w^ere broken by a bugle blast. On the crest of the low ridge 
less than a mile in front, a puff of white smoke and a loud report, followed by a shriek 
in the air and an explosion a few feet above our heads, gave signal to blow forth 
the breath infernal. .\nd how it came! How tierce and hot and long it came! More 
than 100 ex|)losions per minute, concentrated upon a place of attack only three quarters 
of a mile in breadth and continued for two hours, filled the air almost as thickly as a 
hail storm with flying iron and ploughed the green earth until it looked brown and 
broken. Klat upon their faces lay the lines of waiting men. Hundreds were mangled 
but none flinched. A few rods in rear, on land a little higher, stood a long line of field 
batteries, their horses and men falling every moment, but their guns being worked 
with the precision of machines. Suddenly, however, they became as voiceless as 
the grave. Why did they not respond? Had some one blundered? Were we to be 
crushed and make no further eltort to disable yonder enginery of death? 

"Down in the shallow valley that lay beneath the hostile lines the rattling shots 
of the skirmish line grew frequent. To lift one's head to take a look was to invite 
death. Hut the cry. 'They're coming' brought thousands to their feet. They who saw 
it can never forget that beautiful parade — for such it seemed, so even were the long 
lines, so proud the step, so bright the weapons, so inspiriting the flags, so regular 
the star-shaped solid columns of the support. 

"Our skirmishers were driven in. On came the broadly sweeping lines until 
faces could be discerned and voices heard. Holding their fire, awaiting orders, but 
burniiLg with the hottest fever of anxiety stood our lines of imperilled and impatient 
men. Then a clear voice rang out from the lines of our batteries. 'No. 1, fire I No. 
2, fire! No. 3. firel' and almost simultaneously fourscore of brazen throats sent forth 
destruction. The same instant those of us who were nearest delivered a volley which 
cut a swath many yards in width through the fast approaching line. The volley was 
returned. Every motion now was quick. Flames leaped from the struggling lines. 
The rattling fusilade became blended in a roar. The artillery produced a sound like 
muffled blows in the general din. Before us, behind us and among us, men fell until 
it seemed that almost as many were down as up. And still the gallant foe pressed on. 
Closing in to a common center, an impetuous dash was made for a i)oint in the Union 
line. Hefore the furious onslaught two I'nion regiments were crowded back. The 
line was i)ierced. A shout went up from the assaulting column and there was some- 
thing almost like a groan heard along the ranks of blue. Hut it was not a voice of despair. 
Rather was it the commingling of a thousand commands, as every officer and every 
man within sight and reach rushed to the deadly breach. Then those of us who 
advanced to a gap in the enemy's line turned upon its flanks and in a moment all was 
over. Down went their weapons and up went their hands. A few succeeded in 
escaping, but the greater number were gathered in .Alas, not so! The greatest 
number covered the earth. In the wild joy of our iriuniiib, we could not but pity 
such sweeping death. 

"Thank God! Those scenes are past. We look back upon our part and it seems 
all a dream now, but vacant chairs and empty sleeves and this monument remind us 
that it was no dream then. When w-e place ourselves in imagination upon those fields 
of valor, well may we say with the martyred Lincoln: 'The world will little note 
nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here." 

"The tents were long since folded and the drum summons us no more. Back to 
the broad level of citizenship the private and the general equally returned. The proud 
old army vanished. This remnant here, the graves that we visit once a year, the 
memories that we glorify, and this memorial that we dedicate today, are all that link 
the rising generation with the realities of which they hear and read. Year after year 
for a long time, and now month after month, some comrade goes before us to the 
shadowy shore. But as the circle narrows, like rays through a sun glass toward the 
focal point the warmer should grow the atmosphere of gratitude and love. 



The Thirteenth Regiment I'eniwnt I'olunteers 835 

"On the part of the North war was unavoidable. We had to fight or lose the 
unity of our government and expose it to almost certain further dismemberment. The 
abolition of slavery was a mere incident, but a great and glorious incident, nevertheless. 
The trouble grew out of false interpretations of the Constitution. It took the form of 
sectionalism and that resulted in general alienation. Sectionalism, though now in other 
parts of the country is still a danger, or it would be but for the impressive lesson of the 
Civil War. The greatest danger, however, that I have observed, still relates to the 
Constitution, not by erroneous interpretation, but by overriding and neglect. If a State 
wishes to disfranchise a race, it does it with the assurance that there will be no federal 
interference, because suffrage is a State concern and courts and juries must be local. If a 
president desires re-election or wishes to influence the choice of his successor, or to se- 
cure certain legislation he does not hesitate to use the tremendous and all conquering 
power of his patronage to compel the execution of his will. Such disregard of the constitu- 
tional limitations of the three co-ordinate branches of the government may in some cir- 
cumstances become as great a peril as either slavery or secession was. If it is done to 
promote your views and mine, we must not forget that it may be done to promote their 
opposites. This monument stands not only for the integrity of the Union but for the 
inviolability of the Constitution, and that is what every good citizen must stand for and 
insist upon, no matter in what form or in what interest the danger may present itself. 
On the centennial of Concord and Lexington, George William Curtis bequeathed to his 
country some words of advice which are now and will always be as true and applicable 
as they were then, for, as President McKinley said, 'there are always perils and always 
duties.' After Mr. Curtis had described the British invasion and repulse, he said: 

" 'Xot such are our enemies to-day. They do not come proudly stepping to the 
drum beat, with bayonets flashing in the morning sun. But wherever party spirit shall 
strain the ancient guarantees of freedom or bigotry and ignorance shall lay their 
fatal hands upon education, or the arrogance of caste shall strike at equal rights, or 
corruption shall poison the very springs of national life, there, minute men of liberty, 
are your Lexington Green and Concord Bridge, and as you love your country and your 
kind, and would have your chilrden rise up and call you blessed, spare not the enemy! 
Over the hills, out of the earth, down from the clouds, pour in resistless might. Fire 
from every rock and tree, from door and window, from hearthstone and chamber; hang 
upon his flank and rear from morn to sunset, and so, through a land blazing with holy in- 
dignation, hurl the hordes of ignorance and corruption and injustice, back, back, in utter 
defeat and ruin I' 

"Citizens of Milton I you have planted in your midst a talisman. If any of you ever 
feel disheartened, look at that monument and take courage. It you are ever tempted 
to do a mean thing, ask that soldier if you can afford to thus let yourself down. If 
sometimes you know not what to do, that monument will tell you to do the duty nearest 
to your hands. And, if perchance, you are called to some high endeaver, rise to it, 
as those soldiers arose, and victory will crown your aims." 

A. J. Maxbam, Hancock First Army Corps, more than pleased the immense crowd 
by his songs. 

Gov. Geo. H. Prouty next delivered a speech giving the citizens of Milton sincere 
commendation on their war record and now their grand display of patriotism. 

Lieut.-Gov. J. A. Mead was next introduced by Col. H. O. Clark. He spoke with 
a great deal of feeling from a comrade's viewpoint and saying that it the same patriot- 
ism that prompted one to his country's flag was brought more into the commercial 
world, a grander state of affairs could never exist. 

Ex. Gov. Ormsbee now sjwke saying that there was nothing left for him to say 
after the grand speeches that all had listened to that afternoon. He hoped that all 
feeling of sectionalism would lie buried deep beneath the monument. 

Ex-Gov. U. A. Woodbury spoke briefly of the town's patriotism and respect to the 
old soldiers and only wished the same spirit was more in evidence in his city of 
Burlington. 

Next Colonel Clarke introduced Congressman Foster after stating reasons why 
other members of the Washington delegation could not be present. Mr. Foster spoke 
saying that "this is not the first time when they couldn't get Page that they took me," 
(applause). The Congressman paid a grand tribute to the town and spoke of the great 
general, U. S. Grant. 

Hon. L. D. Latham was next introduced by Colonel Clarke as he said to show 
evidence that Milton was not a quarrelsome town as Mr. Latham was the only lawyer 
in Milton. Mr. Latham laid stress on true citizenship. 

General O. O. Howard then spoke very briefly and with great emotion. He was 
roundly cheered. 

Remarks were given by Col. H. W. Allen, commander Stannard Post, C. P. Hogan, 
commander Hurlbut Post, C. M. Ferrin, commander of Sherman Post, Henry A. Smith, 
commander of Reynolds Post, and by Col. A. C. Brown of 13th Vermont Regiment. 

A. ,J. Maxham together with the band and i)eople sang one verse of "America." 
and then the exercises were closed. Without a doubt no like occasion was ever 
favored with such an assemblage of grand speakers and notable men as was Milton 
this day of dedication. 



■W' Tlic Th'utccnili Rcfiiiiu-nt I'cnmntl I'ohiiilCirs 

The Honored Guests. 

The following wore seated upon the spt-akers' stand: 

Gov. G. H. Prouty. Lieut.-Gov. J. A. Mead. Ex-Gov. r. A. Woodburv, E.v-Gov E J 
Oimsbee, Congresnian D. .1. p'oster. Col. Albert Clarke. Secretary Home Market Club, 
Boston: Gen. O. O. Howard, Col. A. C. Hrown, Post Dept. Coniniander, G. X. R.- E .v! 
Rich. Senior Dept. Commander: Col. H. W. Allen. Commander of Stannard Post; C. P. 
llogan. Commander of Hurlbut Post: C M. Ferrin, Commander of Sherman Post; 
H. A. Smith. Commander of Reynolds Post; Mrs. Ferris, president of Stannard Corps; 
.Mrs. U. Sweig. president of Bostwick Corps; Mrs. Robinson, i)resident of Sherman 
Corps; Mrs. E. E. Williams, president of Hurlbut Corps; Mrs. George Prouty Rev 
C. W. Claik, Rev. E. Herrick. Rev. M. H. Ryan, Rev. Fr. H. Paquet, L. D. Latham, 
A. J. Maxham, C E Osgood. E. I. Allen and Thomas Shean, selectmen of Milton; C, s! 
Ashley, chairman reception committee; H. O. Clark, .7. M. Perry, F. E. Cormia, monu- 
ment committee; C. L. Marsh, Elias Lyman. W. A. Deckon. E. T. Holbrook; Mrs. I. S. 
Coburn. president of Village Improvenii-nt Society; Mrs. W. E. Phelps, president of 
Rebeccas'; -Mrs. E. Barnum. chairman of Ladies' Reception Committee; Misses Gladys 
M. Perry and Elsie H. Clark. .Mrs. H. O. Clark. Mrs. E. S. Isham. .Miss Lois Bradford, 
Miss Klara H. Clark, Mrs. J. M. Perry. .Mrs. F. E. Cormia. .lohu Allen, L. J. Sanderson 
and others. 

Letters of Regret. 

"Letters of i-egret on account of illness, absence from the state or previous engage- 
ments were received by the chairman of the exercises as follows: Ex-Gov. E. C. Smith. 
Ex-Gov. F. D. Proctor, Ex-Gov. .). L. Barstow, Gov, S. E. Pingree, Ex-Gov. J. G. 
McCullough. Senator C. S. Page, Lt.-Gov. Z. M. Mansur, Ex-Lt.-Gov. X. W. Fisk, Dept. 
Commander .\. B. Franklin, N. H. Xiles and Gen. T. S. Peck. 

Abstracts from Letters. 

Ex-Gov. Fletcher D. Proctor: "Am very glad you have erected this monument. 
We cannot have too many of them and 1 wish I might be there at its dedication. ' 

Ex-Gov. J. G. McCullough: "l congratulate Milton upon the completion of its 
beautiful Soldiers' Monument. I am glad that the citizens of your town have deter- 
mined thus fitly with such an artistic memorial, to remember those who fought and 
fell from '61 to '6.5. The peoi)le of the United States can never repay the debt they 
owe to those who saved the Nation in the severest crisis of its life." 

Senator C. S. Page: "Milton has set her sister towns an example which I hope 
will be generally followed." 

Ex-Gov. S. E. Pngree: "I am sure that that old historic sayin.g that of 'all govern- 
ment. Republics are the most ungrateful to their defenders.' is no longer proverbial, 
for what country was ever so completely dotted over with monuments to its heroic 
dead, or more lavish in its benefactions to its soldiers in their age and infirmity than 
ours?" 

H. P. Butler in a telegram: "Every soldiers' monument is a stepping stone to 
National glory." 




^'t ^^^^ '^A '^ 






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f^ '^ 



HliSlDENCE OF COL. lIIilXKY O. CLAUK AT NAXTUCKl';!'. AiASS.. AL illiST 



S. W. Decker. 


10. 


Guy Smith. 


W. A. Cooper. 


11. 


J. G. Farwell. 


William Crosbj'. 


12. 


Wm. W. Holden. 


Jolin B. Craadall. 


13. 


Mark Day. 


A. C. Brown. 


14. 


M. W. Tliompsou. 


H. W. Allen. 


15. 


J. F. Brown. 


C. L. Marsli. 


16. 


H. I. Johnson. 


H. 0. Clark. 


IT. 


Jerry Hutchinson. 


Franls Kenfield. 


18. 


R. S. Childs. 



19. 


C. T. Frink. 


2(1. 


L. T. Terrill. 


21. 


W. H. Lewis. 


*><> 


E. C. Wilson. 


2H. 


George Bliss. 


24. 


E. S. Murphy. 


2iS. 


James Hasan. 
C. M. Wright. 


2«. 


27. 


Geo. N. Wright 



28. 


J. N. Harmon. 


37. 


2'J. 


M. J. Leach. 


38. 


:i(i 


B. F. Brown. 


39. 


31. 


C. W. Searles. 


40. 


;{2. 


O. C. Wilder. 


41. 


A-.i. 


W. G. I'iper. 


42. 


:i4. 


W. O. Brisham. 


43. 


.JD. 

36. 


Mark Forbes. 
A. J. Chadwiclt. 


44. 



Henry Butler. 
E. A. Fisk. 
Theodore Stow. 
G. H. Scott. 
Ira Holden. 
A. ('. Downing. 
S. W. Hcrijaniln. 
J. E. Sloan. 



ORIGINAL ROSTER 

Thirteenth Regiment Vermont Volunteers' 

Civil War 1861-1865 



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Ihi (IDcnioriain. 



yr is in profound sorrow that 1 write these word;. It seems altogether wrong that 
i. he who wrote the first words of this volume should not write the last words 
also. It «as not to be. And so the lot has fallen to one who is bv grace a 
member of the 13th rather than to one who marched under its honored flag and could 
say, "I was free born." But right or wrong, fitting or otherwise, mv little wreath 
of immortelles which I this day bring to the memor\ of m.\ soldier friend shall at 
least have the sweet perfume of sincerity. I have no biograph.\ to write: mere facts 
and figures are cold and lacking the s\nipathctic touch. .M\ business is to tell \ou 
comrades of this noble regiment that when on the 28th of May. lyio. Ralph O. 
Sturte\ant breathed his last the life of a true citizen and a most loyal follower of the 
old flag went out. Was he not known to me? Almost a life time ago we came to 
Swanton' together and never since that day have we been far apart. He loved his 
chosen home but his heart was larger than the town or state. It was not town rights, 
nor states right, but this great Nation that took the measure of his love. The War for 
the Union burned its mark into his heart be\ond the power of time to erase. From 
the foundation of the (i. A. R. his heart and soul were in it. When we met if he 
were absent we almost feared some calamity had kept him away. This very volume 
is a speaking witness to that love. To him it was not a task an> more than the care 
of a child is a task to a loving mother. And so in weakness and pain, he toiled on 
till at last, the work almost done, the pen fell from his nerveless hand. A great heart 
makes a true friend, antl it is my privilege to give this testimony for my comrade. 
He was no deserter either on the field of war or of friendship. In this poor fickle 
world one such light shines a long way. The esteem in which our Comrade was held 
and the wide circle of his friends was evinced by the throngs who came from far and 
near to pay honor at his bier. They did not come because he was among the great 
and rich and those powerful to help : they came because they could not stay away. 

A good soldier. That means one whose heart is always on the side of right: — 
right living — good citizenship: — clean, sober lives. For these our comrade fought 
as he fought under the flag. So it is not strange that for many a \ear all workers in 
tlie field of temperance in this state, knew him well. 

"The life that now is and that which is to come." Ihev go together. We go 
whither our faces are set. It is this which makes it easy to conquer death. It is no 
longer death but a flying shadow. So we wait in hope. May 28th, igio. May is 
the month when all nature puts on new life and "the exuberant burgeon seemed to 
mock the sere and desolate winter of our sorrow" ; but it was only in the seeming, for 
we thougllt of another world where it is always Spring and where we, soldiers of 
'6i-'65, who have come to a mellow autumn, shall put on new life forevermore. Thus 
hoping, thus trusting, till then, brave comrade of the 13th, Good Bye! — Good Bye! 

EUGENE J. RANSLOW, 

IIoii. Mtiiihir I Uh /■/. I'ols. 



flDemorial 



This stor\ of the Thirteenth X'ermont \'olunteers would 
be sadh incomplete if it did not sive at least this postscript 
page to record how Gen. Carmi L. Marsh, of Enosburg, 
out of the goodness of his alwa\s generous heart, gave to his 
native town of Franklin an imposing Soldiers" Monument 
which was dedicated witii appropriate ceremonies Friday, 
September 9, 1910. The modesty of the donor of this public 
gift forbids the most particular detailed account of it in a 
book that he is himself so largely responsible for, but his 
associates would not feel that justice had been done their 
comrade if this account of the most recent benefaction of his 
generous purse were not made a permanent memorial on 
this page. 



IAN 18 1911 



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SSailONOD JO AHYUHI I 



